Somewhere between a cracker and a cheesy dream, these Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers became one of those recipes I didn’t know I needed—until I made them. The crunch is unreal, the cheddar is sharp, and there’s that unmistakable buttery finish that makes your fingers just a little too happy. My kids call them ‘the cheesy snap things.’ My husband hides the last handful in the pantry. If that’s not a sign of success, I don’t know what is. And with the prep being quicker than a commercial break, this is one of those appetizer recipes I keep in my back pocket for last-minute get-togethers—or when I’m just snacky and want something salty and satisfying. So whether you’re hunting for tasty food recipes for a party or recipes with rice that go beyond the usual, these bring a little surprise to your snack table. I might even bring them to our 4th of July bash instead of the usual rice krispie treats. Sorry, marshmallows. Cheddar wins today.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
- 4) How to Make Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
- 5) Tips for Making Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
- 6) Making Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
- 8) Try these Appetizers next!
- 9) Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This is a baked, savory twist on Rice Krispie treats
- They use real cheddar, not that powdery stuff
- You only need five ingredients
- They make a perfect party appetizer or snack
2) Easy Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Recipe
You ever make something with zero expectations, and then your entire household starts hovering around the kitchen like it’s pizza night? That’s what happened when I baked these Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers. They’re crispy, buttery, and full of that bold cheddar flavor that sneaks up on you after the first bite. I swear, even our dog looked impressed—and he’s a tough critic when cheese is involved.
This recipe belongs in your collection of appetizer recipes that always show up at the right moment. Got unexpected guests? Toss a batch in the oven. Need to bring something to the potluck that’s not another bag of chips? Boom, you’re covered. These little guys hit all the notes: quick, easy, and delicious. You’ll find yourself sneaking one from the cooling rack. Then another. And then pretending you didn’t already eat five.
If you’re anything like me, your list of tasty food recipes is full of dishes that don’t require a culinary degree or four kinds of saffron. This is one of those: short ingredient list, no fancy tools, and zero stress. Just some Rice Krispies, sharp cheddar, and a little time in the oven. Perfect if you’re tired of sweet 4th of July rice krispie treats and need something that leans savory instead. And while this one isn’t quite what you’d call vegan recipes with rice, it’s worth every buttery bite.

3) Ingredients for Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
Butter: Go with unsalted so you control the saltiness. It brings richness and helps the crackers crisp as they bake.
Salt: Just a bit. It makes the cheddar pop and balances the butter. Don’t skip it unless your butter’s already salted.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper, the better. It adds real flavor, not that bland cheese taste that disappears when baked.
All-Purpose Flour: This binds everything together and gives the crackers their structure. Just scoop and level—no need to overthink it.
Rice Krispies Cereal: The crunch factor. They add texture and lightness, making these snacks feel airy instead of dense. Perfect for recipes with rice that surprise people.

4) How to Make Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is easy later.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the salt until creamy. You want it fluffy, not oily.
Step 3: Stir in the shredded cheddar. Mix until it looks like orange frosting—don’t worry, it gets better.
Step 4: Add the flour and mix gently until a soft dough starts to form. Don’t overmix or it’ll get tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Rice Krispies. Be gentle. You want to keep those puffs whole for that crackly texture.
Step 6: Scoop small portions of dough, roll them into balls, and press them flat on your baking sheet. They spread just a bit, so give them room to breathe.
Step 7: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Watch for golden edges. That’s your cue. Let them cool before devouring or stacking for your next party tray.

5) Tips for Making Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
If your butter is too soft, the dough might feel greasy. Chill it for ten minutes before shaping if needed. These work best when the butter is just soft enough to beat, not melting into a puddle.
Use a cookie scoop if you want evenly sized crackers. Or go rogue and make rustic ones by hand. I’ve done both. No complaints either way. If you like a little heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Just don’t go wild—this is about cheddar, not a chili contest.
For that signature crispness, let the crackers cool on a wire rack. Stacking them warm makes them lose their crunch. Trust me—I made that mistake once, and it felt like betrayal.
6) Making Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Ahead of Time
You can absolutely make these crackers the night before a party or gathering. Once they’ve cooled, store them in a sealed tin or glass jar. That way, they stay crisp and don’t absorb any weird fridge smells.
I’ve even frozen the dough before shaping. Just roll into a log, wrap it tight, and thaw when you’re ready. Slice and bake like you would cookie dough. It’s a smart trick for holiday prep or when you want something on standby besides frozen pizza.
These fit nicely into your collection of appetizer recipes that never disappoint. Make a double batch while you’re at it. They go faster than you’d think, especially if someone opens a bottle of wine.
7) Storing Leftover Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers
Store any leftovers—if you actually have some—in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll hold their crunch for about three days, maybe four if your kitchen isn’t humid.
Avoid the fridge. It makes them soft and steals their magic. Re-crisp them in a warm oven for a few minutes if needed. Just five minutes at 300°F works wonders.
I’ve tossed the leftovers in my kid’s lunchbox, brought them to a picnic, and even crumbled one over tomato soup. No regrets. These aren’t just tasty food recipes—they’re reliable little snack heroes.
8) Try these Appetizers next!
9) Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Recipe

Rice Krispie Cheddar Crackers Appetizer Recipes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and mix until fully combined.
- Add in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly distributed.
- Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden at the edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving (if you can wait).
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/12 batch, Calories: 185, Sugar: 0.5 g, Sodium: 200 mg, Fat: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Fiber: 0.3 g, Protein: 6 g, Cholesterol: 35 mg
Recipe by Eleanor at Eleanor Cooks

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