Cheese Crisps are a classic mid-century savory snack recipe that combines sharp cheese, buttery shortening, and crushed saltine crackers into crisp, flavorful bites. Popular in American home kitchens during the 1930s through the 1950s, recipes like this were often served at bridge parties, holiday gatherings, and cocktail hours. The addition of cayenne pepper gives these crackers a subtle kick that balances the richness of the cheese. This particular version, dated from a 1932 cooking school note, reflects the era’s love of simple pantry ingredients transformed into crowd-pleasing snacks. The dough can be rolled and chilled overnight before slicing, making it a convenient make-ahead appetizer perfect for entertaining or afternoon snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp shortening
- 1 tbsp water
- 10 saltine crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Grate the cheddar cheese into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the shortening and water.
- Mix until combined.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
- Crush the saltine crackers into fine crumbs.
- Add the cracker crumbs, flour, and cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Crisps
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten with a cookie cutter or glass.
- Alternatively, roll the dough into a log and wrap in wax paper.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate overnight if using the rolled-log method.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Slice chilled dough into thin rounds if using the log method.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly golden around the edges.
Tips
- Use extra sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky variation.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Mix in finely chopped pecans for texture.
- Use butter instead of shortening for richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.
- Roll the dough thinner for extra crispy crackers.
- Serve with soups or charcuterie boards.
- Substitute pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 465mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 420IUCalcium: 275mgIron: 1mg
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