Southern Cheese Crackers: 3 Bold Flavors You Must Try

Name: Southern Cheese Crackers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 8 tbsp salted butter (softened); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-2 tbsp ice water (if needed, for dry dough)

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Y’all, let me tell you about these Southern Cheese Crackers that will absolutely change your snack game forever! These little bites of heaven are crispy, cheesy, and have just the right kick of spice that’ll keep your hand reaching back into the cookie jar. I’ve been making these for years, and trust me when I say they disappear faster than sweet tea on a hot summer day. They’re the perfect balance of sharp cheddar, buttery goodness, and a little Southern heat that’ll make your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the flavor of freshly baked crackers, you’ll never want store-bought again!
Perfect Party Starter: These crackers are guaranteed conversation starters at any gathering, be prepared for recipe requests.
Make-Ahead Magic: The dough can be prepared days in advance and sliced whenever you’re ready to bake.
Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the cayenne to make them as mild or spicy as your heart desires.

Ingredients

Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Freshly shredded gives the best flavor and texture, those pre-shredded bags just can’t compare.
Salted butter: Creates that rich, tender texture and adds a beautiful buttery flavor that makes these crackers irresistible.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and gives that perfect savory balance.
Cayenne pepper: Brings that signature Southern heat that’ll wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Black pepper: Adds depth and a subtle spice that complements the sharp cheddar beautifully.
Garlic powder: Just a touch for that savory background note that makes people say, “What is that amazing flavor?”
Pecans: These finely chopped gems add a wonderful nutty crunch and true Southern character.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together and creates that perfect cracker texture.

Note: The exact measurements for all ingredients will be available in the recipe card below the article.

How to Make the Southern Cheese Crackers

Step 1: Create the Cheesy Base

Beat together that gorgeous sharp cheddar and softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial, friends, don’t rush it! Those full three minutes of beating incorporate air that makes your crackers perfectly textured.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Mix in all those wonderful seasonings, the salt, cayenne, black pepper, and garlic powder, along with those finely chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Add the Flour

Gradually add in your flour, half a cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. You’ll see the mixture transform into a beautiful dough that comes together like a dream. If your cheese was a bit dry, don’t fret, a tablespoon or two of ice water will bring everything together.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Form that gorgeous dough into two 1-inch logs, think slice-and-bake cookie style. Wrap them up tight in parchment or plastic wrap, give the ends a little twist, and let them chill out in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is non-negotiable, y’all, it helps those flavors meld and makes slicing a breeze.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Heat that oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment. Slice those chilled logs into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) and arrange them on your baking sheets with just a little breathing room between them.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop those beauties in the oven and bake until they’re light golden brown, about 15 minutes. Your kitchen is going to smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. I know it’s tempting to sneak one while they’re warm, but patience pays off, they crisp up perfectly as they cool.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cheese Matters: Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference, pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened for the fluffiest texture.
Uniform Slicing: Try using a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss for clean, even slices.
Watch Closely: These can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them in those final minutes.

How to Serve

These versatile crackers are perfect for:

Cheese boards with some pepper jelly for that sweet-heat contrast
Alongside a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal
Paired with a glass of crisp white wine or bourbon for happy hour
Wrapped up in a pretty tin as a homemade hostess gift that’ll earn you return invitations

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep these crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long!

Freezing

The unbaked dough logs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well, and you’ll have homemade crackers ready whenever the craving strikes.

Make Ahead

Prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and bake.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, experiment with Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles. Just make sure it’s a firm cheese that can be grated.

How do I know when the crackers are done?

Look for light golden edges and a firm center. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool, so don’t wait until they’re too dark in the oven.

Can I make these without nuts?

Of course! Simply omit the pecans for a nut-free version. You might want to add an extra pinch of salt to compensate for the flavor.

Why did my crackers spread too much?

If your dough was too warm or your butter too soft, they might spread. Next time, try chilling the sliced crackers on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.

These Southern Cheese Crackers are a little bite of Southern hospitality that you can make right in your own kitchen. They’re the perfect balance of sharp cheese, buttery richness, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re serving them at your next gathering, packaging them as gifts, or just keeping a batch on hand for snacking emergencies (we all have those!), these crackers deliver big flavor in every crispy bite. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make but taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. So go ahead and whip up a batch, your cheese cracker game will never be the same again!