Name: Homemade Cheez-Its
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping; 2-3 tablespoons cold water; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Homemade Cheez-Its: The Cheesiest Snack You Can Make in 30 Minutes

The smell of freshly baked cheese crackers wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. These homemade Cheez-Its are not just your average snack; they’re crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-addictive. In just about 30 minutes, you can create a batch that’s perfect for snacking, parties, or just munching while binge-watching your favorite show. Say goodbye to store-bought versions and hello to a homemade treat that you can customize to your liking!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

Why make this recipe

You might be wondering why you should whip up a batch of homemade Cheez-Its when you can grab a box from the store. Well, there are several great reasons! First and foremost, nothing beats the taste of freshly baked snacks. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid preservatives or artificial flavors typically found in store-bought versions.

Plus, making your Cheez-Its means you can tweak the recipe to fit your taste. Want them spicier? Add some cayenne pepper! Prefer them a bit more herby? Toss in some dried basil or thyme. The texture is also a game-changer; these homemade bites are perfectly crunchy and satisfying.

Lastly, they’ll impress your friends and family. Everyone loves snacks that you’ve made from scratch, and these homemade crackers will surely win you some compliments!

How to make Homemade Cheez-Its

Making your own Cheez-Its is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
2-3 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Start by placing the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a standing mixer or an electric mixer, blend the two ingredients at medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, well-combined, and fluffy.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the cheese mixture while mixing on low speed. The consistency will begin to resemble a dry crumble.
Add cold water gradually, one teaspoon at a time. You’ll notice a dough starting to form.
Take the dough and form it into a ball, then flatten it out into a disk shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 375ºF. On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of less than ⅛ inch.
Use a ruler to create a grid on the dough by marking 1-inch increments both vertically and horizontally.
With a pizza cutter or pastry cutter, carefully slice through the dough along your markings without cutting through the parchment paper.
Use the flat end of a wooden skewer to poke small holes in the center of each square.
Carefully move the parchment paper onto a large baking sheet, ensuring the squares aren’t touching.
Brush each cheese square with olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt over the top.
Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes, watching closely for a nice golden brown color.
As soon as they’re done, take the baking sheet out and transfer the parchment paper with the crackers to a cooling rack.

How to serve Homemade Cheez-Its

Homemade Cheez-Its are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy them straight out of the oven while they’re warm and crunchy! You can also pair them with a variety of dips such as hummus, salsa, or even a creamy cheese dip for an extra special treat. They make an excellent addition to cheese platters, and your friends will love munching on them during movie nights.

Feel free to package them up in a cute jar or a gift bag to share with family and friends. They make for a delightful homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated!

How to store Homemade Cheez-Its

If you manage to have any leftover Cheez-Its (which can be hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week – if they last that long! To maintain their crispiness, keep them away from moisture and heat. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to seal them tightly in a freezer-safe bag.

Tips to make Homemade Cheez-Its

Experiment with different types of cheeses! Cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add unique flavors.
If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chilling time, but this helps the dough’s texture, making them easier to cut.
For a fun twist, try adding spices like paprika or garlic powder for an extra kick.
To achieve an even crunchier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.

Variation

Feel free to add different spices or herbs to the dough for a custom flavor. Try adding everything bagel seasoning for a trendy twist, or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version. You can even experiment by adding seeds like sesame or flax for added texture.

FAQs about Homemade Cheez-Its

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can use other cheeses or a combination for added flavor. Just keep in mind that milder cheeses might change the taste slightly.

2. How can I make them gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check if the blend works for baking as some may require additional modifications.

3. Can I make these Cheez-Its ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just roll and bake it when you’re ready for fresh snacks!

Now that you’re equipped with the recipe for homemade Cheez-Its, get ready to enjoy this tasty treat. Happy snacking!