If you’ve ever wished for a cheesy, crispy snack that you can proudly call your own, you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe is pure magic in snack form: sharp cheddar cheese melds with buttery, flaky dough to create tiny crackers that are crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly addictive. Whether you’re craving a midday nibble or planning to impress friends with a batch of fresh-from-the-oven treats, these little squares pack all the comfort and zest of the classic Cheez-It, made right in your kitchen from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, making sure your crackers have the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cracker, ensuring a tender yet sturdy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure the cheesy goodness shines.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky warmth and a warm orange hue.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates flakiness and richness that melts in your mouth.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, it infuses every cracker with bold, cheesy intensity.
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water (as needed): Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your crackers bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter
In a food processor, pulse together all-purpose flour, salt, and paprika. This dry mix forms the base flavor. Then, add your cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs — these tiny butter bits are key to a flaky, tender cracker.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Next, toss in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and pulse a few times until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the crumbly mixture. This step ensures each bite bursts with cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bring the Dough Together
Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing between additions. The dough should just come together without being sticky. This gentle approach keeps the butter cold, which is crucial for that perfect flaky crunch.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out as thin as about 1/8 inch thick. Remember, the thinner the dough, the crispier your crackers will be—so go thin and be proud!
Step 6: Cut the Crackers
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small, 1-inch squares. For that classic Cheez-It look and an extra touch of crispness, poke a small hole in the center of each square with a fork.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Lay your little squares on the baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach maximum crunch.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Homemade Cheez-Its to cool right on the baking sheet so they firm up completely. Then, dive in and enjoy! These are perfect for snacking right away or saving for an afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Serve Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh twist, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny dusting of cracked black pepper over your Homemade Cheez-Its just before serving. A light brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs like rosemary or chives can elevate their flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These crackers are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with creamy dips, classic pimento cheese spreads, or a simple bowl of tomato soup. They add the perfect crunch and hint of cheddar to any snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Host a snack board featuring your Homemade Cheez-Its alongside assorted cheeses, nuts, fresh fruit, and cured meats. Stack them in small piles or arrange them neatly in little bowls to make your gathering feel extra special—and get ready for lots of compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Cheez-Its fresh and crispy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly snackable for up to a week, making them a convenient treat whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these crackers freeze very well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment layers to keep them from sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for your cheesy fix.
Reheating
Got some crackers that have softened a bit in storage? Refresh them by warming in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. This simple step revives their crispness and brings out that irresistible cheddar aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic Cheez-It flavor, you can experiment with sweet cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack to put your own spin on the recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a food processor?
Yes, you can! Simply use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks crumbly, then stir in the cheese by hand. It takes a bit more elbow grease but still works beautifully.
How thin should I roll out the dough for the crispiest crackers?
Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner, the crispier the crackers will be, but if it’s too thin, they might bake too quickly or burn—so keep an eye during baking!
Can I add some seasonings to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to add garlic powder, cayenne, or your favorite herbs to the mix to customize the flavor and create your ultimate homemade snack.
How long will these crackers stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these crackers stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. After that, their texture may soften, but reheating can help bring back the crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely satisfying about making your own snacks from scratch, and this Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Once you try these crisply baked, flavorful crackers, you might never reach for the store-bought bags again. So grab your flour, cheese, and butter—your next favorite snack is waiting!
Print
Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (about 36 crackers) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Cheez-Its recipe delivers crispy, cheesy crackers made from scratch with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a hint of paprika. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, these savory snacks are easy to prepare and ideal for sharing or enjoying as a crunchy treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and paprika. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs to achieve a flaky texture.
- Add the Cheese: Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the food processor and pulse until the cheese is evenly incorporated throughout the flour and butter mixture.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough just begins to come together. You may need 2 to 3 tablespoons depending on dough consistency.
- Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness; this thinness ensures crispiness in the final crackers.
- Cut the Crackers: Cut the dough into approximately 1-inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter. For the classic Cheez-It appearance, poke a small hole in the center of each square with a fork.
- Bake: Arrange the squares in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crackers turn golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, serve as a snack or store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use cold butter for a flakier texture in the crackers.
- Rolling the dough thinner will yield crispier crackers.
- Adjust seasoning by adding garlic powder or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Store homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
- Ensure not to overbake to prevent burning and bitterness.
