1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients, including extra sharp cheddar cheese, Rice Krispies cereal, all-purpose flour, butter, and any optional spices such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or Worcestershire sauce. Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and grated cheddar cheese using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and light.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the butter-cheese mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can impact the texture.
4. Gently fold the Rice Krispies into the dough using a spatula or your hands. Take care not to crush the cereal to preserve its crispiness in the final crackers.
5. Shape the dough into small, bite-sized balls or flatten them into thin discs for a more traditional cracker shape. A small cookie scoop can help ensure uniform sizes. Optionally, use a fork to press a criss-cross design onto the top of each cracker for a textured look.
6. Place the shaped crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even baking.
7. Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
8. Remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is important to ensure they achieve their optimal crispiness.
9. Once fully cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the crackers in a freezer-safe container for up to four months.
10. Reheat frozen crackers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore their crunch before serving.