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Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers

Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers

Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers are a quick and simple snack that delivers a perfect crunch with authentic Southern buttery and sharp cheddar flavor. These homemade crackers are versatile, customizable, and ideal for snacking, entertaining, or complementing meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
  • 23 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Grate sharp cheddar cheese and chill briefly. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional paprika. Cut in the cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the grated cheese and gradually add cold water, using just enough to bring the dough together into a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares or desired shapes using a sharp knife or cookie cutter. Transfer the pieces to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly for optimal crisping.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the crackers for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden brown and the crackers emit a cheesy aroma. Watch closely to prevent burning, as thin crackers brown quickly. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack to maximize crispiness.
  4. Enjoy or Store: Serve immediately for freshest crunch or store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crisp texture. These crackers pair well with soups, salads, or dips.

Notes

  • Keep ingredients cold to ensure a flaky, crisp cracker texture.
  • Roll dough thin (about 1/8 inch) and evenly for uniform baking.
  • Refrigerate dough before cutting to firm it up and make handling easier.
  • Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor.
  • Monitor baking closely as thin crackers can burn quickly.
  • Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese crackers, Southern snacks, crispy crackers, homemade cheese crackers, savory snacks