Hey y’all, it’s Natasha, and today I’m bringing you a recipe that’s close to my heart—Southern Cheese Crackers! If you’re a fan of crispy, buttery, cheesy snacks with a little kick, you’re going to love these. They’re packed with sharp cheddar flavor, a hint of garlic, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. Oh, and let’s not forget the pecans for that perfect crunch. These crackers are seriously addictive, and the best part? They’re super easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a party, need a snack for movie night, or just want something delicious to munch on, these Southern Cheese Crackers are the answer. Let’s get started!
Why I Love These Southern Cheese Crackers
First off, let me tell you why I’m obsessed with this recipe. These crackers are:
Cheesy and flavorful: Sharp cheddar is the star here, and it’s complemented perfectly by the spices.
Crispy and buttery: The texture is just chef’s kiss.
Easy to make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just mix, shape, slice, and bake.
Versatile: They’re great on their own, but they also pair amazingly with soups, salads, or even charcuterie boards.
Plus, they’re homemade, which means you know exactly what’s going into them. No weird preservatives or mystery ingredients here!
What You’ll Need to Make Southern Cheese Crackers
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious crackers:
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded is key here—it melts better and gives you that rich, cheesy flavor.
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This gives the crackers a little heat. Adjust to your taste!
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans: These add a lovely crunch and a touch of Southern charm.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
How to Make Southern Cheese Crackers (Step-by-Step)
Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how I made these crackers:
Beat the Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, I beat the shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter together until the mixture was light and fluffy. This took about 3 minutes with my hand mixer.
Add the Spices
Next, I stirred in the kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. I made sure everything was well combined so the flavor would be evenly distributed.
Mix in the Flour
I gradually added the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a dough formed. If the dough felt too dry, I added 1-2 tablespoons of ice water to bring it together.
Shape the Dough
I divided the dough into two equal portions and shaped each into a log about 1 inch in diameter. I wrapped the logs in parchment paper or plastic wrap, sealed the ends, and popped them in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Slice and Bake
Once the dough was chilled, I preheated my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lined a baking sheet with parchment paper. I sliced the logs into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, and placed them on the baking sheet, leaving about 1/4 inch between each cracker.
Bake to Perfection
I baked the crackers for about 15 minutes, or until they were golden brown. Then, I let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Southern Cheese Crackers
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough makes it easier to slice and helps the crackers hold their shape while baking.
Add a finishing touch: Before baking, you can sprinkle the crackers with a little sea salt or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Store them properly: Keep the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How I’ve Been Serving These Crackers
These crackers are so versatile! Here are a few ways I’ve been enjoying them:
On their own: They’re the perfect snack for when you’re craving something salty and cheesy.
With soup or salad: They add a nice crunch to your meal.
On a charcuterie board: Pair them with cured meats, cheeses, and fruit for a Southern-inspired spread.
As a gift: Package them in a cute jar or tin for a homemade gift that everyone will love.
FAQs About Southern Cheese Crackers
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my go-to, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or even parmesan.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze the dough?
Definitely! Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice and bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t like pecans?
No problem! You can leave them out or substitute them with another nut, like walnuts or almonds.
Final Thoughts
These Southern Cheese Crackers are a total crowd-pleaser and so easy to make. Whether you’re snacking on them solo or serving them at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re a fun way to bring a little Southern charm to your kitchen.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you come up with. Happy baking, y’all!
Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Beat the shredded cheese and softened butter together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water.
- Shape the dough into two logs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Wrap them in parchment or plastic wrap, sealing the ends, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled logs into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, and place them 1/4 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely on a rack.
Notes
These crispy, buttery cheese crackers are packed with sharp cheddar flavor and a touch of heat, making them a perfect snack or party treat. With a hint of garlic and pecans for crunch, they’re easy to prepare and irresistible. Ingredients:
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Beat the shredded cheese and softened butter together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing after each addition until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water.
- Shape the dough into two logs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Wrap them in parchment or plastic wrap, sealing the ends, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled logs into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick, and place them 1/4 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely on a rack.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle sea salt or smoked paprika on top of the crackers before baking.
- Store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They are great on their own or paired with soups and salads.