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Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe

4.4 from 78 reviews

This Homemade Cheez-Its recipe delivers a deliciously cheesy and crispy snack made from simple ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, flour, and butter. Perfect for those who love a savory, crunchy treat, these crackers are easy to make from scratch and offer a fresh homemade alternative to store-bought versions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Dough

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Combine the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then press the mixture together to form a firm dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. This thin layer will ensure the crackers bake crisp and evenly.
  3. Cut the crackers: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares approximately 1-inch each. If desired, poke a small hole in the center of each square with a toothpick to mimic the look of classic Cheez-Its.
  4. Bake until crisp: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cracker. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are crisp. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving to allow full crisping.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor impact.
  • Ensure the butter is cold to achieve a flaky, crisp texture.
  • Store baked Cheez-Its in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
  • Optional spices such as paprika or garlic powder can be added for different flavor profiles.

Keywords: Homemade Cheez-Its, cheddar crackers, savory snack, baked cheese crackers, homemade snack