Historically the fare of sailors, soldiers, and pioneers,[citation needed] cheese and crackers had become a common menu item in American restaurants and bars by the 1850s.

[2][3] In the United States it has also been served as a dessert, with the addition of ingredients such as jam, jelly, marmalade or preserves.

[6][10][11] Cheese and hardtack was consumed along with dried venison meat by Ezra Meeker during his time on the Oregon Trail in 1852.

[6] In 1915, mountaineer Philip Rogers consumed cheese and hardtack along with raisins and nuts during his expedition around Mount Rainier in Washington state.

[6] Beginning in the 1950s, cheese and crackers was recommended as a snack for children by parenting experts, home economists and authors of cookbooks.