Homemade Cheez-Its are a fun, delicious, and surprisingly easy snack to make from scratch. These cheesy, crispy crackers are bursting with sharp cheddar flavor and a hint of buttery goodness, making them a perfect alternative to store-bought snacks. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these golden, bite-sized crackers at home, allowing you to customize the flavor and even control the level of salt. Whether you’re serving them as an afternoon snack, packing them in lunches, or using them as party appetizers, these homemade Cheez-Its are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2-3 tbsp ice water
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the grated cheddar cheese, cold butter, flour, salt, and paprika until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Roll out the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small 1-inch squares. Use the end of a skewer or toothpick to poke a small hole in the center of each square to give them the classic Cheez-It look.
- Bake the crackers: Transfer the squares to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Sprinkle a little sea salt over the top. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
These Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for snacking—sure to satisfy your craving for a savory treat!
