Are you ready to make the cheesiest, crispiest, most irresistible crackers you’ve ever tasted? These homemade Cheez-It crackers are the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy goodness, and they’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy! With a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious little treats in no time. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack for movie night, an easy addition to your next game day spread, or a thoughtful homemade gift for your favorite foodie, these crackers are just what you need.
Not only are these homemade Cheez-Its a fun DIY snack, but they’re also budget-friendly and healthy comfort food that you can feel good about eating. Plus, they’re high-protein and high-calorie for a satisfying snack that keeps you full for hours! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how easy it is to make these homemade cheese crackers from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about cheesy snacks—especially when you can make them right at home. These homemade Cheez-It crackers are not only super simple to whip up, but they’re also amazingly delicious. The crunchy texture, the bold cheddar flavor, and that perfect golden-brown color will make you feel like you’re enjoying the best store-bought crackers, but without the preservatives.
And here’s the best part: You get to control the ingredients. That means you can make these crackers as healthy or as indulgent as you like, and they come out fresh and crispy every time. No more wondering what’s in the box when you pull open a store-bought bag—these Cheez-Its are made with real, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart from the usual store-bought snacks is that it’s completely customizable. If you love spicy snacks, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper for an extra kick. If you’re not a fan of sharp cheddar, you can swap it out for a different type of cheese—Gruyère or Emmental would work wonderfully here. This recipe is also super easy to make thanks to the genius trick of rolling the dough out in a Ziploc bag. It keeps the dough from sticking, and you get perfect crackers every time.
The best part? These crackers are perfect for all kinds of occasions, from quick family meals to casual get-togethers or even as a thoughtful gift for the foodies in your life. Plus, they’re easy weeknight dinners or a meal prep snack to keep on hand for those days when you need something savory and satisfying.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 4 oz unsalted butter (cold, cut into 16 pieces)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- â…› tsp white pepper
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional, more if you like them spicy)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for flouring the surface)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making these homemade Cheez-It crackers is surprisingly simple! Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting your cold butter into small cubes (16 pieces). This ensures it incorporates easily into the dough. Then, shred the cheddar cheese. The fresher the cheese, the better!
- Mix the Dough: Place the butter, shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse the ingredients together until the butter breaks up into uneven bits and the mixture forms small curds. This is where all that flavor starts to come together!
- Add the Flour: Add the flour to the food processor and pulse until the dough forms moist curds. It will look a little dry, but that’s okay. It’s exactly what you want for this dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together into a smooth dough ball. Don’t overwork it; just knead until it’s pliable and cohesive.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. This will give the dough time to firm up and make it easier to roll out.
- Roll the Dough: Once you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take the chilled dough from the fridge, cut open the Ziploc bag, and turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into an even rectangle—this step is key to getting uniform crackers.
- Cut the Crackers: Using a ruler as a guide (or just your eye if you’re feeling confident), cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Then, prick each cracker twice with a fork. This gives them that signature texture we all love in Cheez-Its!
- Bake: Arrange the crackers on your prepared baking sheets and bake at 350°F for about 14-17 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown around the edges and puffed up in the center. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
Tips for Best Results
- Use cold butter: The colder your butter, the flakier and crispier your crackers will be.
- Don’t overmix: When you add the flour, pulse just enough to bring the dough together. Overworking it will make the crackers tough.
- Even thickness is key: Rolling out the dough to an even thickness ensures all the crackers bake uniformly. That’s why using a Ziploc bag is so brilliant—it makes the rolling process smooth and easy.
- Keep an eye on the oven: Since ovens can vary, start checking your crackers around 14 minutes. They should be golden brown and firm when done.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but you can mix things up! Try Gruyère, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little extra heat.
- Spices: If you like your crackers to have a little more zing, try adding extra cayenne or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- Flour alternatives: If you’re on a keto meal plan or need a gluten-free version, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or even almond flour, though the texture might vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade Cheez-It crackers are fantastic on their own, but you can also get creative with how you serve them. Here are some ideas:
- Pair them with a rich and creamy dip like guacamole, hummus, or a tangy ranch dressing.
- Add them to a high-protein meal prep for a savory snack that’ll keep you full between meals.
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a charcuterie board featuring fresh fruit, nuts, and a variety of cheeses.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: These crackers pair beautifully with an ice-cold beer or a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. They’re also great with a homemade lemonade or iced tea for a casual, refreshing snack.
- Sides: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Game day: Don’t forget to include these crackers in your next spread of easy game day snacks. They’ll be a hit for sure!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover crackers? No problem! Store these homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to one week—though they probably won’t last that long! If you want to refresh them, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F to crisp them back up.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These crackers can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the dough after it’s been rolled out in the Ziploc bag. Just seal it up and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the steps to cut and bake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough: Don’t pulse too much in the food processor. You want just enough to combine the ingredients, not create a smooth dough.
- Rolling unevenly: Make sure your dough is rolled out evenly to avoid crackers that are too thick in some spots and too thin in others.
- Skipping the chill time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it’s crucial for getting that perfect crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap out the cheddar for any cheese you prefer, like Gruyère, Emmental, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the crackers are done?
The crackers should be golden brown around the edges and slightly puffed up in the center. Keep an eye on them after 14 minutes to avoid burning.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor
- Gallon-size Ziploc bag
- Rolling pin
- Fluted pastry cutter or knife
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheets
- Wire rack for cooling
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Homemade Cheez-It Crackers
Ingredients
- 4 oz unsalted butter, cold, cut into 16 pieces
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, add the cold butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the butter is broken into small pieces and the mixture forms small curds.
- Add the flour to the food processor and pulse until the dough comes together and forms a crumbly mixture.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth dough.
- Place the dough into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Seal the bag and roll the dough into an even rectangle using a rolling pin. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.
- Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the bag and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a ruler or eye it to cut the dough into 1-inch squares with a fluted pastry cutter.
- Prick each cracker with a fork, then transfer them to the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14-17 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Transfer the crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Cheez-Its!
