Description
These Homemade Cheez-Its are a deliciously crispy and cheesy snack made from sharp cheddar cheese and a few simple ingredients. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they mimic the classic Cheez-It crackers with a savory, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch. Ideal for snacking or serving at parties, these crackers are easy to make at home and can be customized with a hint of garlic or spices for extra zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Dough
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Topping
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a food processor, pulse the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened butter, salt, and garlic powder (if using) until combined thoroughly. Add the all-purpose flour and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier rolling.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Then, use a skewer or toothpick to poke a small hole in the center of each square to emulate the classic Cheez-It look.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cut squares to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Lightly sprinkle the tops with coarse salt for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until the edges of the crackers are golden brown and they are crisp to the touch.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheets. Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dough before processing.
- Use block cheese shredded at home for best melting and blending results; pre-shredded cheese must be finely shredded to work well.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and cracking when cutting.
- Store the crackers in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to one week.
