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
Scale
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.
