There’s something about a good Southern snack that feels like it’s been around forever, no gimmicks, no fussy garnishes, just a few humble ingredients that turn into something fantastic. These cheese crispies are exactly that. Golden and buttery with just enough crunch to make you reach for another. The secret is Rice Krispies!

Small bowls of cheese crispies next to a grey linen.

No-Fail Crispy Cheese Wafers

There’s a certain kind of snack that just disappears before you can even set the plate down. These cheese crispies fall into that category. They’re buttery, cheesy, and impossibly light, yet somehow sturdy enough to hold up on a crowded appetizer table.

Similar to the ubiquitous cheese straw but with a different texture.

I’ve pulled them out for game day spreads, casual Friday night drinks, and even alongside a bowl of peach salsa when I’m craving a little sweet with my savory. Honestly, they’ve got that same “can’t stop” factor as a good homemade Chex Mix, but without all the seasoning sticking to your fingers.

The first time I made them, I thought I’d stash half the batch in the freezer for “emergencies.” You can guess how that turned out. My so-called emergency stash lasted about two days, thanks to late-night snacking.

If you’ve ever flipped through one of those church or Junior League cookbooks from the 70s, you might’ve spotted something similar. They get their magic crunch from Rice Krispies, not the sugary kind, just the plain cereal that turns simple cheddar crackers into something crispier.

And let’s be real, cheese is practically a food group in Southern kitchens. Sharp cheddar here is the star, and you want the good stuff. The kind you grate yourself so it melts into the butter and flour like it’s meant to be there. The cereal is the surprise player, giving every bite a little airy snap. The rest is pantry basics, nothing fussy.

I love that these aren’t greasy like baked cheese crisps. They’re sturdy enough that you can stack them, pack them, or wrap them up in a little bag as a hostess gift. You can even tuck them next to your other favorite appetizers and they won’t get lost in the shuffle.

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“These cheese crackers are best I have ever made!”
Robyn

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A few key players you’ll need:

Sharp cheddar (freshly grated is best)
Rice Krispies for the crunch
A pinch of cayenne for warmth

(See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.)

Cheese crackers on a black cooling rack next to bowls.

If you’re serving appetizers, a few good pieces make all the difference. My Modern Hosting Essentials board is filled with simple serving pieces, marble boards, gold knives, pedestal bowls, and coupes, that make even the easiest snacks look intentional.

A collage titled "Hosting Essentials" displays various hosting products, from cutting boards and a cheese knife set to plates and serving bowls—perfect for presenting tasty bites like Sausage Phyllo Cups alongside your stemless wine glasses.

Easy Steps for Cheese Crispies with Rice Krispies

Step 1: Combine butter and cheese

Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and cheese together. Make sure your butter is at room temperature.

Cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. — Combine butter & cheese.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

The dough for cheese crispies in a bowl. — Add flour & seasonings.

Dough with Rice Krispies mixed in. — Add Rice Krispies

Step 4: Roll & Bake

Balls of dough on a cookie sheet. — Form into balls & flatten.

Baked cheese crispies on a baking sheet. — Sprinkle with salt & bake.

Pro tip: Make sure you bake your crisps long enough or they will be soggy. The key to crunchy crackers is to bake them until the bottoms are slightly brown.

Once they’re totally cool, stash your crispies in a zip-top bag and they’ll stay fresh for about a week, if they last that long. Want to make them ahead? Freeze in an airtight container for up to four months. They thaw fast, which makes them perfect for last-minute guests or snack attacks.

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.

Bowls of cheese crackers next to each other.

Crispy Cheese Wafers with Rice Krispies (Cheese Crispies)

Author: Barbara Curry

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin

PREP: 15

COOK: 10

TOTAL: 25

Servings:

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375º. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
With an electric mixer, cream butter and cheese until well combined.
Whisk together flour with salt and cayenne pepper. Add to the cheese mixture and mix until well combined. Add Rice Krispies and mix, just until combined.
Use a small cookie scoop or roll the dough into small balls about two teaspoons. Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in flour to keep the dough from sticking to the glass.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Barbara’s Tips + Notes

Don’t use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe.
To keep the glass from sticking to the dough when flattening, dip it in flour first.
If you want to increase the heat on some but not all, sprinkle a few with paprika or cayenne pepper before baking.
You will know these are done when the bottoms are slightly brown.

Nutrition

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Comments

5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Crispy Cheese Wafers with Rice Krispies (Cheese Crispies)