Crispy Homemade Cheese Crackers
Hola, snack lovers! There’s something special about baking up your own cheesy crackers from scratch. These Homemade Cheez-Its take me straight back to sunny afternoons in my mama’s kitchen in Orlando, where cheese snacks were always part of our family movie nights.
Now, I love making these golden, crisp crackers for my own family, with real cheddar, real butter, and that irresistible crunch you just can’t get from a box. They’re simple, addictive, and oh-so-satisfying!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 17 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 47 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American Homemade |
| Method | Oven-Baked |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Real Ingredients: Made with real sharp cheddar and butter, no preservatives or fillers.
- Crispy & Buttery: Each bite delivers that perfect crunch and cheesy melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Fun to Make: Rolling, cutting, and poking each cracker is a nostalgic joy.
- Kid-Approved: The perfect family-friendly snack for lunchboxes or parties.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Store them for up to a week of cheesy goodness.
Homemade Cheez-Its (Crispy, Buttery & Cheesy)
- Total Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cheez-Its use real sharp cheddar for crisp, cheesy crackers. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a nostalgic crunch everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for topping
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Beat butter and shredded cheddar in a mixer 4 to 5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
2. Whisk flour with 1 teaspoon salt, then add gradually to mixer on low until crumbly.
3. Add cold water 1 teaspoon at a time until a dough forms.
4. Flatten into a disk, wrap, and chill at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
6. Roll dough on parchment to less than 1/8 inch thick.
7. Cut 1-inch squares with a pizza cutter. Poke a hole in each square.
8. Transfer parchment to baking sheet. Brush squares with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
9. Bake 15 to 17 minutes until golden. Cool on a rack for maximum crispness.
Notes
Chill the dough for flaky, crisp crackers.
Use freshly shredded cheddar, not pre-shredded.
Store airtight up to 1 week. Re-crisp 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F if needed.
This batch yields about 4 cups of crackers.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 0
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
Ingredients
- 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
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip Example |
| Cheddar Cheese | Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best flavor and texture. |
| Butter | Room temperature butter helps the dough mix evenly. |
| Flour | All-purpose flour gives structure and crispness. |
| Water | Add just enough cold water to bring the dough together. |
| Olive Oil | Brushing before baking creates a crisp golden finish. |
| Salt | Sprinkle lightly on top for that signature Cheez-It taste. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Butter and Cheese: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and shredded cheddar together for 4–5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix into the butter-cheese blend on low speed until crumbly.
- Form the Dough: Slowly add cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Shape into a flat disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the Dough: On parchment, roll dough into a thin rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick.
- Cut the Crackers: Use a ruler and pizza cutter to cut 1-inch squares. Poke a small hole in each square using a skewer or toothpick.
- Arrange and Season: Move parchment to baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake: Bake for 15–17 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Slide parchment onto a cooling rack. Let cool fully for the ultimate crunch.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for at least an hour for a flaky texture.
- Roll evenly to ensure all crackers bake uniformly.
- Use a pizza cutter for quick, straight cuts.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to stay crispy.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use Quality Cheese: Real, sharp cheddar makes all the difference.
- Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese: It contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Don’t Overbake: They should be golden, not brown, to stay light and crispy.
- Double the Batch: These go fast — one tray is never enough!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cheez-Its: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat.
- Parmesan Twist: Replace part of the cheddar with Parmesan for a salty bite.
- Herbed Crackers: Mix in dried thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and chill dough longer.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- To Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature up to 7 days.
- To Freeze Dough: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before rolling.
- To Refresh Crispness: Reheat baked crackers in a 350°F oven for 3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crunchy Cheez-Its as a snack, side for soup, or party appetizer. They’re perfect with tomato soup, dips, or a creamy hummus spread.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with cold iced tea, fruit juice, or sparkling water for kids. For adults, try a glass of chardonnay or a crisp lager to complement the cheddar flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store completely cooled crackers in a sealed glass jar or tin. To re-crisp, bake for 2–3 minutes at 350°F before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try white cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a twist.
2. How do I make them extra crispy?
Roll the dough very thin and bake until just golden at the edges.
3. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze before baking.
4. Why should I avoid bagged shredded cheese?
Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect the dough’s texture.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
6. How long will they stay fresh?
Up to one week in a sealed container.
7. What’s the best way to shape them?
Use a pizza cutter and ruler for perfect 1-inch squares.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 224 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Author’s Note
When I bake these Homemade Cheez-Its, my kitchen fills with that warm, buttery aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “Are they ready yet?” It’s one of those recipes that reminds me how joyful simple ingredients can be when made with love. They’re nostalgic, crunchy, and irresistible — and once you try homemade, you’ll never go back to the box!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Cheez-Its are proof that the best snacks come straight from your own oven. Real cheese, buttery layers, and that perfect crunch — what more could you ask for? If you loved this recipe, try my Empanada Dough Recipe next for another golden, flaky treat made from scratch.
