Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the cheesy, nostalgic crunch of Homemade Cheez-Its. If you grew up savoring those golden, square crackers straight out of the box, just wait until you try the real deal baked fresh in your own kitchen. This recipe captures the iconic flavor, satisfying snap, and signature cheesy kick, but with ingredients you can pronounce and quality you can taste. Whether you’re packing lunches or sharing a snack at game night, these sharp and flaky crackers are destined to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Homemade Cheez-Its is chosen for its role in achieving that crave-worthy flavor and irresistible texture. With just a handful of staples and a little know-how, you’ll experience why each piece comes out perfectly cheesy and crisp every time.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 ounces, shredded): This is the true star, delivering robust flavor and the classic orange hue everyone recognizes.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, cold and cubed): Adds rich taste and the tender, flaky bite that sets homemade crackers apart from store-bought ones.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Gives the dough its structure, ensuring each cracker bakes up light and crunchy.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Seasons the dough, making the sharp cheese pop without overpowering.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Brings a gentle warmth and deepens the cracker’s gorgeous color—try smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Ice Water (2–3 tablespoons): Binds the dough without making it heavy; icy water keeps everything crisp.
- Coarse Sea Salt (for sprinkling): A light finishing touch that adds sparkle and a satisfying burst of salty flavor on top.
How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its
Step 1: Pulse the Dough Together
Pull out your food processor and add the cheddar cheese, butter, flour, salt, and paprika. Pulse until the mixture forms coarse, crumbly bits that look a bit like damp sand—don’t worry, this stage is key for that signature flaky bite.
Step 2: Add Ice Water and Form the Dough
Slowly drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until the dough holds together. The moment it begins to clump, stop adding water. Turn the dough out onto a clean surface, shape it into a disc, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge for at least an hour—this chill time is essential for flavor and texture.
Step 3: Roll and Cut Into Squares
Once your dough is cool and firm, preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into neat 1-inch squares, just like the classic Homemade Cheez-Its.
Step 4: Make and Top the Crackers
Carefully transfer those squares to your prepared baking sheets, giving them a little space to puff up. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each square. Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of coarse sea salt for extra crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The crackers will puff up slightly and turn a gorgeous, deep golden brown when ready. Watch closely toward the end to keep from over-baking. Let them cool completely on the tray before digging in—they’ll crispen up even more as they cool.
How to Serve Homemade Cheez-Its
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, try tossing your Homemade Cheez-Its in a little extra paprika, a dusting of garlic powder, or even freshly cracked black pepper right as they come out of the oven. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley also adds vibrant color.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesy crackers with a crisp apple, sliced pears, or an assortment of pickles for a retro-inspired snack spread. They’re also outrageously good served alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup, making lunch or snack time feel extra cozy and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Homemade Cheez-Its layered in mason jars for easy gifting, or arrange them in little bowls for movie night. For parties, try threading them onto mini skewers with cubes of cheese and grapes—or crumble them over a salad for an irresistible, crunchy topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay delightfully crisp for up to a week. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing, so no steam sneaks in and softens them.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a big batch ahead of time, Homemade Cheez-Its freeze beautifully. Seal the cooled crackers in a freezer-safe bag or container; you can store them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature—no need for reheating!
Reheating
If your crackers lose some crunch, pop them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes. This little blast of heat revives their texture and wakes up all those cheesy flavors. Cool again before enjoying for maximum crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like pepper jack, Colby, or even a bit of Parmesan. Just stick to varieties that melt smoothly for the best, cheesiest results.
Is a food processor required for this recipe?
While a food processor makes the dough come together in seconds, you can also use a pastry cutter or even two forks to cut the cheese and butter into the flour. It’s a little more work, but still very doable with a bit of elbow grease.
How do I make my Homemade Cheez-Its extra crispy?
For maximum crispness, roll your dough as thin and even as possible, and make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets. If you like a toastier cracker, you can bake for an extra minute or two—but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I make Homemade Cheez-Its gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get a crunchy, cheesy snack.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly or too wet?
If it’s crumbly, add a bit more ice water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough holds together. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour just until it’s manageable—handling the dough gently is key.
Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Cheez-Its at home brings the magic of this childhood snack right into your kitchen—complete with cheesy goodness, crisp edges, and a sense of proud accomplishment. Give this recipe a try, and watch your friends and family light up over your delicious, homemade version!
Print
Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 60 crackers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Cheez-Its at home with this easy recipe. These cheddar snack crackers are perfect for snacking and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Cheese Crackers:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, pulse cheddar cheese, butter, flour, salt, and paprika until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat and Cut: Preheat oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Bake: Use a skewer or toothpick to poke a small hole in the center of each square. Place on prepared baking sheets and sprinkle lightly with coarse salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the dough.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 crackers
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
