Southern cheese pennies are one of those old-school savory snack recipes that earn a permanent spot in the holiday rotation because they are easy, dependable, and wildly addictive. I love making them when I need something a little special but don't have time for a complicated appetizer, and this three-ingredient version keeps things wonderfully simple while still baking up crisp, buttery, and deeply cheesy with those irresistible golden edges.
These little bites are perfect on a holiday appetizer table alongside olives, spiced nuts, and a relish tray, but they are just as good with soup, chili, or a casual weekend snack board. If you're serving them for a party, pair them with sparkling cider, sweet tea, or a crisp white wine, and set out a little dish of pecans or grapes to round everything out.
Southern 3-Ingredient Golden Cheese Pennies
Servings: 24 to 30 cheese pennies
Ingredients
1 cup salted butter, softened
2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and flour. Mix until a firm dough forms. If needed, use your hands at the end to bring it together smoothly.
3. Roll the dough into a log about 1 1/2 inches thick, then wrap it and chill for 20 to 30 minutes so it slices neatly.
4. Slice the chilled dough into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one.
5. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are golden.
6. Let the cheese pennies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack or serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Use sharp cheddar: Since there are only three ingredients, the flavor of the cheese really matters. Sharp cheddar gives these the classic bold, savory bite that makes them hard to stop eating.
Chill before slicing: If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels soft, don't skip the short chill time. It helps the rounds keep that neat penny shape and makes holiday prep a lot less messy.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dough log a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. When life gets busy, it's nice to have it ready to slice and bake right before guests arrive.
Freezer option: Freeze the wrapped dough log for longer storage, then thaw just enough to slice. This is one of my favorite tricks for getting ahead before Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Crispness tip: For extra crisp cheese pennies, slice them evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan. If you prefer a slightly softer, more tender bite, cut them a little thicker and pull them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden.