These southern 3-ingredient crispy parmesan pennies are the kind of low-effort snack that saves the day when you need something fast, salty, and guaranteed to disappear at a party. They’re made with simple pantry staples, bake up with irresistibly crisp edges, and have that buttery, cheesy flavor that feels right at home on a game day spread, holiday tray, or weeknight snack board.
Serve these warm or at room temperature alongside ranch dip, spicy mustard, or a creamy pimento cheese spread. They also fit right in with tailgate favorites like wings, sliders, deviled eggs, and a big pitcher of sweet tea or lemonade, especially if you want an easy crunchy bite to balance out richer dishes.
Southern 3-Ingredient Crispy Parmesan Pennies
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 sleeve buttery round crackers, such as Ritz
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet or shallow tray with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the buttery crackers in a single layer on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between each one.
3. Brush or drizzle the melted butter evenly over the tops of the crackers, then sprinkle each one with grated Parmesan.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crackers are crisp and the Parmesan is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
5. Let them cool for a few minutes so the cheese sets, then serve warm or transfer to a platter once fully crisp.
Variations & Tips
Add a little heat: If you like a spicy snack, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes over the buttered crackers before baking. It adds a nice kick without changing the simple prep.
Use freshly grated cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns a little better than the shelf-stable kind, so if you have a wedge in the fridge, it’s worth using for extra crisp, lacy edges.
Make-ahead tip: These are great for parties because you can bake them a few hours ahead and let them cool completely. Store them loosely covered at room temperature so they stay crisp.
Try a different cracker: Buttery round crackers give the classic flavor, but this method also works with club crackers or small saltines if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the baking time since thinner crackers can brown faster.
Double-batch advice: For tailgates and potlucks, go ahead and make two trays at once. They always vanish fast, and using foil on the pans makes cleanup about as easy as the recipe itself.