Hey y’all! Ready to bring a burst of cheesy crunch to your snack table? These Homemade Cheez-Its are simple to make, loaded with real cheddar flavor, and absolutely addictive—perfect for everything from movie nights to lunchbox treats. With wholesome ingredients and a wonderfully crisp texture, you’ll never reach for the store-bought version again. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Made with real cheddar—no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Quick prep and baking time—fresh from oven to snack bowl in under an hour.
- Customizable flavors to suit your favorite cheeses and spices.
- Fun project for kids or sharing at gatherings.
- Satisfyingly crisp with that classic, salty Cheez-It taste.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2-3 tbsp ice water
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a food processor, combine cheddar cheese, butter, flour, salt, and garlic powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse just until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Use a skewer or chopstick to poke a small hole in the center of each cracker for that signature Cheez-It look.
Step 4: Bake
- Sprinkle crackers lightly with extra salt.
- Bake for 13–16 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Let crackers cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to crisp up further before enjoying.
Notes
- For crispier crackers, roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing.
- Be sure to use freshly grated cheddar for maximum melt and flavor.
- The crackers continue to crisp as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re a bit soft straight from the oven.
Variations
- Spicy Cheez-Its: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick.
- Parmesan Cheez-Its: Replace 1/3 of the cheddar with finely grated Parmesan.
- Herb Cheez-Its: Mix in 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs for an herby twist.
Required Equipment
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Pastry wheel or sharp knife
- Plastic wrap
Storage Instructions
Once completely cooled, store your Homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For ultra-crisp crackers, toss them back in the oven for a few minutes if humidity strikes.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a nostalgic lunch.
- Serve alongside a cheese board for added crunch.
- Pack in lunchboxes or enjoy with your favorite dips while streaming your favorite show.
Pro Tips
- Use ice-cold butter and cheese for the flakiest texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough once it comes together to avoid tough crackers.
- Cutting uniform squares ensures even baking and crispy results.
FAQ
- Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes! Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out.
- Can I make these without a food processor?
- Absolutely, just cut the butter and cheese into the flour with a pastry cutter or two forks for a similar texture.
- Why do my crackers turn out soft?
- They may need a bit longer in the oven. Try rolling them thinner, and always allow to cool completely for maximum crispness.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2-3 tbsp ice water
Instructions
-
1In a food processor, combine cheddar cheese, butter, flour, salt, and garlic powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
2Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse just until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
-
3Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
-
4Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
5On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
-
6Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Transfer to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Use a skewer or chopstick to poke a small hole in the center of each cracker for that signature Cheez-It look.
-
7Sprinkle crackers lightly with extra salt.
-
8Bake for 13–16 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until golden and crisp.
-
9Let crackers cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to crisp up further before enjoying.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
↑
Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
170 caloriescal
Protein:
5gg
Fat:
11gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
12gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!
