Homemade Cheez-Its

Close-up of golden homemade Cheez-Its in a ceramic bowl on a neutral tabletop.

Homemade Cheez-Its are your ticket to a sunlit afternoon snack break, where each crispy, golden square bursts with bold cheddar flavor and a whisper of garlic that dances on your tongue. Imagine pulsing sharp cheese and butter until they form a crumbly canvas, then adding flour and a hint of ice-cold water to sculpt a perfect dough, chilled to crisp perfection. As they bake, your kitchen fills with that irresistible toasty aroma, promising crunchy delight in every bite. Perfect for sharing, snacking solo, or elevating soup and sandwiches, these irresistible crisps will vanish before your eyes—so stash some away!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cheez-Its

  • Made with real sharp cheddar for an authentic flavor.
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonings for a personal touch.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Perfectly crispy and satisfying for any snack craving.
  • Fun to make and share with family and friends!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategorySnack
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Extra Time60 minutes (resting)
Total Time91 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves100 crackers
Best ServedCool and crispy

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your homemade Cheez-Its!

Ingredients for homemade Cheez-Its displayed on a rustic kitchen table.
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese – for a rich, cheesy flavor
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter – adds a creamy texture
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt – enhances overall taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for a hint of garlic goodness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – essential for the cracker base
  • 2–3 tablespoons ice water – binds the dough together

How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its

Get ready to whip up a batch of delicious Homemade Cheez-Its! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 12-16 minutes, and a chilling time of at least one hour, these crispy snacks are worth the wait!

Visual representation of the steps to make Homemade Cheez-Its, including ingredients in a food processor, dough formation, and refrigeration.

1. Step

In a food processor or blender, pulse the shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, seasoning salt, and garlic powder until crumbly.

2. Step

Add the flour and pulse until the dough resembles coarse sand.

3. Step

Drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough forms a ball; add an extra tablespoon if needed.

4. Step

Transfer dough to plastic wrap, shape into a disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

5. Step

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Step

Cut dough in half and roll each half on a lightly floured surface to 1/8–1/4 inch thickness.

7. Step

Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife or pastry cutter.

8. Step

Poke a hole in the center of each square with a skewer or toothpick.

9. Step

Arrange squares on baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

10. Step

Bake 12–16 minutes until crisp and lightly golden at the edges.

11. Step

Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Cheez-Its

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure crispiness.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like paprika or cayenne for a kick.
  • Keep an eye on the baking time; they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.

How to Serve this Homemade Cheez-Its

  • Enjoy them straight from the oven for a warm, cheesy treat.
  • Pair with your favorite dips like hummus or guacamole.
  • Serve alongside a fresh veggie platter for a crunchy contrast.
  • Use as a topping for soups or salads for added texture.
  • Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful snack on the go.
  • Mix with nuts and dried fruits for a homemade trail mix.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can easily make and store your Homemade Cheez-Its:

Storing Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Keep at room temperature for up to a week.
  • Avoid moisture to maintain crispness.

Freezing

  • Place cooled Cheez-Its in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
  • Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Spread Cheez-Its on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.
Homemade cheese crackers scattered on a tabletop with a ceramic bowl.

Homemade Cheez-Its

Discover the joy of Homemade Cheez-Its! 🧀✨ Crunchy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, these snacks are perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Servings: 100 crackers
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter adds a creamy texture
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt enhances overall taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder for a hint of garlic goodness
Dough Base
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour essential for the cracker base
  • 2–3 tablespoons ice water binds the dough together

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor For mixing ingredients
  • 1 Baking sheet For baking the Cheez-Its
  • 1 Parchment paper To line the baking sheet
  • 1 Plastic Wrap For wrapping the dough

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, seasoning salt, and garlic powder until crumbly.
  2. Add the flour and pulse until the dough resembles coarse sand.
  3. Drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough forms a ball; add an extra tablespoon if needed.
  4. Transfer dough to plastic wrap, shape into a disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Cut dough in half and roll each half on a lightly floured surface to 1/8–1/4 inch thickness.
  7. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
  8. Poke a hole in the center of each square with a skewer or toothpick.
  9. Arrange squares on baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  10. Bake 12–16 minutes until crisp and lightly golden at the edges.
  11. Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories150
Fat10g
Protein5g
Carbs12g

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FAQs

Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique taste. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

2. How do I store my Homemade Cheez-Its?

To keep your Homemade Cheez-Its fresh and crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months! Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

3. Can I make these Cheez-Its gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these Homemade Cheez-Its gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking, and you should achieve a similar texture and flavor!

4. What can I serve with Homemade Cheez-Its?

These delicious crackers are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with dips like hummus, guacamole, or a cheesy dip for an extra treat. They also pair well with soups and salads for a crunchy side!

Final Thoughts

Making your own Homemade Cheez-Its is not just simple; it’s a delightful trip down memory lane! These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for snacking, sharing, or enjoying solo. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the satisfaction of creating a classic treat that’s sure to bring smiles all around!

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