Delicious Southern Cheese Crackers with a Cheddar Kick (Print version)

Crisp, buttery Southern cheese crackers made with sharp cheddar, cayenne, and pantry spices for a bold homemade snack.

# Ingredients:

For the cracker dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or 1/2 teaspoon for more heat
05 - 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
08 - 1/2 cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
09 - 1-3 teaspoons cold water, only as needed

For finishing

10 - Flaky salt, optional
11 - Pinch of cayenne or paprika, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 350 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Add the flour, kosher salt, smoked paprika, cayenne, dry mustard, and garlic powder to a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
03 - Add the grated cheddar and pulse until evenly mixed. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture looks like damp sand with tiny butter pieces.
04 - Squeeze a little mixture in your hand. If it holds together, stop. If it crumbles apart, pulse in cold water 1 teaspoon at a time until the dough just clumps.
05 - Turn the dough onto parchment, press it into a disk, wrap it, and chill for 20 minutes so it rolls cleanly.
06 - Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch squares or small rectangles and prick each cracker once or twice with a fork.
07 - Transfer the crackers to the prepared pans. Bake for 13-16 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden.
08 - Sprinkle lightly with flaky salt or a pinch of paprika while warm, if using. Cool completely on the pan before serving or storing.

# Good to know:

01 - Freshly grated cheddar gives the best texture and flavor.
02 - The crackers crisp as they cool, so do not judge the texture straight from the oven.
03 - Store airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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