Description
These Crispy Cheesy Southern Cheese Crackers are a delightful, savory snack featuring sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of cayenne for spice, and a buttery, crunchy texture. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these crackers offer a homemade, Southern-inspired flavor that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or just by themselves as a crispy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour can be substituted)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 2-3 dashes of hot sauce
- 6-8 tablespoons heavy cream
Cheese
- 1 lb extra sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper to a food processor. Pulse several times to thoroughly combine the spices with the flour.
- Add butter and hot sauce: Incorporate the cubed cold unsalted butter and hot sauce into the food processor. Run the processor for about 10 seconds until the mixture achieves a coarse meal consistency.
- Incorporate cheese: Add the grated extra sharp cheddar cheese and pulse until the cheese is evenly mixed into the dough. If your food processor is small, split the mixture into two batches for easier processing.
- Add cream and bring dough together: Gradually add heavy cream by the tablespoon, pulsing each time, until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the processor. Typically, 3 to 4 tablespoons are needed per smaller batch, or 6 to 8 tablespoons for the full batch.
- Shape dough into logs: Transfer the mixture onto a clean surface and press it into a ball. It may still be crumbly. Divide the ball in half and shape each half into a log. For easier handling, wrap logs in wax or parchment paper. If divided, you should end up with four logs approximately 12 to 14 inches long. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours.
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) in preparation for baking.
- Prepare baking sheet and slice logs: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove chilled logs from the fridge and slice as evenly and thinly as possible. Arrange slices spaced a bit apart on the baking sheet, allowing room for slight spreading during baking.
- Add finishing touches: Optionally, sprinkle extra salt or paprika over the slices for enhanced flavor and color. For decorative effect, you can prick each wafer with a fork before baking.
- Bake crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the slices for 10 to 12 minutes. Bake until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving to ensure maximum crunchiness.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure a flaky, crispy texture.
- If you prefer gluten-free crackers, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Chilling the dough logs is essential for easy slicing and to maintain shape during baking.
- Store leftover crackers in an airtight container to preserve crispness.
- Try different cheeses like smoked gouda or parmesan for varied flavor profiles.
