Homemade Cheez-Its
Crispy and cheesy Homemade Cheez-Its made from simple pantry ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes. These crackers capture the classic snack’s crunch and bold flavor with a fresh homemade twist, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 48 crackers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Optional Spices
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Tools: Gather all ingredients: sharp cheddar cheese, flour, butter, salt, and cold water. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese and cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, mixing until the dough comes together but remains not sticky.
- Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
- Cut Into Squares and Dock: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into small squares approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each. Poke a hole in the center of each square with a toothpick to ensure even baking and achieve the classic Cheez-It appearance.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the cut squares on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Keep a close eye on them near the end to prevent burning.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack, allowing them to crisp up fully. Serve immediately or store for later snacking.
Notes
- Chill your dough for 15 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.
- Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and crispness.
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for better flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded.
- Watch the oven closely during the final minutes to avoid burning.
- Store homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 crackers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Homemade Cheez-Its, Cheddar crackers, crispy snacks, easy homemade snacks, cheesy crackers