Description
These Southern Cheese Crackers are a deliciously cheesy, crispy snack perfect for parties, afternoon nibbling, or pairing with your favorite dips. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a blend of spices, these homemade crackers offer a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic and cayenne for a subtle kick. Easy to prepare and wonderfully crunchy, they bring Southern comfort to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Cheese and Fat
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Liquid
- 2 tablespoons cold water (more as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened unsalted butter, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture becomes crumbly, using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Add Water: Slowly add cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until the dough starts to come together into a smooth, workable consistency. Add more water carefully, if necessary, to achieve the right texture.
- Roll Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness for thin, crispy crackers.
- Cut Shapes: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the dough into squares or any desired cracker shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the cut crackers evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking and crispness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown and the crackers are crisp to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring maximum crunch.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount for more or less heat according to your preference.
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the right dough texture.
- If the dough feels too sticky after adding water, add a little more flour to help with rolling.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Southern cheese crackers, cheddar cheese crackers, homemade crackers, snack recipes, savory crackers, baked cheese crackers
