Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from sharp cheddar cheese and simple pantry ingredients. This easy recipe delivers a deliciously savory snack perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you crave a crunchy, cheesy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquid
- 3 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese with cold, cubed unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. If you desire a slight kick, add the optional cayenne pepper for extra flavor, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface to bring it all together without overworking.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares or any desired shapes to resemble classic Cheez-Its.
- Bake: Arrange the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crackers turn golden brown, indicating they’re crisp and ready.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked crackers cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying, allowing them to firm up into the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky, tender crackers.
- Adjust water quantity slightly as needed to bring the dough together without it becoming too sticky.
- Adding cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to one week.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
