Crispy Cheese Bites

We can never have enough game-day snacks, and here is yet another one that is just as perfect with beers and cokes in front of the football game as it is before dinner with champagne. There are millions of versions of Crispy Cheese Bites – cheese crackers, cheese wafers, cheese krispies. Some are formed into logs and sliced thin before they’re baked, some are thicker, cookie-like crisps. These are bite-sized crisps that are all too easy to pop, one after the other, as you’re talking or watching the game. But oh are they worth it.

Rice Krispies are the unlikely secret to the crackly texture of these easy little homemade snacks. Which makes sense, because the recipe has been around forever, as in it was super popular in the '70s. And also, it’s never not been popular, because, well, crunchy, cheesy bites that are as simple to make as they are to love.

Crispy Cheese Bites are the perfect game-day snack. (Photo: Andria Dilling)

Crispy Cheese Bites

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup flour
1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

Mix all the ingredients in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until the dough is combined and comes together in clumps. Use your hands to roll balls about the same in diameter as a quarter, then flatten the balls just slightly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the crackers just begin to brown around the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.