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Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe

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4.1 from 57 reviews

These homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and simple seasonings. Rolled thin and baked until golden, they offer the perfect crunchy snack with a savory, garlicky kick. Easy to prepare with basic ingredients and a food processor, they make a delicious alternative to store-bought cheese crackers.

Ingredients

Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Dough

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2-3 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a food processor or blender, pulse the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened salted butter, seasoning salt, and garlic powder until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
  2. Add Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the processor and pulse until the dough starts to resemble coarse sand, incorporating the flour evenly with the cheese mixture.
  3. Add Ice Water: Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing continuously until the dough begins to form a cohesive ball. Add up to one additional tablespoon of water if needed for consistency.
  4. Chill Dough: Transfer the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap, shape it into a disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up for easier handling.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Cut the chilled dough in half, then roll out each half on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch, aiming for thinness to achieve the perfect crunch.
  7. Cut and Shape Crackers: Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into small 1-inch squares. Use the tip of a skewer or toothpick to poke a small hole in the center of each square to mimic traditional Cheez-Its.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cut crackers spaced slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even baking and airflow.
  9. Bake Crackers: Bake for 12-16 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crackers turn crisp and develop a light golden color around the edges.
  10. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Cheez-Its to cool completely on the sheet before serving or storing, which helps preserve their crispiness.

Notes

  • Storage: Store homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Chilling Dough: Chilling for at least one hour firms the dough, making it easier to roll thin without tearing.
  • Thickness: Roll dough as thin as possible without tearing to achieve an iconic cheesy crunch.
  • Baking Tips: Bake long enough to dry out the crackers fully to prevent sogginess; cooling on wire racks also helps maintain crispiness.
  • Optional Finish: Brushing with egg wash before baking can give a golden, glossy finish but is not necessary.

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