There is something mighty comforting about a pan of hot, cheesy squares coming out of the oven, especially when folks are gathered around for a ballgame or a quiet evening at home. These southern 3-ingredient golden cheddar squares are the sort of simple, no-fuss recipe that feels right at home in a Midwestern kitchen too, where pantry baking and practical cooking have always had a place. With just a handful of ingredients and hardly any work at all, you get tender, savory squares with browned edges and a rich cheddar bite that makes them disappear faster than you’d think possible.
Serve these warm as a snack with chili, tomato soup, or a pot of bean soup, or set them out beside a platter of sliced sausage, pickles, and olives for game day. They also go nicely with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast-for-supper kind of meal, and if you want to dress them up just a bit, a little butter brushed over the top after baking makes them especially good.
Southern 3-Ingredient Golden Cheddar Squares
Servings: 9 squares
Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a small cast iron skillet or 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the self-rising flour and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is coated in the flour.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir just until a thick dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared skillet or baking dish, pressing it gently into the corners with a spoon or spatula.
5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are crisp and bubbly.
6. Let the cheddar squares cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For a softer center: Bake them at the lower end of the time range and remove the pan as soon as the middle is set. This gives you a more tender, biscuit-like square.
For crisper edges: A well-heated cast iron skillet will give you the prettiest browned corners and those irresistible crunchy bits around the edge. If using a baking dish instead, glass works nicely but may bake a touch softer.
Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but extra-sharp cheddar will make these even bolder. It is best to shred your own if you can, since bagged cheese does not always melt quite as smoothly.
Easy add-ins: If you do not mind wandering beyond the 3-ingredient charm, a pinch of garlic powder, a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of paprika can add a little extra personality.