Homemade Cheez Its Recipe

Introduction

These homemade Cheez-Its are a cheesy, crispy snack that’s easy to make right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the classic savory flavor of this beloved cracker anytime.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a standing mixer or an electric mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, combined, and fluffy.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the cheese and butter bowl while mixing on low speed. The mixture will start to resemble a dry crumble.
3. Step 3: Slowly add cold water, one teaspoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Form the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a piece of parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, less than ⅛ inch thick.
7. Step 7: Use a ruler to mark 1-inch intervals vertically and horizontally, creating a grid for cutting.
8. Step 8: With a pizza cutter or pastry cutter, carefully cut along the marks to create 1-inch squares, taking care not to cut the parchment paper.
9. Step 9: Use the flat end of a wooden skewer to poke small holes in the center of each square.
10. Step 10: Transfer the parchment paper with the cut squares onto a large baking sheet, ensuring crackers do not touch.
11. Step 11: Brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes until the crackers start to brown.
13. Step 13: Remove from oven and carefully transfer the parchment paper with crackers onto a cooling rack immediately to crisp up.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dough.
• Make sure the dough is rolled very thin to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
• If you don’t have a wooden skewer, a toothpick also works well for creating holes.

Storage

Store cooled Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To re-crisp, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from classic Cheez-Its.

Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out thinly and cut cleanly without sticking or tearing.

Homemade Cheez Its Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

Homemade Cheez Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and simple pantry ingredients. This easy recipe involves mixing, rolling, cutting, and baking the dough into perfect bite-sized squares with a sprinkling of kosher salt for that authentic savory crunch. These crackers are a delicious homemade snack or appetizer that rivals store-bought versions.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 50 crackers 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cheese Dough

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix Cheese and Butter: Place the room temperature butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a standing mixer or electric mixer on medium/high speed, blend them together for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, combined, and fluffy.
2. Combine Flour and Salt: Whisk 1 teaspoon kosher salt into the all-purpose flour. Gradually add the salted flour to the cheese mixture on low speed. The dough will start to look like a dry crumble.
3. Add Cold Water: Slowly add cold water, one teaspoon at a time, mixing gently until a dough begins to form.
4. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Preheat Oven: When ready, remove dough from refrigerator and preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
6. Roll Dough: Place a sheet of parchment paper on the counter and roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick.
7. Mark Cutting Grid: Using a ruler, mark 1-inch intervals both vertically and horizontally to create a precise grid for cutting.
8. Cut Squares: Using a pizza cutter or pastry cutter, carefully cut along the grid lines to form 1-inch squares, avoiding cutting the parchment paper beneath.
9. Dock Crackers: Use the flat end of a wooden skewer to poke small holes in the center of each square to allow steam to escape while baking.
10. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Move the parchment paper with the cut dough squares onto a large baking sheet, ensuring the squares are spaced apart and not touching.
11. Brush and Salt: Lightly brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt on top to enhance flavor.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until the crackers turn golden brown.
13. Cool: Remove the crackers from the oven and immediately transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack to cool completely and crisp up.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth dough.
• Do not roll the dough too thick or the crackers will not get crispy.
• Chilling the dough is important to prevent shrinking and maintain shape while baking.
• Poking holes in crackers helps prevent puffing during baking.
• Use sharp cheddar for the authentic tangy, cheesy flavor but feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
• Store leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Keywords: homemade cheez its, cheesy crackers, cheddar crackers, baked snack, party snack, savory crackers, easy cracker recipe