Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a snack that perfectly balances cheesy goodness and a satisfying crunch, look no further than these irresistible Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers. They bring together the sharp tang of cheddar with the light, crispy texture of Rice Krispies cereal, creating a snack that feels both indulgent and delightfully unique. These crackers are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo as a savory treat that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers that are as delicious as they are satisfying. Each one plays a crucial role—flour provides the structure, cheese adds rich flavor and melty goodness, and the cereal brings a crispy surprise to every bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your dough, giving the crackers their sturdy yet tender bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch that balances and enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a lovely hint of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds just right.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings a bold, cheesy punch.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Helps bind everything while adding richness.
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Gives the crackers that wonderful crunchy texture that makes them so addictive.
How to Make Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the crackers from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. This blend spices up your cracker dough, giving it a nice depth of flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Butter
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and softened butter. As these ingredients combine, they’ll create a soft, flavorful dough that sets the tone for cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Gently Fold in Rice Krispies
Carefully fold your Rice Krispies cereal into the dough. Being gentle here is essential—you want to keep the cereal pieces intact to preserve that delightful crunch in your final crackers.
Step 5: Shape the Crackers
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Flatten Each Ball
Press down gently on the dough balls with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly. This helps them bake evenly and develop that classic cracker shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges of the crackers turn a gorgeous golden color and are crisp to the touch—this guarantees that satisfying snap when you bite in.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Proper cooling ensures they stay crisp and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers

Garnishes
Sprinkle your crackers with a little fresh chopped chives or a dusting of smoked paprika just before serving. These simple touches elevate the flavor and make your Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
These crackers pair beautifully with creamy dips like hummus, ranch, or a zesty salsa. They also complement soups and salads perfectly, adding a crunchy contrast to softer textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, arrange your Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers on a platter alongside an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit. This creates an irresistible snack board that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to a week—perfect for snacking without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep them even longer, freeze the crackers in a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours and they’ll be ready to crunch.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked crispness, pop your crackers in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick reheating method revives their full flavor and crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for these crackers, you can experiment with cheeses like Parmesan or gouda for different flavor profiles, just keep in mind the melting properties may vary.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you full control over the saltiness of your crackers, but if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it—just reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe.
Can the cayenne pepper be omitted?
Definitely! The cayenne is optional and meant to add a subtle spicy kick. If you prefer milder snacks, just leave it out and your crackers will still be deliciously flavorful.
How do I prevent the Rice Krispies from getting soggy?
The key is to fold the cereal in gently and not overwork the dough. Also, baking the crackers fully until golden ensures the cereal stays crisp inside the crackers.
Are these crackers gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that work well for baking to make a gluten-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
Making Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers at home is such a joy because they combine simple ingredients into a snack that feels special with every bite. Their delightful crunch paired with robust cheddar flavor truly makes them a standout treat to share or savor anytime. Give this recipe a try and watch these crackers become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: About 30 crackers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers combine the classic crunch of Rice Krispies with sharp cheddar cheese for a perfect savory snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and slightly spicy. These homemade crackers are easy to prepare and offer a delightful twist to traditional cheese crackers, perfect for parties or an everyday nibble.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Dairy & Fat
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Other
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened unsalted butter into the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The mixture should be cohesive but slightly crumbly due to the cheese.
- Fold in Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal to the dough, being careful not to crush the cereal too much to maintain the crunchy texture in the final crackers.
- Shape the Crackers: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Flatten Balls: Slightly flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to form cracker shapes and ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the crackers for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn golden and the crackers become crisp, signaling they are fully cooked and ready.
- Cool and Store: Allow the crackers to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to preserve their crunch and freshness.
Notes
- If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the dough.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix after adding Rice Krispies to avoid crushing their texture.
- Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature; they are best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 crackers (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Rice Krispie crackers, cheddar crackers, cheesy snack, crunchy crackers, homemade crackers, savory snack