Homemade Cheez-Its

Love the cheesy crunch of classic Cheez-Its? These Homemade Cheez-Its are everything you crave—crispy, salty, and packed with bold cheddar flavor. Made with simple ingredients and no preservatives, these baked cheese crackers are a fun and easy snack that’ll have you ditching the box for good. Perfect for kids, parties, game day, or just snacking any time of day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cheese Flavor – Made with real sharp cheddar cheese for authentic taste.
• Crisp & Buttery – Flaky, crunchy texture that’s so satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients – No artificial colors or additives—just pantry basics.
• Fun to Make – Roll, cut, bake, and enjoy!
• Perfect Snack – Great for lunchboxes, movie nights, or road trips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp ice water

Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor (or pastry cutter)
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Skewer or toothpick (for holes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a food processor, combine the shredded cheddar, cold butter, flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using).
2. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition, until a dough begins to form.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Crackers
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8-inch thickness.
7. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
8. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
9. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a hole in the center of each square (this gives that classic Cheez-It look and prevents puffing).

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
10. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crackers are golden around the edges and crisp.
11. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before storing or serving.

Tips for the Best Homemade Cheez-Its

• Use Extra-Sharp Cheddar – For the boldest flavor, go with a strong, sharp cheese.
• Shred Fresh Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Chill the Dough – Keeps the crackers from spreading too much while baking.
• Watch the Oven – Crackers bake quickly, especially in the last few minutes.
• Roll Evenly – Thinner dough makes crunchier crackers; thicker dough makes softer ones.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Cheez-Its: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Herbed Crackers: Mix in dried rosemary or Italian seasoning.
• Parmesan Twist: Replace ¼ cup cheddar with grated Parmesan for a deeper flavor.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hummus, salsa, or a creamy cheese dip.
• Add to a charcuterie board for a homemade snack element.
• Pack into lunchboxes or snack bags.
• Enjoy with a hot bowl of tomato soup or chili for crunch and flavor.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Add a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain crunch.

Freezing:

• Freeze uncooked dough wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without a food processor?
   Yes! Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the flour, then knead the dough gently by hand.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
   Definitely! Try white cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for fun flavor changes.
3. Are these really crunchy like store-bought?
   Yes—if rolled thin and baked until golden, they’ll be just as crisp (and even more flavorful).
4. What’s the hole in the center for?
   It helps steam escape during baking and keeps the crackers from puffing up.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes! It doubles well—just bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Final Thoughts
These Homemade Cheez-Its are the ultimate cheesy snack made from scratch with real ingredients. They’re fun to make, loaded with bold cheddar flavor, and have the perfect crispy crunch. Whether you’re packing them for school lunches, serving them at a party, or just munching while watching a movie, these crackers are guaranteed to be a hit.

Try making a batch today—you’ll be amazed at how easy (and delicious) homemade snacking can be. Don’t forget to share your cracker creations and leave a review below!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 10 crackers):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 11g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 170mg

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