Southern Cheese Pennies Recipe

These Southern cheese pennies are the kind of old-fashioned cheese crackers that disappear almost as soon as they hit the serving tray. Made with just 4 simple ingredients—sharp cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and salt—they have a rich cheesy flavor, crisp texture, and irresistible buttery crunch.

Perfect for holiday appetizers, Southern parties, potlucks, cocktail parties, church gatherings, tailgates, and homemade snack trays, these easy cheese pennies are also wonderfully make-ahead friendly. Simply prepare the dough, chill it, slice it into rounds, and bake whenever you’re ready.

If you love classic Southern cheese crackers, homemade cheese straws, cheddar biscuits, or savory party snacks, this easy cheese penny recipe deserves a place in your recipe box.

Why You’ll Love These Southern Cheese Pennies

• Only 4 ingredients: Simple pantry and refrigerator staples are all you need.
• Big cheddar flavor: Sharp cheddar gives every bite a delicious savory richness.
• Extra crispy: Thin slices bake into wonderfully crunchy homemade crackers.
• Easy to make ahead: The dough can be prepared and chilled or frozen for later.
• Perfect party appetizer: They’re easy to serve at gatherings, holidays, showers, and potlucks.
• Travel-friendly: Their sturdy texture makes them great for picnics, tailgates, and covered-dish dinners.
• Budget-friendly: A small ingredient list makes a generous batch without complicated ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: About 48 cheese pennies

Ingredients

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to Make Southern Cheese Pennies

1. Combine the butter and cheddar

Place the softened butter and freshly grated sharp cheddar in a large mixing bowl. Beat or stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.

2. Make the cheese cracker dough

Add the flour and salt. Mix until a firm dough comes together. If necessary, gently use your hands to finish bringing the dough together, but avoid excessive mixing.

3. Shape and chill the dough

Divide the dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a log approximately 1½ inches in diameter.

Wrap each dough log tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Tip: Chilling the dough makes it much easier to cut neat, even rounds.

4. Slice the cheese pennies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Unwrap the chilled dough and cut it into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little room between them.

5. Bake until crisp

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheese crackers are crisp.

Allow the cheese pennies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before storing.

Tips for the Best Homemade Cheese Pennies

Use freshly grated sharp cheddar

Freshly grated cheese generally gives these homemade crackers a better texture and stronger cheddar flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains ingredients that can affect how the dough comes together.

Keep the dough cold

Cold dough is easier to slice and produces cleaner, more evenly shaped cheese pennies. If the dough becomes soft while slicing, refrigerate it again for 15–20 minutes.

Slice evenly

Try to keep the rounds close to the same thickness. This helps the crackers bake evenly so you don’t end up with some pieces overbaked while others are still soft.

Add a little spice

For a spicy Southern cheese cracker, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. You can also experiment with a small amount of your favorite hot sauce.

Don’t overbake

The cheese pennies should be crisp with lightly browned edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid waiting for them to become deeply brown in the oven.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

One of the best things about this easy cheese cracker recipe is how convenient it is for entertaining.

Prepare and shape the dough into logs, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The unbaked dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to make the crackers, allow the dough to soften slightly in the refrigerator, slice, and bake according to the recipe.

How to Store Cheese Pennies

Allow the baked cheese pennies to cool completely before storing them.

Place them in an airtight container or cookie tin and keep them at room temperature for several days. Keeping moisture out is important for maintaining their signature crunch.

If they lose some crispness, briefly warming them in a low oven can help restore their texture. Let them cool again before serving.

What to Serve With Southern Cheese Pennies

These crispy cheddar crackers are delicious on their own, but they’re especially good as part of a party spread.

Serve them with:

• Sweet tea
• Lemonade
• Sparkling drinks
• Tomato soup
• Olives
• Spiced pecans
• Fresh grapes
• Cheese boards
• Dips and spreads

They’re also an excellent addition to holiday appetizer platters, Southern snack boards, picnic baskets, and potluck tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cheese pennies?

Cheese pennies are small, savory homemade cheese crackers traditionally made with cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and seasonings. They’re especially associated with Southern-style entertaining and are known for their crisp, buttery texture.

Can I use mild cheddar?

Yes. Mild cheddar will work, although sharp cheddar provides a stronger, more pronounced cheese flavor.

Why does the dough need to be chilled?

Chilling firms the butter and dough, making the logs easier to slice. It also helps the cheese pennies maintain their shape while baking.

Can I freeze cheese penny dough?

Yes. Shape the dough into logs, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to about 2 months. Thaw slightly in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

How do I keep cheese pennies crispy?

Cool them completely before storing and use an airtight container. Avoid storing them while they’re still warm, because trapped steam can soften the crackers.