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Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers

Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers
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Easy Crispy Southern Cheese Crackers are a delicious snack that combines bold cheesy flavor with a perfectly crunchy texture. Made with simple pantry ingredients like sharp cheddar, butter, and all-purpose flour, these crackers bring authentic Southern comfort to your kitchen. Quick to prepare and versatile to serve, they’re perfect for parties, casual snacking, or pairing with dips and soups.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper (for spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or chives)
  • Garlic powder or minced roasted garlic (to taste)
  • Gluten-free flour blend (for gluten-free option)
  • Substitute cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely to help it melt evenly into the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, all-purpose flour, salt, and optional paprika. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a dough forms.
  2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough and helps the crackers maintain their shape while baking.
  3. Roll and Cut: Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or pizza wheel to cut the dough into desired shapes such as squares or circles.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the cut crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the crackers to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to crisp up fully. Serve immediately or store for later snacking.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to ensure the dough stays flaky and prevents it from becoming greasy.
  • Grate cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
  • Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking, which can make crackers tough.
  • Roll dough to an even thickness for consistent baking results.
  • Check the crackers a minute or two before the baking time ends to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper on crackers immediately after baking for extra flavor.
  • Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness; avoid refrigeration.
  • To re-crisp softened crackers, bake them at 325°F for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese crackers, Southern snacks, crispy crackers, cheddar crackers, homemade crackers, easy snack, party appetizer

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/easy-crispy-southern-cheese-crackers/