Name: Crispy Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1½ cups Rice Krispies cereal

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These Crispy Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers are the ultimate homemade snack—light, crunchy, cheesy, and unbelievably easy to make. With a buttery, savory base and airy puff from Rice Krispies cereal, these crackers deliver a satisfying bite that kids and adults will love. Whether you’re preparing a party appetizer, school snack, or a flavorful treat for movie night, this simple recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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2. Prepare the Dry Mix

Whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl.

3. Add Cheese and Butter

Add the shredded cheddar and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.

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4. Fold in the Rice Krispies

Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, keeping the pieces intact for maximum crunch.

5. Shape the Crackers

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly using your fingers or the base of a glass.

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6. Bake

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp.

7. Cool

Allow crackers to cool completely on a wire rack, then store in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

Use extra-sharp cheddar for a stronger, richer flavor.
For even crackers, scoop dough with a small cookie scoop.
Don’t crush the cereal — the airy crunch is what makes the recipe special.
Make sure butter is fully softened so the dough comes together easily.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and fast prep.
Budget-friendly: Pantry staples, no complicated items.
Kid-approved: Light, crispy, cheesy, and perfect for lunchboxes.
Versatile: Great for parties, snacks, or pairing with dips.

Substitutions & Variations

Cheese Options

Pepper jack
Gouda
Colby jack

Flavor Variations

Herby: Add rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
Spicy: Increase cayenne or mix in chili flakes.
Smoky: Add smoked paprika.

Diet-Friendly Options

Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-friendly.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.

Storage

Store baked crackers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheating

Refresh in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes if needed.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside hummus, guacamole, or ranch dip.
Pair with a fresh salad for added crunch.
Add to a snack board with fruit, nuts, and cheese.
Kids love them with apple slices or carrot sticks.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Approx. per cracker:

Calories: 95
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 100mg
Fiber: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes! Try pepper jack, gouda, or a mild cheddar blend for different flavor profiles.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes — freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before flattening and baking.

How do I keep the crackers crispy?

Store in a sealed container and avoid moisture. A quick warm-up in the oven helps restore crispiness.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely! They’re crunchy, cheesy, and fun to eat.

These Crispy Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers are the perfect blend of crunch and cheesy flavor, making them ideal for parties, snacking, or sharing with family. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a reliable go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy every bite of this simple, homemade favorite!