Description
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
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.