Crispy Homemade Cheez Its Recipe: Snack Magic in Minutes

Crafting homemade cheez its elevates an ordinary snack into a culinary adventure that sparks pure joy.

These crispy, golden squares pack an irresistible punch of cheesy goodness that beats store-bought versions hands down.

Baking these crackers feels like unlocking a secret recipe passed through generations of passionate home cooks.

Small batches guarantee maximum flavor and that satisfying crunch you crave in every single bite.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary, creating a nostalgic treat that connects you to childhood memories.

Sharp cheddar cheese serves as the cornerstone, infusing each cracker with deep, tangy richness that dances across your taste buds.

Mastering this recipe means saying goodbye to packaged alternatives forever.

Why Homemade Cheez Its Are So Much Better

• Craft Gourmet Snacks at Home: Create your own irresistible Cheez-Its with simple ingredients and minimal effort, transforming a basic kitchen project into a delightful homemade treat that beats store-bought crackers.
• Texture Explosion: Experience the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy edges and rich, cheesy centers that deliver a satisfying snap with every bite, offering a more authentic and intense flavor compared to packaged versions.
• Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different cheese varieties like aged cheddar, parmesan, or even spicy pepper jack to personalize your crackers, making them a versatile snack that adapts to your taste preferences and mood.
• Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: Whip up these crackers in under an hour of active preparation time, creating a fun cooking experience that's simple enough for kids to help and impressive enough to wow friends at gatherings.

Ingredients for Crispy Homemade Cheez Its

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender, flaky texture for the crackers.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy cheese flavor and helps bind the dough together; choose a high-quality, freshly grated cheese for best results.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure and crispness of the crackers.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and provides a seasoning base; use fine-grain salt for even distribution.

• Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together and maintain a crisp texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds subtle flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Additional Kosher Salt: Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and crunchy finish.

How to Make Homemade Cheez Its from Scratch

Step 1: Whip Up The Cheese Base

Grab your mixing bowl and toss in softened butter and sharp cheddar cheese. Fire up your electric mixer and blend on high until the mixture becomes super creamy and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Create The Flour Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper (optional)

Gently mix these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Craft The Perfect Dough

Slowly add the flour mixture into your cheese blend, mixing on low speed. The goal is a crumbly texture that’s just waiting to become delicious crackers. Drizzle in cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Chill And Rest

Shape your dough into a nice round disk, wrap it up in plastic, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it hang out for at least an hour- this helps develop those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Roll And Shape

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough on parchment paper until it’s super thin. Use a pizza cutter to create tiny square shapes, aiming for that classic Cheez-It look.

Step 6: Punch And Prep

Take a wooden skewer and gently poke a tiny hole in the center of each cracker. This isn’t just for looks- it helps them bake evenly and get that perfect crunch!

Step 7: Season And Bake

Brush each cracker with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with extra salt. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.

Step 8: Cool And Crunch

Carefully remove the baking sheet and transfer the crackers to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely- if you can resist the temptation!

Tips for Snappy, Cheesy Homemade Crackers

• Cheese Selection: Choose a high-quality, extra-sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and tang. Aged varieties provide a more intense taste profile.
• Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is not too wet or dry. Add water gradually, stopping when it just comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough crackers.
• Rolling Technique: Use a ruler and pizza cutter for precise, uniform squares. Consistent thickness guarantees even baking and crispy texture.
• Salt Sprinkling: Sprinkle kosher salt before baking for an authentic Cheez-It crunch. Don't overdo it- a light dusting enhances flavor without overwhelming.
• Storage Hack: Store completely cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crisp for up to a week, maintaining their delicious homemade crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Cheez Its

• Refrigeration: Store cooled homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezing: Place crackers in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, preserving freshness for 2-3 weeks.
• Reheating: Quickly crisp crackers in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes, spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet to restore their original crunchiness.

What Goes Best with Homemade Cheez Its

• Pair with Zesty Wine Companions: Complement the sharp cheddar crackers with crisp white wines like sauvignon blanc or an unoaked chardonnay. These wines cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a refreshing contrast to the salty, crunchy texture.
• Match with Bold Beer Selections: Opt for craft amber ales or hoppy IPAs that can stand up to the intense cheddar flavor. The malty undertones and carbonation will enhance the crackers' cheesy profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Create Dipping and Spreading Magic: Serve alongside tangy honey mustard, herbed cream cheese spreads, or a rustic homemade salsa. These accompaniments will elevate the homemade Cheez-Its from a simple snack to an exciting appetizer experience.
• Craft a Charcuterie Companion: Include these homemade crackers on a charcuterie board with aged salami, prosciutto, and robust cured meats. The crackers' crisp texture and sharp cheese flavor will beautifully complement the rich, meaty elements.

Flavor Twists for Homemade Cheez Its

• Spicy Cheese Crunch: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the cheese mixture for a fiery kick that transforms the classic cracker into a zesty snack.
• Herbal Cheese Squares: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to create an aromatic and sophisticated version of the homemade crackers.
• Parmesan Pepper Crisp: Swap sharp cheddar with aged parmesan cheese and sprinkle cracked black pepper for an elegant, sophisticated cracker with a robust flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Wellness: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add nutritional value and create a nuttier, heartier texture to the crackers.

Homemade Cheez Its Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy homemade cheez its bring classic snack nostalgia straight to your kitchen with sharp cheddar and buttery, flaky pastry. Salty, cheesy crackers deliver childhood memories in each perfectly baked, golden-edged bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Additional kosher salt for topping

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Instructions

1. Mix softened butter and sharp cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until the texture becomes creamy and fully integrated, creating a smooth cheese base.
2. Combine flour with kosher salt, then gradually fold the dry ingredients into the cheese mixture on low speed until a coarse, crumbly texture develops.
3. Introduce cold water incrementally, gently kneading the mixture until a cohesive dough forms that holds together without being sticky.
4. Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to allow ingredients to stabilize and texture to solidify.
5. Heat oven to 375°F. Retrieve chilled dough and roll out on parchment paper, creating an ultra-thin rectangular sheet approximately ⅛ inch thick.
6. Methodically cut the dough into precise 1-inch squares using a sharp pizza cutter or pastry wheel, ensuring uniformity.
7. Pierce the center of each cracker square with a wooden skewer, creating signature ventilation holes that promote even baking and crisp texture.
8. Delicately brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle additional kosher salt across the surface for enhanced flavor profile.
9. Position parchment paper with crackers onto baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between squares to prevent merging during baking.
10. Bake for 15-17 minutes until edges transform to a golden-amber color and surfaces achieve a satisfying crispness.
11. Transfer baked crackers immediately to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop maximum crunchiness before serving.

Notes

• Snap up a crispy, cheesy adventure that beats store-bought crackers every single time.
• Homemade Cheez-Its deliver a nostalgic crunch with real sharp cheddar flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Perfectly portioned squares guarantee uniform baking and irresistible snacking potential for kids and adults alike.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg