Southern Cheese Crackers are the ultimate savory snack that will have everyone reaching for more. Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper, these crackers are the kind of treat that disappears faster than you can bake them. Whether you are hosting a party, packing lunches, or simply craving something irresistibly delicious, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you are moments away from baking a batch of homemade crackers that taste far superior to anything store-bought. Get ready to fall in love with this Southern classic!
Why You’ll Love These Southern Cheese Crackers
There are countless reasons you will adore these Southern Cheese Crackers. First, they’re loaded with sharp cheddar cheese that gives them a rich, bold flavor that is downright addictive. The combination of pecans, cayenne, and garlic powder elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary with every crunchy bite. They are naturally gluten-free if you choose a good gluten-free flour, and you can easily adapt the flavors to suit your taste. Best of all, you can make them ahead of time and store them for up to a week, making them an ideal snack for busy days, game nights, picnics, and gatherings of all kinds. They are crispy, flavorful, and impressively easy to make!
Ingredients
To make approximately 40 to 60 delicious Southern Cheese Crackers, you will need:
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2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
These ingredients combine to create a savory, crunchy cracker with a rich cheese flavor and subtle spice. Freshly shredding the cheese ensures better melting and texture compared to pre-shredded versions.
Step-by-Step How to Make Southern Cheese Crackers
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Butter
Begin by placing your freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened salted butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cheese and butter together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes and ensures that the butter is fully incorporated, creating a smooth base for your cracker dough.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Pecans
Once the cheese and butter are fluffy and well combined, add the kosher salt, cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and finely chopped pecans. Stir everything together until the seasonings and nuts are evenly distributed through the cheesy mixture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, about 1/2 cup at a time. Stir the mixture after each addition, making sure the flour is fully combined before adding more. As the dough comes together, it will become thicker and more cohesive. If the cheese you used was on the dry side (especially pre-shredded cheese), you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice water to help bring the dough together.
Step 4: Form and Chill the Dough
Once your dough has fully formed, divide it in half and roll each portion into a 1-inch diameter log. Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure them. Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice and bake.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare to Bake
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 6: Slice the Dough
After the dough has chilled, unwrap the logs and use a sharp knife to slice them into very thin pieces—about 1/8th inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart so they have room to crisp up evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the crackers in your preheated oven until they turn a light golden brown, typically around 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of the baking time, as they can go from perfect to overdone very quickly.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer the crackers to a cooling rack so they can cool completely. Cooling helps them crisp up fully and reach that ideal texture. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!
Helpful Tips
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Fresh Cheese Matters: Using freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese yields the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti‑caking agents that can affect how the crackers bake.
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Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Chilling the dough makes it much easier to slice the crackers thinly and helps them maintain their shape while baking.
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Uniform Slices: Aim for consistent thickness when slicing the dough logs. This ensures your crackers bake evenly and all finish at the same time.
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Customize Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add a bit more.
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Nut Variations: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try finely chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions and Variations
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Gluten Free: Substitute the all‑purpose flour with a high quality gluten free flour blend to make these crackers gluten free. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend does not contain it for better structure.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, or a blend of cheeses to change the flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives to infuse an herby note.
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Seed Add‑Ins: Replace or add to pecans with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds for added texture and nutrition.
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Vegan Option: Use a vegan butter and vegan cheese alternative to make these crackers plant based.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage will help your Southern Cheese Crackers stay crispy and delicious:
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Room Temperature: Store completely cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
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Avoid Moisture: Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from softening the crackers.
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Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them longer than a week, place the crackers in a freezer‑safe container or bag and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate breakdown per serving if you make 60 crackers:
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Calories: 70–90
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Fat: 5–7g
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Saturated Fat: 3–4g
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Carbohydrates: 4–6g
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Protein: 2–3g
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Fiber: 0.5–1g
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Sodium: 90–120mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use. Because these crackers are rich in cheese and butter, they are higher in fat and calories, but they make for an indulgent and satisfying snack when enjoyed in moderation.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Cheese Crackers are versatile and pair beautifully with many foods:
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Cheese Boards: Add these crackers to a cheese and charcuterie board with sliced meats, olives, and fruit.
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Dips: Serve with spinach artichoke dip, onion dip, or hummus for a flavorful appetizer.
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Soups: These crackers are excellent alongside creamy soups like tomato bisque or broccoli cheddar.
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Salads: Crush a few over salads in place of croutons for extra crunch.
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Picnics: Pack them with fruit and sandwiches for a picnic treat your family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Cheese Crackers
Are these crackers difficult to make?
Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. The most important steps are mixing the dough well and chilling it before slicing. Once chilled, the dough is easy to work with, and you’re ready for the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough logs up to a day in advance and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator until you are ready to slice and bake.
Why should I use freshly shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and produces a better texture. Pre‑shredded cheese can contain additives that affect how the dough binds and bakes.
Can I freeze the finished crackers?
Absolutely. Once completely cooled, place the crackers in a freezer‑safe container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature when you are ready to eat them.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes. If you prefer milder crackers, reduce the cayenne pepper. You can also omit it entirely for a classic cheddar flavor.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me in baking these delightful Southern Cheese Crackers! I absolutely love how crispy and flavorful they turn out with every batch. They are truly a testament to the magic that simple, quality ingredients can create when brought together with care. This recipe is easy to follow and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple in my kitchen for snacks, gatherings, and special occasions. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these crackers as I do. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness and happy baking!
Print
Southern Cheese Crackers
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 40–60 crackers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Cheese Crackers are crispy, buttery, and full of bold cheddar flavor with a hint of spice. This easy homemade cracker recipe is perfect for parties, snacks, or gifting. Packed with chopped pecans and seasoned just right, they’re a Southern classic you’ll want to bake again and again!
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
(Optional) 1–2 tablespoons ice water if dough is dry
Instructions
Begin by placing your freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened salted butter in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cheese and butter together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes and ensures that the butter is fully incorporated, creating a smooth base for your cracker dough.
Once the cheese and butter are fluffy and well combined, add the kosher salt, cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and finely chopped pecans. Stir everything together until the seasonings and nuts are evenly distributed through the cheesy mixture.
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, about 1/2 cup at a time. Stir the mixture after each addition, making sure the flour is fully combined before adding more. As the dough comes together, it will become thicker and more cohesive. If the cheese you used was on the dry side (especially pre-shredded cheese), you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ice water to help bring the dough together.
Once your dough has fully formed, divide it in half and roll each portion into a 1-inch diameter log. Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure them. Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice and bake.
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
After the dough has chilled, unwrap the logs and use a sharp knife to slice them into very thin pieces—about 1/8th inch thick. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart so they have room to crisp up evenly.
Bake the crackers in your preheated oven until they turn a light golden brown, typically around 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of the baking time, as they can go from perfect to overdone very quickly.
Once baked, transfer the crackers to a cooling rack so they can cool completely. Cooling helps them crisp up fully and reach that ideal texture. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for best texture and flavor.
Dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to 24 hours before slicing.
For less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon or omit.
Crackers freeze well for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crackers
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 2 g