These southern 3-ingredient flaky cheddar pennies are the kind of snack that disappears almost as fast as you can set them down. They have that nostalgic, crowd-pleasing charm of a church potluck or game-day spread, but they come together with almost no effort, which is exactly why I love making them on busy weeks or when people pop over unexpectedly. With buttery cracker rounds, sharp cheddar, and a simple seasoning finish, they bake up crisp, rich, and seriously hard to stop eating.
Serve these warm or at room temperature alongside game-day favorites like chili, wings, pimento cheese, or a veggie tray. They also fit right in on a holiday appetizer board with pickles, olives, sausage slices, and sweet tea or cold beer. If you're putting out a snack table, these are a great salty, cheesy bite to balance dips and heavier finger foods.
Southern 3-Ingredient Flaky Cheddar Pennies
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 sleeve buttery round crackers, about 32 crackers
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or cut into small squares to fit crackers
1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F and line a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the prepared tray, leaving just a little space between them.
3. Top each cracker with a piece of sharp cheddar, making sure the cheese sits mostly on the cracker so it melts evenly.
4. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning lightly over the tops of the cheese-topped crackers.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the edges are deeply golden, and little crispy bits of cheese have formed around the crackers.
6. Let them cool for 5 minutes so they crisp up a bit more, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations & Tips
Sharper Cheese Flavor: Use extra-sharp cheddar if you want a bolder bite. A firmer cheddar also tends to create those crisp, lacy edges that make these so addictive.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking a little early. You're looking for melted cheese and browned edges, not burnt bottoms, especially since crackers can go from perfect to too dark quickly.
Make-Ahead Shortcut: Assemble the crackers and cheese on the tray a few hours ahead, cover loosely, and refrigerate. Right before baking, sprinkle on the seasoning and pop them in the oven.
Try a Different Seasoning: If ranch isn't your thing, a light dusting of Cajun seasoning or garlic powder can give these a different Southern-style twist while still keeping the recipe wonderfully simple.