With Homemade Cheez-Its, you can transform just a few humble kitchen staples into a wonderfully crispy, cheesy, and nostalgic snack that everyone will adore. These baked cheese crackers offer a satisfying blend of sharp cheddar flavor, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and that classic crunch—without any of the preservatives or mystery ingredients you find in store-bought versions. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting guests, making Homemade Cheez-Its from scratch is as fun as it is delicious, and truly worth every little effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Surprisingly, you can whip up this irresistible treat with just a short list of ingredients—each one plays a vital role. From the boldness of sharp cheddar to the richness of real butter, simplicity is key, but the flavors are anything but basic.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces, shredded): This is the heart of the crackers—choose the sharpest cheddar for the best cheesy punch and color.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Gives a melt-in-your-mouth texture to every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the cheese and brings out all the savory goodness in each cracker.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Holds everything together and creates that perfect crispness upon baking.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle garlicky backnote for extra flavor—try it once and see if it becomes your default!
- Coarse salt for sprinkling: Gives a burst of salty crunch on top, really channeling that signature Cheez-It experience.
How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its
Step 1: Blend the Cheese and Butter
In a food processor, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened butter, salt, and garlic powder if you’ve opted for a little garlicky kick. Pulse until the mixture comes together into a thick paste—don’t worry if it looks a bit chunky; that’s normal!
Step 2: Add the Flour
Next, add the all-purpose flour to the cheese mixture. Pulse again in short bursts until the bowl looks full of coarse, crumbly bits rather than a smooth dough—this is the key to flaky crackers later.
Step 3: Form the Dough
With the processor running, drizzle in the cold water, beginning with one tablespoon. Keep pulsing until the dough just starts to come together (add the second tablespoon only if necessary). You want the dough to clump but not get sticky or wet; if you pinch it, it should hold its shape.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap both discs in plastic wrap and stash them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle and roll out.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Crackers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into roughly 1-inch squares. For the authentic Homemade Cheez-Its look, poke a small hole in the center of each square with a skewer or toothpick.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the squares to your baking sheets, leaving a little space so they don’t stick together. Sprinkle them lightly with coarse salt, then bake for 14–16 minutes, checking for those telltale golden edges and crispness. Let them cool completely so they reach their signature crunch!
How to Serve Homemade Cheez-Its
Garnishes
For a finishing flair, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a touch more smoked paprika onto the crackers just after they come out of the oven. A dusting of Parmesan is also a tasty touch, especially if you love savory depth.
Side Dishes
Homemade Cheez-Its are perfect with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or alongside a tray of crisp apples and grapes for a fun snack board. They also pair fabulously with dips like sour cream and chive or a tangy yogurt dip for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by stacking your crackers in a mason jar tied with rustic twine for gifting, or arrange them as an edible “crouton” topper for salads. For parties, serve in colorful bowls grouped with small bites and finger foods—easy, impressive, and always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, Homemade Cheez-Its keep best in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to a week. Resist the temptation to seal them up while warm—moisture is the enemy of crunch!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough discs tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll and bake as usual for fresh crackers anytime. Baked crackers are best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect their texture.
Reheating
If your crackers lose a little snap, just spread them out on a baking sheet and re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool and they’ll taste almost like new!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Homemade Cheez-Its?
It’s best to shred block cheese by hand for this recipe, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting and blending. For ultimate meltability and flavor, always reach for the block!
How do I make the crackers extra crispy?
Roll the dough to a uniform thinness (about 1/8 inch) and bake until the edges are golden. Also, be sure to fully cool the crackers before storing them, since heat and moisture can soften their crunch.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough with a pastry cutter or even your hands, working quickly to keep the dough (and butter) cool for that classic flaky texture.
What flavors can I add for variety?
Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or even a few dried herbs to the dough for new snack twists. Homemade Cheez-Its are very adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Are Homemade Cheez-Its suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love these crunchy, cheesy bites, and you can control the salt and spice levels for the little ones. Plus, they’re a fun recipe to make together on a rainy afternoon.
Final Thoughts
You will not believe how easy and wildly delicious Homemade Cheez-Its are until you try them yourself. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, your kitchen will soon be filled with cheesy, nostalgic snacks that taste so much better than any box could provide. Grab your apron—it’s time to bake, snack, and share!
Print
Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 60 crackers)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make your own Homemade Cheez-Its with this easy recipe. These baked cheese crackers are a delicious snack that you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Cheez-It Dough:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Sprinkling:
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, salt, and garlic powder. Add flour and pulse until crumbly. Mix in water until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat oven. Roll out dough, cut into squares, and poke a hole in the center of each. Sprinkle with salt.
- Bake: Bake until golden and crisp. Cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Use finely shredded cheese for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 10 crackers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
