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