We’ve always been fans of the Cheese Penny Recipe, a delightful twist on classic Southern snacks that pack a punch of cheesy flavor in every bite. Originating from simple American traditions, these crispy coins make for an irresistible appetizer or quick treat that’ll elevate any gathering.
They’re incredibly easy to whip up with just a few pantry staples, and we’re confident you’ll love how they combine sharp cheddar with a flaky texture. Let’s dive into this timeless favorite together.
Ingredients
As we build on the simple pantry staples like sharp cheddar mentioned earlier, let’s gather the key ingredients for our Cheese Penny Recipe. These components come together to deliver a crispy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any gathering. We’ll list them in the order we typically prepare and incorporate them, with prep notes for clarity.
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese: Start with this star ingredient, freshly grated for maximum melt and flavor that captures the essence of traditional Southern snacks.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Add next as the foundational dry ingredient; sift it beforehand to ensure a light, airy texture in our dough.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Incorporate this after the flour; use room-temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich, buttery base.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Follow with this for seasoning; it enhances the cheese’s tang without overwhelming the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Include for a subtle kick; adjust based on your spice preference to add depth to our crispy treats.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Stir in last among the seasonings; it provides a hint of savory aroma that complements the cheese’s sharpness.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Cheese Penny Recipe to life with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure even mixing, perfect shaping, and flawless baking. Selecting the right equipment helps us achieve that signature crispy texture and cheesy flavor without any hassle.
Here’s a detailed list of the equipment we need, organized by the order of use in the preparation process:
- Mixing Bowls: We start with a large and a medium mixing bowl to combine ingredients like grated sharp cheddar cheese and softened butter. Opt for sturdy, non-slip bowls for efficient blending.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our recipe’s success, so we use a set of dry measuring cups (for flour) and spoons (for salt and spices) to avoid any inconsistencies.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grating the 2 cups of sharp cheddar, we recommend a box grater or a food processor attachment to ensure even texture and enhance the cheese’s meltability.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: We use this for stirring and folding ingredients together, providing the control needed to create a uniform dough without overworking it.
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet is essential for evenly spreading and baking the dough; we line it with parchment paper for easy release and to prevent sticking.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F for optimal baking; we suggest a reliable oven thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for that golden, crispy finish.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, we transfer the cheese pennies to a wire rack to cool evenly, preserving their crispiness and preventing sogginess.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we streamline the process and focus on crafting the perfect cheesy delight.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our simple pantry ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting irresistible Cheese Pennies with precise, easy-to-follow steps that deliver a crispy, cheesy delight every time.
Prep
First, we start by combining the dry ingredients to build a solid base for our cheesy treats. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. These spices infuse the dough with a subtle kick that enhances the sharp cheddar’s bold flavor.
Next, we incorporate the wet ingredients for a cohesive mixture. Using a cheese grater, grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and set it aside. In the same bowl, add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and the grated cheese. With a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together vigorously until it forms a crumbly dough that holds shape when pressed—imagine the rich, buttery aroma mingling with the spicy notes for an enticing preview of the final snack.
Shape and Bake
Once the dough is prepped, we shape it into uniform pieces for even baking. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into 1-inch balls or press into thin discs on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures each Cheese Penny bakes to a golden, crispy perfection with a satisfying crunch.
Finally, we bake to achieve that irresistible texture and flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a deep golden brown and the cheese bubbles enticingly—your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering scent of melted cheddar and spices. Transfer the hot Cheese Pennies to a cooling rack immediately to maintain their crispiness.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To keep our Cheese Pennies fresh, crispy, and full of that irresistible cheesy flavor, we recommend these make-ahead and storage strategies. This approach lets you prepare batches in advance for effortless entertaining or snacking.
Make-Ahead Tips
We love making Cheese Pennies ahead to save time without sacrificing texture or taste. Here’s how:
- Prepare the dough in advance: After mixing the dry and wet ingredients into a crumbly dough, shape it into a log or balls as described in our preparation steps. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors—sharp cheddar, cayenne, and garlic—to meld beautifully, enhancing the crispy, cheesy delight.
- Freeze unbaked portions: For longer storage, form the dough into balls or discs and freeze them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the original baking time for that perfect golden-brown edge.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage ensures our Cheese Pennies retain their enticing aroma and crunch. Follow these methods based on your needs:
- Room temperature storage: Store cooled Cheese Pennies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture as long as the container is kept in a cool, dry spot.
- Refrigerator storage: If you need to extend shelf life, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 1 week, but we suggest reheating in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness and revive the bubbling cheese aroma.
- Freezer storage for baked Cheese Pennies: Freeze baked and cooled treats in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes and reheat in the oven to prevent sogginess.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Use an airtight container to preserve crunch and aroma. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to regain crispiness. |
| Freezer (Unbaked) | Up to 3 months | Bake from frozen, adding extra time for even browning. |
| Freezer (Baked) | Up to 3 months | Thaw and reheat to maintain the cheesy, crispy texture. |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Cheese Penny recipe with you as it’s a simple way to add cheesy goodness to your snack lineup. It’s perfect for those spontaneous gatherings or quiet evenings, bringing a touch of tradition that’s always a hit.
Give it a try and you’ll see how it becomes one of our go-to treats—crispy, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. We’re confident it’ll elevate your kitchen adventures in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheese Penny Recipe?
The Cheese Penny Recipe is a tasty Southern-inspired snack featuring crispy, cheesy bites made from simple ingredients like sharp cheddar. Originating from American traditions, it’s a quick appetizer perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful crunch and flavor.
What ingredients are needed for Cheese Pennies?
You’ll need 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. These pantry staples combine to create a crispy, cheesy treat, with cheese providing the main flavor and flour the base.
What equipment is required to make Cheese Pennies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a cheese grater, spatula or wooden spoon for mixing, a baking sheet for shaping, an oven for baking, and a cooling rack to maintain crunch. Use them in sequence for even results.
How do I prepare the Cheese Penny dough?
Start by mixing dry ingredients like flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Add wet ingredients—grated cheddar and softened butter—to form a crumbly dough. Roll into balls or press into discs for uniform shaping, ensuring even baking and a perfect crispy texture.
How long should I bake Cheese Pennies?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the shaped dough for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and cheese bubbles. This ensures a crispy finish; then, transfer to a cooling rack to set and enhance the aroma.
Can I make Cheese Pennies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze unbaked portions for up to 3 months. This makes it easy for effortless entertaining, allowing you to bake fresh batches as needed.
How should I store Cheese Pennies to keep them fresh?
Store cooled Cheese Pennies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week (reheat in the oven for crispiness), or freeze baked ones for up to 3 months. This preserves their crunch and flavor for later snacking.