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Southern Cheese Crackers Recipe

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These Southern Cheese Crackers are savory, buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor. A perfect snack or appetizer, they’re easy to make and ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a glass of sweet tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 23 tablespoons cold water (if needed)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a food processor, pulse together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper until combined.
    • Add the cold cubed butter and grated cheddar cheese. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If the dough is too crumbly, add cold water a tablespoon at a time until it begins to come together.
  • Shape the Dough:

    • Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment or wax paper. Shape it into a log (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For more uniform crackers, you can slice the log once chilled.
  • Slice and Bake:

    • Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cracker.
    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the crackers are firm to the touch.
  • Cool and Serve:

    • Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance or frozen for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
  • Storage: Store baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.