Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from sharp cheddar cheese and a blend of spices, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make snack combines buttery richness with a touch of heat from cayenne and paprika, making it a perfect savory treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
For Finishing
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder thoroughly for a balanced flavor base.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring flaky, tender crackers.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly so every cracker is bursting with cheesy goodness.
- Form dough: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without being sticky.
- Roll out dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
- Cut crackers: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small 1-inch squares and place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
- Dock crackers: Use a toothpick to poke a small hole in the center of each square; this helps the crackers bake evenly and adds the signature Cheez-It look.
- Sprinkle salt: Lightly sprinkle each cracker with coarse salt to enhance flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
- Bake: Bake the crackers for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are crispy and perfectly baked.
- Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Store Homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger, more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- For easier handling, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
