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Homemade Cheez-Its

Homemade Cheez-Its
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A quick and easy homemade recipe to make crispy, cheesy Homemade Cheez-Its using sharp cheddar, butter, and simple pantry staples. Perfectly baked to a golden crunch, these snacks are customizable, kid-friendly, and free from preservatives, making them a delicious alternative to store-bought crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons Cold Water

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika or Cayenne Pepper (for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese and Dry Ingredients: Grate your sharp cheddar cheese finely to help it incorporate well into the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and optional spices to ensure even distribution.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Add chilled unsalted butter cut into small cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will give you that perfect flaky texture.
  3. Add Cheese and Water: Mix the grated cheese into the butter-flour mixture so it’s evenly combined. Slowly pour in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and knead gently until the dough just comes together without being sticky.
  4. Roll Out and Cut: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into small square shapes around 1 inch wide. For the signature look, prick each square lightly with a fork.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until they turn golden and a bit crisp. Let cool completely to firm up that crunch.

Notes

  • Chill Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling out to make handling easier and prevent shrinking during baking.
  • Use Sharp Cheese: The sharper the cheddar, the more flavor-packed your Cheez-Its will be, so opt for quality sharp cheddar.
  • Keep Even Thickness: Roll your dough evenly for consistent baking and crunch on every cracker.
  • Don’t Skip Pricking: Poking holes in each cracker prevents puffing and keeps that classic flat appearance.
  • Cool Completely: Allow your crackers to cool fully on a rack before storing to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Homemade Cheez-Its, Cheddar Crackers, Cheesy Snack, Crunchy Snack, Gluten-Free Cheez-Its, Vegan Cheez-Its, Party Snack, Quick Snack

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/homemade-cheez-its/