Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from sharp cheddar cheese, flour, butter, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Baked to golden perfection, these savory snacks are perfect for anytime munching and can be easily made in your kitchen with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 oz)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (1/2 stick)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 120 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Other Ingredients
- 2-4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Assemble all the necessary ingredients including shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and cold water to ensure a smooth preparation process.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together while gradually adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of cold water until a cohesive dough forms.
- Roll Out the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness, ensuring an even bake and crisp texture.
- Cut the Dough: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares resembling classic Cheez-Its. Transfer each square onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the crackers for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Cool and Store: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle with additional salt if desired and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Keep an eye on the crackers while baking to avoid burning; thin crackers can brown quickly.
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact.
- Ensure the dough is uniformly rolled out for evenly cooked crackers.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh for up to one week.
