Name: Crispy Cheez-Its: Homemade Snack You'll Crave Every Day
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 96 min
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (provides primary flavor); 4 tablespoons salted butter (adds moisture); 0.5 teaspoon seasoning salt (enhances overall flavor); 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth to flavor); 1 cup all-purpose flour (gives structure); 2-3 tablespoons ice water (helps bind the dough)

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As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of melting cheddar began to fill the air, taking me right back to my childhood. There’s something undeniably comforting about sinking your teeth into a crispy, cheesy Homemade Cheez-It. Unlike their store-bought counterparts, these little bites of joy are made with real ingredients and promise a satisfyingly crunchy texture like no other! Best of all, they’re easily adaptable to fit gluten-free and keto-friendly diets, making them a perfect snack for everyone at any time. When you whip up a batch of these delightful crackers, you’ll elevate your snacking game and break free from the monotony of fast food. Curious to find out how easy it is to make this tasty treat? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are Homemade Cheez-Its so special?

Flavor-packed and crunchy: These homemade Cheez-Its deliver a burst of real cheddar flavor that’ll have you reaching for more.

Simple process: With just a few straightforward steps, you can create delicious snacks in no time. No complex techniques needed!

Customizable: Whether you’re gluten-free or following a keto diet, this recipe can easily adapt to meet your needs.

Perfect for any occasion: Serve them at parties or enjoy them as a midday snack; they always make a hit!

Healthier alternative: Say goodbye to preservatives and hello to a wholesome treat that you can feel good about snacking on.

Once you’ve tried these homemade delights, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! Check out our tips for gluten-free alternatives and keep the fun going!

Cheez-Its Ingredients

• Get ready to create your own cheesy delight!

For the Dough

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Provides the primary flavor and texture; sharp cheddar gives the best cheesy taste!
Salted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; unsalted butter works, too—just adjust salt to taste.
Seasoning Salt – Enhances overall flavor; feel free to substitute with regular salt, but modify the amount as per your preference.
Garlic Powder – Adds depth to the flavor; swap it out with paprika or omit if garlic isn’t your thing.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the crackers; opt for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Ice Water – Helps bind the dough; add just enough to form a dough ball without making it sticky.

Let’s get started on crafting these delightful Cheez-Its!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Cheez-Its

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a food processor, combine 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 tablespoons of salted butter, ½ teaspoon of seasoning salt, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Pulse the ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly and combined, resembling coarse sand. This base is crucial for your Homemade Cheez-Its, so ensure it’s well mixed before moving on.

Step 2: Add the Flour
Next, gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative) into the food processor with the cheese mixture. Pulse until the blend resembles coarse sand again, ensuring that the flour is evenly distributed. You should see a uniform texture without any visible flour clumps, preparing your dough for the next step in making Cheez-Its.

Step 3: Form the Dough
Now, slowly drizzle in ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to pulse the mixture. Stop adding water as soon as a dough ball starts to form—usually around 2-3 tablespoons should suffice. If the mixture feels dry, you can add a little more water, but be cautious not to make it too sticky. This step is key to achieving the right texture for your Homemade Cheez-Its.

Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour; this chilling period helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out later. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to have everything ready for baking.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place it onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness, ensuring it’s as thin as possible for that perfect Crispy Cheez-It texture. Keep your work surface and rolling pin floured to prevent sticking, allowing you to elegantly cut the shapes.

Step 6: Cut and Poke the Crackers
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the rolled-out dough into 1-inch squares. Don’t forget to poke a small hole in the center of each square using a fork. This step not only adds a traditional look to your Homemade Cheez-Its but also helps them bake evenly, achieving a delightful crispiness.

Step 7: Bake the Cheez-Its
Transfer the cut squares onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes, watching closely as they turn a lovely golden brown. The visual cue here is a crispy golden finish, which signals that your Homemade Cheez-Its are ready to come out of the oven.

Step 8: Cool and Store
After baking, let the Cheez-Its cool completely on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling phase ensures they maintain their crunch. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy your delightful snack!

How to Store and Freeze Cheez-Its

Room Temperature: Store your Homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and crunchy for everyday snacking!

Fridge: While refrigeration isn’t necessary, you can keep them in the fridge if the humidity is high to maintain their crispness. Remember to seal them tightly.

Freezer: For longer storage, seal the Cheez-Its in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Reheating: If your Cheez-Its lose their crunch after storage, crisp them up by placing them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cheez-Its Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful alternatives to make your Homemade Cheez-Its truly your own and even more irresistible!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep this snack accessible for everyone.
Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a low-carb option. This twist gives a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery twist that’ll excite your taste buds! Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Cheese Variety: Swap out sharp cheddar for parmesan or gouda for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can create a wonderfully rich and complex taste.
Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant herbaceous element. This will give your Cheez-Its an aromatic touch that’s simply delightful!
Extra Crunch: For an added texture twist, sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking for a beautiful surface and extra crunch.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic powder or add fresh minced garlic for a bold flavor that shines in every bite. Just remember to balance with other seasonings!
Zesty Twist: Adding a bit of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors and make your Cheez-Its refreshingly unique—perfect for a summer snack!

Enjoy the culinary creativity and the delicious rewards that come from making these tasty swaps! If you’re curious about other healthy options, don’t forget to check out our guide on gluten-free alternatives to enhance your snack game!

Helpful Tricks for Homemade Cheez-Its

Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is well-chilled. This step not only firms it up for rolling but also prevents the crackers from spreading during baking.

Roll Thinly: For maximum crispiness, roll the dough as thin as possible—around ⅛-inch thickness is ideal for perfect Homemade Cheez-Its.

Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on your Cheez-Its while they bake. They should be golden brown; underbaking may lead to chewy crackers instead of the desired crunch.

Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding spices like cayenne pepper or different cheeses for unique flavor twists that keep snack time exciting.

Even Heat Distribution: Make sure to arrange the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing even heat distribution for perfectly baked Homemade Cheez-Its.

What to Serve with Homemade Cheez-Its

Imagine the crunch of a homemade treat paired with delightful accompaniments that elevate your snacking experience!

Creamy Tomato Soup: The rich and velvety texture of tomato soup makes it a perfect companion, creating a comforting dip for your Cheez-Its.
Fresh Garden Salad: Add a burst of color and freshness! Tossed greens with a tangy vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the cheddar flavor.
Spicy Salsa: The zesty kick from a homemade salsa brings excitement to your snacking, perfectly complementing the rich cheese in your Cheez-Its.
Guacamole: Creamy, smooth guacamole pairs beautifully, balancing the crunchiness with a luxurious dip that’s always a hit.
Cheese Platter: Elevate your snacking with a variety of cheeses like gouda or pepper jack, introducing delightful new flavors alongside your Cheez-Its.
Chilled Sparkling Water: Refreshing and light, sparkling water enhances the flavors without overpowering them, making it a delightful drink choice.
Dark Chocolate: For a sweet finish, pair with a piece of dark chocolate; its bittersweet notes contrast nicely with the savory Cheez-Its.
Craft Beer: A cold craft beer can elevate your snacking experience, providing a lively interaction of flavors with each crunchy bite.

Make Ahead Options

Homemade Cheez-Its are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, ensuring it retains its freshness. Additionally, after cutting the squares, you can freeze the uncooked crackers for up to 3 months; just arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen Cheez-Its directly in the oven and add an extra minute or two to the baking time for that perfect crispiness. By prepping ahead, you’ll have delightful Homemade Cheez-Its ready at a moment’s notice, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights!

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe FAQs

What kind of cheese should I use for Homemade Cheez-Its?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It delivers a robust taste that truly elevates your Homemade Cheez-Its. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or parmesan for varied flavors!

How should I store my Homemade Cheez-Its to keep them fresh?
To keep your Homemade Cheez-Its fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them in a sealed container to maintain their crunch.

Can I freeze Homemade Cheez-Its, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Homemade Cheez-Its! To do this, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. If they’ve lost their crunch, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up!

What should I do if my Cheez-Its don’t turn out crispy?
If you find your Homemade Cheez-Its are chewy rather than crispy, it might be due to underbaking them. Ensure they are baked until golden brown for that perfect crunch. Also, rolling the dough as thin as possible (around ⅛-inch) can help create the light, crispy texture you’re aiming for.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Very! To make your Homemade Cheez-Its gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to follow the same instructions, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free snack everyone can enjoy!

Are there alternatives for garlic powder in the recipe?
Of course! If garlic powder isn’t your thing, you can omit it or replace it with spices like paprika or even herbs like rosemary for a delightful twist in flavor. There’s no wrong way to make these super scrumptious Homemade Cheez-Its!