Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are the ultimate cheesy snack! With their crispy texture and rich cheese flavor, these homemade crackers are even better than the store-bought version. Made with real cheese, butter, and a hint of seasoning, these bite-sized crackers are perfect for snacking or serving at a party. Easy to make and way more delicious, you’ll never go back to the box!
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2–3 tablespoons ice water (as needed)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. -
Prepare the Dough:
In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and paprika. Add the cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. -
Add the Cheese:
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the food processor and pulse until the mixture is well combined. -
Add Water:
Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing in between, until the dough just comes together. You might need 2-3 tablespoons of water depending on the consistency. -
Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner, the crispier! -
Cut the Crackers:
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares (about 1 inch). If you’d like, use a fork to poke holes in the center of each square for that classic Cheez-It look. -
Bake:
Transfer the cut crackers to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy. -
Cool and Enjoy:
Let the homemade Cheez-Its cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, enjoy them as a snack or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
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Cheese Varieties: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to customize the flavor. However, sharp cheddar gives the best classic Cheez-It taste.
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Make them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dough for a spicy kick!
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Storage: These homemade crackers stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 cup (8-10 crackers)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg