Rice Crispy Cheese Wafers

These Southern Cheese Wafers are the ultimate easy twist on traditional cheese straws—crisp, buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar, pecans, and a hint of cayenne. Perfect for showers, tailgates, parties, or simply when you need a true taste of the South.

In the South, cheese straws are a staple at every good gathering, but let’s be honest—piping out those delicate straws can be a lot. That’s why I’m so excited to share these Cheese Wafers! They’ve got all the rich, cheesy flavor of traditional cheese straws, but they’re easier, sturdier, and just as downright delicious. Perfect to keep tucked away in the freezer for guests or when you just need a little something special with your sweet tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• No fussy piping bags or breaking straws!
• Freezes beautifully for last-minute gatherings.
• Rich, cheesy, buttery goodness with a tender crunch.
• Perfectly Southern, perfectly easy!

What You’ll Need (Be sure to see the full printable recipe below this post.)

• Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
• Salted butter
• All-purpose flour
• A touch of cayenne pepper
• Rice Krispies cereal (optional but fun crunch!)
• Finely chopped pecans (optional Southern twist)
• A pinch of salt

How to make Rice Crispy Cheese Wafers 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and cheese until smooth.
3. Stir in flour, cayenne pepper, and salt until a dough forms.
4. Gently fold in Rice Krispies and pecans (if using).
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly with a fork.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden at the edges.
8. Let cool completely before storing or freezing.

Tips for the Best Cheese Wafers:

• Freshly grate your cheese—pre-shredded just won’t give you that melty, rich flavor.
• Use real butter, not margarine. I used Kerrygold butter and it was amazing!!
• Gently fold in Rice Krispies and pecans to keep their crunch.
• Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes for easier shaping and prettier rounds.
• Bake until just golden at the edges for that perfect crisp.

Occasions for Serving:

• Bridal and baby showers
• Garden parties and teas
• Tailgating and football gatherings (think Masters!)
• Holiday appetizer tables
• Golf luncheons and potlucks
• Afternoon snacks with sweet tea. I love to spread a little strawberry jam on top!’

Storage and Freezing Tips:

• Store in an airtight container up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freeze baked wafers up to 2 months—reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh the crisp.

There you have it — a batch of crispy, cheesy, downright addictive Rice Krispie Cheese Wafers! Whether you’re serving them up for a holiday gathering, a game day snack, or just because you’re craving a little something salty and savory, these wafers are the perfect blend of crunchy and cheesy goodness. And the best part? They’re so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them for every occasion.

Other recipes that you love:

Southern Pimento Cheese

Lemon-Raspberry Tassies

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Easy Sour Cream Angel Biscuits

Garlic Cheese Biscuits (Copycat Red Lobster Biscuits)

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions about the recipe. I would love to hear from you and if you make it, be sure to use #deliciouslysouthern and let me know how you like it. Lastly, please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Click here to purchase an autographed copy of my cookbook “Deliciously Southern “. It features over 370 delicious Southern recipes!Deliciously Southern (Autographed Edition)

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