Homemade Cheez-Its

There’s something absolutely irresistible about Homemade Cheez-Its. I remember the first time I made them; the warm aroma of freshly baked cheese wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. It was a rainy afternoon, and I found myself craving those crispy, cheesy crackers I loved so much. I decided to take matters into my own hands and whip up a batch of these delightful treats. As I mixed the ingredients, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Every bite reminded me of family gatherings where we would munch on snacks while playing board games and sharing stories. These homemade crackers are not just a snack; they are a little piece of joy that can brighten up any day.

Homemade Cheez-Its Shopping List

In preparing for your adventure in making Homemade Cheez-Its, it’s important to understand the ingredients you’ll be using. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The key players here are sharp cheddar cheese, which gives the crackers their distinctive taste, and unsalted butter, which contributes to that satisfying crunch. Let’s dive into the specifics!

• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated: The hero of the recipe, this cheese brings a robust flavor that’s hard to beat. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps achieve that perfect cracker crunch.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for serving: Enhances the flavor of the cheese, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of savory sweetness that complements the cheese beautifully.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crackers, providing the necessary structure.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.

How to Assemble Homemade Cheez-Its

Making Homemade Cheez-Its is not only delightful but also quite straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll see how easy it is to whip up a batch of your own cheesy crackers! Let’s get started!

1. Using a food processor fitted with a grating blade, grate 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! You can use a box grater to achieve the same result. Make sure the cheese is well grated to ensure even melting.
2. After grating, remove the cheese from the food processor and fit it with a dough blade. Add the grated cheese back into the processor along with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
3. Next, add 1 cup all-purpose flour to the processor. Pulse it 2 to 5 times until the dough just comes together. You want to see a cohesive mixture without overworking the dough.
4. Then, add in 2 tablespoons cold water and pulse again for 2 to 3 times. At this point, a dough should start to form. Be cautious not to add too much water; the dough should be firm.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a flat disk, no thicker than ½-inch. Cover the disk with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour, although it can be stored for up to 24 hours if needed.
6. Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350℉/175℃. This temperature is perfect for baking the crackers to a perfect crunch.
7. After preheating, remove the dough from the fridge and place it between two pieces of parchment paper. Roll the disk out to about ⅛-inch thick, taking care not to tear the dough.
8. Once rolled out, remove the top layer of parchment paper. Use a knife, pizza cutter, or pastry cutter to cut the dough into ~1-inch strips lengthwise, then repeat width-wise to form approximately 1-inch squares. Creativity is key here; feel free to shape them however you like!
9. Place the cut crackers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re spaced about 1-inch apart. Using a toothpick or the end of a skewer, poke a hole in the center of each cracker to ensure they bake evenly and get that classic Cheez-It look.
10. Finally, bake your crackers for 10 to 13 minutes or until they’re just set and the edges are slightly browned. Keep a close eye during the last couple of minutes to prevent them from burning.
11. Once baked, let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying. These little bites are ready to be devoured!

Tips for Success

For the best results when making your Homemade Cheez-Its, consider these helpful tips!

• Use Fresh Cheese: Always opt for a block of sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a better texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing, be careful not to over-process the dough. You want it to come together without being too tough.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your crackers while they’re baking, especially in the last few minutes, to avoid burning.
• Experiment with Shapes: Feel free to cut the dough into fun shapes for special occasions or holidays. Kids love getting involved in this step!
• Variations: Try adding different cheeses or seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. The options are limitless!

Serving This Homemade Cheez-Its

When it comes to enjoying your Homemade Cheez-Its, the options are endless!

• Perfect for Snacking: These homemade crackers are fantastic for snacking on their own. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and utterly addictive!
• Pair with Dips: Serve them alongside your favorite dips, like hummus or guacamole, for a delightful treat.
• Great for Parties: They make a wonderful addition to any cheese platter or charcuterie board. Guests will love the homemade touch.
• Kids’ Lunches: Toss a few in your child’s lunchbox for a tasty surprise that’s healthier than store-bought options.
• Seasonal Treats: These crackers are great year-round, but you can also customize them for holidays with festive shapes or colors!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Homemade Cheez-Its are a fantastic snack that’s both simple and satisfying. The combination of fresh cheese and the joy of creating something from scratch truly makes this recipe special. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Homemade Cheez-Its

Craving a crunchy, cheesy snack? These Homemade Cheez-Its are the ultimate comfort food! Made with sharp cheddar and a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to whip up for any occasion. Perfectly crisp and satisfying, you’ll want to make them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 110

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for serving
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Equipment

• Food Processor

Method

 

1. Using a food processor fitted with a grating blade, grate 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese. If you don’t have a food processor, a box grater works well too.
2. Remove the cheese from the food processor and fit it with a dough blade. Add the grated cheese back in along with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour and pulse 2 to 5 times until the dough comes together.
4. Add 2 tablespoons cold water and pulse again for 2 to 3 times until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a flat disk, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350℉/175℃.
7. Roll the chilled dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about ⅛-inch thick.
8. Cut the dough into ~1-inch squares and poke a hole in the center of each.
9. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 13 minutes until edges are slightly browned.
10. Let cool completely before enjoying your Homemade Cheez-Its.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use a block of white or yellow sharp cheddar cheese, not pre-grated cheese, to avoid anti-caking agents.
• Tip 2: You can replace the flour with whole wheat or gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
• Tip 3: If you don’t have a food processor, hand-grate your cheese and mix with two forks.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add up to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
• Tip 5: Store cooled crackers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.