Crunchy Homemade Cheez Its Recipe: Better Than Store-Bought

Crispy, cheesy snacks hit differently when you craft these irresistible homemade cheez its from scratch.

The golden, crackers pack a punch of nostalgic flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch with sharp cheddar notes dancing across your palate.

These delightful little squares bring back memories of childhood afternoons and late-night munchies.

Anyone can whip up these simple crackers with just a few pantry staples and minimal effort.

The blend of sharp cheese and buttery dough creates an addictive snack that disappears faster than you can bake them.

Dive into this recipe and unlock the secret to the most irresistible homemade cheese crackers you’ll ever taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-17 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25-27 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

Cheez Its Ingredients for a Homemade Crunch

• Unsalted Butter: Brings rich, creamy texture and helps bind ingredients together, choose high-quality butter at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy flavor and signature cheesy punch, opt for freshly grated cheese for maximum taste intensity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy, sturdy cracker structure, select unbleached flour for best results.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances cheese sharpness, use fresh, clean-tasting salt.

• Cold Water: Helps create perfect dough consistency, use filtered water for clean taste.
• Olive Oil: Adds subtle richness and helps achieve golden, crispy edges, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Additional Kosher Salt: Sprinkles on top for extra flavor burst and crunchy texture, use sparingly for perfect seasoning.

Tools to Bake Snack Crackers Like a Pro

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining cheese and butter mixture.
• Electric Mixer or Standing Mixer: Essential for creating smooth, fluffy cheese base.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour and salt evenly.
• Plastic Wrap: Used to cover and chill dough.
• Parchment Paper: Helps roll out dough and prevents sticking during baking.
• Ruler: Guides precise 1-inch square cutting.
• Pizza Cutter or Pastry Cutter: Ideal for cutting dough into uniform squares.
• Wooden Skewer: Creates signature hole in center of each cracker.
• Baking Sheet: Provides even surface for baking crackers.
• Cooling Rack: Allows crackers to cool and crisp up after baking.

How to Make Cheesy Crackers from Scratch

• Cheese Blend Foundation

Start by creating a rich, creamy base with softened butter and sharp cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy, decadent mixture that promises delicious results.

• Flour Fusion

Combine flour with a pinch of salt, then gently incorporate this dry mixture into the cheese blend. The goal is to create a crumbly texture that hints at the crispy crackers to come.

• Dough Development

Slowly introduce cold water to bind the ingredients, working the mixture until it forms a cohesive dough. The perfect consistency should feel firm yet malleable, ready to be transformed.

• Dough Relaxation

Shape the dough into a smooth disk and let it rest in the refrigerator. This crucial pause allows flavors to mingle and the dough to become more manageable.

• Cracker Crafting

Roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet, then carefully cut into small squares. Use a wooden skewer to create signature center holes that will help the crackers bake evenly.

• Golden Transformation

Brush the squares with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake in a hot oven until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the crackers become wonderfully crisp.

• Cooling Celebration

Transfer the freshly baked crackers to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach the perfect crunch. Enjoy your homemade cheese crackers as a delightful snack that beats any store-bought version.

Spices and Toppings to Try on Your Batch

• Crispy Cheese Cracker Secrets: Expert Tips & Twists
• Spice Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or parmesan to create unique flavor profiles that'll make your homemade Cheez-Its stand out from store-bought versions.
• Perfect Texture Trick: Roll the dough extra thin (about 1/16 inch) for ultra-crispy crackers. Thinner dough ensures a satisfying crunch that mimics the classic Cheez-It texture.
• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking to add an unexpected and delightful twist to your cheese crackers.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep your homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Add a small piece of parchment paper to absorb any moisture and maintain their crispy texture.

Serve Homemade Cheez Its for Any Occasion

• Snack Time Companions: Pair these homemade Cheez-Its with complementary flavors that enhance their cheesy goodness. Crisp apple slices or tangy pickles provide a delightful contrast to the rich, salty crackers.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the Cheez-Its on a rustic wooden board alongside creamy soft cheeses, cured meats, and fresh herbs. Create an irresistible appetizer spread that will wow guests at any gathering.
• Dipping Delights: Serve with homemade ranch dressing, spicy marinara sauce, or a zesty herb-infused aioli. These dips transform the crispy crackers into an interactive and fun snacking experience that everyone will love.
• Lunchbox Star: Pack these homemade Cheez-Its in small containers for kids' school lunches or adult work snacks. They're a perfect addition to salads, soups, or enjoyed on their own as a satisfying midday treat.

Keep Crackers Crisp After Baking

• Snack Storage Solutions: Keep homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness. Seal tightly to prevent moisture from making crackers soft.
• Freshness Guarantee: Enjoy within 5-7 days for best taste and texture. Store in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight to maintain their delightful crunch.
• Freezing Strategy: Freeze unbaked dough squares between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in refrigerator and bake directly from chilled state for convenient snack preparation.
• Portioning Trick: Divide cooled crackers into small grab-and-go portions using resealable snack bags. Perfect for lunch boxes, road trips, or quick midday nibbles without compromising quality.

Crispy Homemade Cheez Its

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Crispy homemade Cheez-Its promise a nostalgic snack adventure with sharp cheddar and buttery crunch. Cheese crackers deliver irresistible flavor that connects you to childhood memories and satisfies sharp cheddar cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2–3 tbsps cold water
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Additional kosher salt for topping

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Instructions

1. Blend Base: Cream softened butter and sharp cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Develop Dough: Incorporate flour and kosher salt into the cheese mixture on low speed, gradually transforming the texture into a coarse, crumbly consistency. Introduce cold water incrementally, gently kneading until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Chill Preparation: Shape the dough into a compact disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 60 minutes to stabilize ingredients and solidify texture.
4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out chilled dough on parchment paper into an ultra-thin rectangular sheet approximately ⅛ inch thick. Slice into precise 1-inch squares using a sharp pizza cutter.
5. Enhance and Season: Pierce each cracker square with a wooden skewer for ventilation. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle additional kosher salt to elevate flavor profile.
6. Bake to Perfection: Arrange crackers on a baking sheet, maintaining slight separation. Bake for 15-17 minutes until edges turn golden-amber and surfaces achieve maximum crispness.
7. Finish and Serve: Transfer immediately to a cooling rack, allowing crackers to reach room temperature and develop ultimate crunchiness before serving.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Tip: Ensure butter is precisely softened but not melty for optimal dough consistency and texture.
• Chilling Importance: Refrigeration allows gluten to relax and prevents crackers from becoming tough, creating a delicate, crisp result.
• Salt Precision: Use kosher salt for balanced flavor; sprinkle evenly to enhance overall cracker taste without overwhelming saltiness.
• Baking Timing: Watch crackers closely during final minutes to prevent burning; golden-amber edges indicate perfect doneness and crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg