Homemade Cheeze-Its

Homemade Cheeze-Its are the perfect snack for cheese lovers. These crispy, cheesy crackers are made from scratch with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a few simple ingredients, offering a deliciously addictive crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a homemade snack, these Cheeze-Its will hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Cheeze-It recipe delivers all the cheesy, crispy goodness of the store-bought version but with a fresh, homemade twist. The sharp cheddar cheese provides bold flavor, and the dough is perfectly flaky and crisp. These crackers are easy to make, and once you taste them, you won’t want to go back to the boxed kind!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter (softened)

• ½ teaspoon seasoning salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, seasoning salt, and garlic powder until the mixture becomes crumbly.

2. Add the flour and pulse until the dough resembles coarse sand.

3. Drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and continue pulsing until the dough begins to form a ball. Add one more tablespoon of water if needed.

Chill the Dough:

1. Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap, shape it into a disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll and Shape the Dough:

1. Cut the chilled dough in half and roll out each half on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-¼ inch thick.

2. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into small squares, approximately 1 inch in size.

3. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each square.

Bake the Cheeze-Its:

1. Arrange the squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each piece.

2. Bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the crackers are crisp and lightly golden around the edges.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 100 crackers (approx.)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes (includes chilling time)

Notes

Storage:

• Store homemade Cheeze-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

• For longer storage, freeze the crackers in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Tips:

• Chilling the dough for at least an hour makes it easier to handle and roll out.

• To get that iconic “cheesy crunch,” roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing.

• Bake the crackers long enough to ensure they dry out and become golden brown and crispy. Let them cool on wire racks to keep them crispy.

• You can brush the crackers with an egg wash before baking for a glossy finish, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.

Variations

• Herb Flavored Cheeze-Its: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.

• Spicy Cheeze-Its: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a spicy kick.

• Cheese Variations: Use different types of cheese, such as gouda, parmesan, or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Cheeze-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the crackers for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: If the crackers lose some crispiness after storage, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these Cheeze-Its without a food processor?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a bowl and a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the butter and cheese with the flour. It may take a bit longer, but the result will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar is the most common for Cheeze-Its, but you could also try sharp gouda, parmesan, or a mix of your favorite cheeses for unique flavors.

Do I need to use ice water?

The ice water helps to create a crisp texture by keeping the dough cool while mixing. If you don’t have ice water, regular cold water works too, but chilled water is preferred for best results.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Rolling the dough to about ⅛-¼ inch thick is ideal for crisp, crunchy crackers. The thinner you roll it, the crispier the Cheeze-Its will be.

How do I get my crackers to be uniform in size?

Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the dough into squares ensures uniformity. A pizza cutter also works well for cutting straight lines and even pieces.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheeze-Its are a fun and easy way to make your own cheesy, crispy snacks at home. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, homemade crackers that rival the store-bought version. Perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or packing in lunchboxes, these Cheeze-Its are sure to become a favorite go-to snack!

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