Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
If you’re searching for a snack that’s boldly cheesy, satisfyingly crisp, and a total crowd-pleaser, you’ve got to try these Homemade Cheez-Its. They’re a nostalgic treat done from scratch, and nothing beats seeing those golden, puffy crackers coming right out of your own oven! This recipe pairs rich cheddar flavor with the perfect bit of salty crunch. Whether you munch them solo, pack them for lunch, or share them as party nibbles, making Homemade Cheez-Its from scratch is about to become your new snacking obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making Homemade Cheez-Its is how you only need a handful of simple kitchen staples, each bringing something special to the table. Every ingredient plays a key role in creating that iconic cheesy flavor, flaky texture, and signature crunch.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces, shredded): The star of the show! Go with extra-sharp for bold, unmistakable zest.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Adds richness and that delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the cheesy notes and balances rich dairy flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Crafts the structure and crisp bite for that classic cracker snap.
- Cold water (2–3 tablespoons): Just enough to bring everything together into a tender dough without overmixing.
- Coarse salt (for topping): Sprinkled on top for a tantalizing, crunchy finish and extra flavor pop.
How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Dough
Start by adding your shredded sharp cheddar, softened butter, and salt into a food processor. Give it a few quick pulses until the mixture looks crumbly but evenly blended—the cheese and butter need to meld together to form the base flavor of your Homemade Cheez-Its.
Step 2: Add Flour and Pulse
Sprinkle the flour into your cheese-butter mixture. Give it several more pulses. You’re looking for a sandy, fine crumb texture. Don’t overmix here; just enough to integrate the flour without working the dough too much.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in cold water, about a tablespoon at a time. Watch for the dough to just start clumping together. The key is to use the least water necessary to get the dough to hold when pinched. Once it forms, stop right away to keep your Homemade Cheez-Its light and crispy.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the butter set and makes the dough easier to roll later on, ensuring those crackers puff up and shatter satisfyingly.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Once the dough is firm, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll it out as thinly as possible—about 1/8 inch is perfect. A thin roll gives your Homemade Cheez-Its the irresistible crunch. Slice the dough into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife or pastry wheel.
Step 6: Dock, Salt, and Bake
Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For the signature Cheez-It look, use a toothpick or skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each. Sprinkle with coarse salt, then bake for 12–15 minutes until the crackers are golden and just puffed. Let them cool fully for the best snap.
How to Serve Homemade Cheez-Its
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dusting of extra finely grated cheddar just after baking. Herbs like chopped chives or a tiny bit of cracked pepper add fresh flair, and a pinch of cayenne can give each cracker a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
Homemade Cheez-Its pair well with so many classic accompaniments! Serve them alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or with crunchy raw veggies and hummus for a lunchbox treat. They also shine as a fun addition to cheese platters and snack boards.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by tucking these crackers into mason jars with a ribbon for a homemade gift, or stack them in glass containers for an impressive party snack table. Layer them in a bowl mixed with nuts and dried fruit for a twist on traditional trail mix, or use them as edible scoops for creamy dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Homemade Cheez-Its wonderfully crisp, let them cool completely and then store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long without being devoured!
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough disc for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling, cutting, and baking. While you can technically freeze baked crackers, they’re best enjoyed fresh for that maximum crunch.
Reheating
If your crackers lose a bit of their crisp, just pop them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll come right back to life, with that classic Homemade Cheez-Its texture restored.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers that iconic flavor, you can swap in other hard cheeses like Gruyere, parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for a fun twist. Just be sure the cheese is well-aged for the best snap and flavor.
Is a food processor essential for this recipe?
While a food processor makes things quick and easy, you can make Homemade Cheez-Its by grating the cheese finely, then cutting in the butter by hand with a pastry cutter or fork. The dough may take a bit more effort, but you’ll still get delicious results.
How do I ensure my crackers are extra-crispy?
Roll the dough very thin—thinner than you think is needed! Make sure to bake the crackers until deep golden at the edges, and let them cool fully on a wire rack before storing. Sometimes popping them back in a hot oven for another 2 minutes helps if they need more crunch.
Can I make Homemade Cheez-Its gluten-free?
Yes, try swapping the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free blend. Just watch the dough texture as gluten-free flours are a little thirstier, so you might need a splash more water. Expect a slightly different, but still delightful, crunch.
What if I don’t have coarse salt for topping?
No worries! You can use regular kosher salt or skip the topping salt altogether if you prefer a less salty bite. Crumbled pretzel salt or even flavored finishing salts can create fun variations, too.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the experience of pulling a tray of Homemade Cheez-Its out of the oven and watching everyone light up for that first, perfectly cheesy bite. Give these a try next time your snack craving hits—they’re easy, impressive, and truly irresistible. Happy baking!
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Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes active, plus chilling time
- Yield: About 60 crackers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Homemade Cheez-Its, delicious cheddar cheese crackers that are perfect for snacking or sharing. These crispy, savory treats are easy to bake and sure to be a hit with cheese lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Cheez-Its:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Topping:
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, pulse cheddar cheese, butter, and salt until combined and crumbly. Add flour and pulse until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Slowly add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out very thin (about 1/8 inch). Using a pastry wheel or knife, cut into 1-inch squares.
- Bake: Transfer squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke a small hole in the center of each cracker. Sprinkle lightly with coarse salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Store: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper with the flour.
- Make sure to roll the dough very thin for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 crackers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
