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Homemade Cheez-Its

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 tablespoons cold water

Optional Spices

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: Homemade Cheez-Its, Cheddar crackers, crispy snacks, easy homemade snacks, cheesy crackers