Introduction
Southern Cheese Pennies are a classic old-fashioned snack made with just a handful of simple ingredients. These crisp, buttery cheese crackers have a rich cheddar flavor with a delicate crunch. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacking, party trays, or whenever you want a homemade bite that tastes wonderfully nostalgic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and cayenne pepper, mixing until a firm dough forms.
- Shape: Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 1½ inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled logs into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick.
- Bake: Arrange the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cheese pennies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crispier as they cool.
Description
These Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Pennies are crisp, buttery, cheesy, and slightly spicy. Sharp cheddar gives them plenty of flavor, while a touch of cayenne adds just enough warmth without overpowering the cheese. They’re an easy make-ahead appetizer that disappears quickly from any snack table.
Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for the strongest cheese flavor.
- Freshly shred the cheese for a smoother dough and better texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly so the pennies hold their shape while baking.
- Slice the logs evenly so the crackers bake at the same rate.
- For extra-crispy pennies, let them cool completely before storing.
- Don’t overbake—remove them when the edges are just lightly golden.
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Increase the cayenne to ½ teaspoon.
- Garlic Cheddar: Add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Smoky: Use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Pecan Cheese Pennies: Finely chop ¼ cup pecans and mix them into the dough.
- Herb Style: Add ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme.
- Milder Version: Replace the sharp cheddar with mild or medium cheddar.
Enjoy!
Serve these Southern Cheese Pennies with sweet tea, lemonade, soup, or your favorite party drinks. They’re also wonderful tucked into a holiday appetizer platter. Make a batch, let them cool until crisp, and enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!
