If you have ever wished for that perfect, crunchy snack that bursts with cheesy flavor in every bite, this Homemade Cheez Its Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. These bite-sized golden crackers are everything you love about the classic Cheez Its but with that unbeatable freshness and control over ingredients that only homemade can offer. From the sharpness of real cheddar to the delicate crispness achieved in your oven, this recipe is as rewarding as it is delicious, making snack time a seriously fun experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret to making delicious Homemade Cheez Its. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that beautiful golden color that makes these crackers so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the crackers.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz., shredded): Offers intense cheesy flavor and contributes to a crispy texture.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): Forms the base of the dough, giving structure and crunch.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + extra for topping): Enhances flavor and adds a savory touch on top.
- Cold water (2-3 tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together without making it sticky.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to brush on top for golden color and slight richness.
How to Make Homemade Cheez Its Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Cheese
Start by placing your softened butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a mixer at medium to high speed, blend them together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and well combined. This step is where all the cheesy goodness begins to shine, setting the stage for an incredibly flavorful snack.
Step 2: Combine Flour and Salt
Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This not only ensures the salt is evenly distributed but also helps maintain the perfect seasoning throughout the dough. Slowly incorporate this flour mixture into your cheese and butter blend, mixing on low speed until it looks like a crumbly, dry blend. This crumbly texture is exactly what you want before adding water.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Now, slowly add cold water to the bowl, a teaspoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to form a cohesive ball. Don’t rush this step; adding water gradually keeps the dough from becoming too sticky or too dry, ensuring your crackers stay perfectly crisp after baking.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape your dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the fats and makes rolling out the dough much easier — plus, it helps develop flavor and creates those signature layers of flakiness.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Take your dough out of the fridge and preheat your oven to 375ºF. Place parchment paper on your counter and roll the dough out into a rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick. Thin dough is key for that delightful crunch in every bite!
Step 6: Cut and Shape
Using a ruler, mark 1-inch intervals both vertically and horizontally to create a precise grid. Carefully cut along these lines with a pizza cutter or pastry wheel to make 1-inch squares. Use the flat end of a wooden skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each square—this classic touch allows steam to escape and prevents puffing during baking.
Step 7: Season and Bake
Transfer the parchment paper with your neatly cut squares onto a baking sheet. Make sure the squares aren’t touching to allow even baking. Brush each cracker lightly with olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt over the top for a beautiful golden crust and a slight salty pop. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until they start to turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, immediately remove the parchment paper from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack. This keeps your crackers crispy and prevents any sogginess from steam. Allow them to cool completely before diving in — patience pays off with homemade Cheez Its!
How to Serve Homemade Cheez Its Recipe
Garnishes
While these Homemade Cheez Its are incredible on their own, you can sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or a bit of finely chopped fresh rosemary for an extra flavor dimension. A dash of cayenne powder can add a gentle kick that pairs wonderfully with the rich cheese.
Side Dishes
Pair your crackers with creamy dips like spinach artichoke or a cool ranch for perfect snack-time combos. They’re also fantastic alongside a cheesy soup or a fresh, crisp salad, offering a crunchy contrast that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these crackers around bowls of hummus or a charcuterie board complete with sliced meats, olives, and nuts. You can also stack them with small cubes of extra sharp cheddar and a drizzle of honey to create delightful bite-sized appetizers that will impress all your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh Homemade Cheez Its, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crispy and fresh for up to one week—just make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from softening your crunchy treats.
Freezing
If you’re preparing these crackers in advance, you can freeze the dough wrapped in plastic for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and roll out as usual. This makes it easy to whip up fresh Homemade Cheez Its whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To regain that fresh-baked crispness after storing, pop the crackers in a 300ºF oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning — this quick warming refreshes their delightful crunch and flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Homemade Cheez Its Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives the classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like smoked gouda, parmesan, or even pepper jack for a fun twist. Keep in mind, harder cheeses work best for texture and melt.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to adjust water amounts carefully as gluten-free doughs behave a bit differently.
How thin should I roll the dough?
Roll it thinner than ⅛ inch for the perfect snap and crunch. Too thick, and the crackers might be a bit doughy inside; too thin, and they risk burning quickly, so aim for that delicate balance.
Why do I need to poke holes in the center of each cracker?
Those tiny holes let steam escape during baking, preventing the crackers from puffing up and helping them stay flat and crisp, just like the original Cheez Its.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it, then bake fresh Homemade Cheez Its on the day of your event. They’ll taste way better than store-bought and impress your guests with your homemade skills.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cheez Its Recipe is a joyful way to bring a beloved snack into your kitchen with love and freshness. The process might take a bit of patience, but the reward is pure, cheesy bliss that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you taste these golden crackers straight from your oven, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and start baking—your snack game is about to be elevated forever!
Print
Homemade Cheez Its Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 64 crackers)
Description
These Homemade Cheez Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from scratch with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery dough. Perfectly salted and baked to golden perfection, they offer a deliciously addictive snack that rivals store-bought versions. Ideal for cheese lovers seeking a crunchy, savory treat made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Cheese Dough
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for topping
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Cheese: Place the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, combined, and fluffy.
- Combine Flour and Salt: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon kosher salt and the all-purpose flour. Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter and cheese bowl while mixing on low speed until the mixture forms a dry crumble.
- Form the Dough: Slowly add the cold water one teaspoon at a time to the bowl, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough.
- Preheat Oven: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Roll Out Dough: Lay parchment paper on your workspace and roll the dough out into a large rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick.
- Measure and Cut: Using a ruler, mark 1-inch increments both vertically and horizontally to create a grid for cutting squares.
- Cut Into Squares: Use a pizza cutter or pastry cutter to cut the dough into 1-inch squares carefully without cutting the parchment paper underneath.
- Pierce Each Square: Use the flat end of a wooden skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each square to mimic authentic Cheez Its.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Transfer the parchment with the cut squares onto a large baking sheet, ensuring the crackers do not touch each other.
- Brush and Salt: Brush each cracker lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with additional kosher salt to taste.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the crackers are turning golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, immediately transfer the crackers on the parchment paper to a cooling rack to cool completely for crispness.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is rolled out very thin (less than ⅛ inch) for the crispiest crackers.
- Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up and makes cutting easier.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with any hard cheese for a different flavor.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to one week.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transfer to the baking sheet easier.
- Adjust salt amount based on your preference, but kosher salt gives the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
