Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are tasty, crunchy cheese crackers made from scratch using sharp cheddar cheese and simple pantry ingredients. This easy recipe yields perfectly baked, golden crackers with a delightful cheesy flavor and a hint of garlic and paprika. Ideal for snacking or serving at parties, these crackers are best enjoyed fresh and crisp.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Butter
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Other
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the flour, grated cheddar cheese, cold cubed butter, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Pulse the mixture intermittently until it forms coarse crumbs, indicating the ingredients are well incorporated but not overly processed.
- Add Water to Form Dough: Slowly add the cold water one tablespoon at a time while pulsing, until the dough comes together into a firm ball, which may take 2-3 tablespoons. Avoid adding too much water to keep the dough from becoming sticky.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness. This thin layer ensures the crackers will bake crisp and not be doughy.
- Cut into Squares: Using a knife or a cookie cutter, cut the rolled dough into small square shapes, similar to traditional Cheez-Its size, usually about 1 inch per side.
- Bake: Place cut squares onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step helps them firm up even more for the perfect crunch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cold to achieve a crumbly texture in the dough.
- Rolling the dough thinly is key to crispy crackers.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
