Homemade Cheez-Its are a delicious, cheesy, and crunchy snack that taste just like the store-bought version—only fresher and with no preservatives. Made with real cheese and a few pantry staples, these baked crackers are perfect for satisfying your savory snack cravings or packing in lunchboxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crackers are incredibly flavorful, with a sharp cheddar kick and perfectly crisp texture. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and customizable with your favorite seasonings. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a crunchy, golden square that you made from scratch. Skip the boxed snacks—this homemade version is tastier and made with real ingredients.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Salt
- Cold water
- Optional: paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper
directions
- In a food processor, combine grated cheddar cheese, flour, salt, and any optional spices. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold butter and pulse again until incorporated.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into small squares using a knife or pizza cutter. Use a skewer or toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each cracker.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Let cool completely before storing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings (roughly 100 mini crackers).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Cheez-Its: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a little heat.
- Parmesan Blend: Mix cheddar with Parmesan for extra depth.
- Herbed Cheez-Its: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- Extra Crispy: Roll dough thinner and bake a minute or two longer for an extra crunch.
storage/reheating
Store homemade Cheez-Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To restore crispiness if they soften, bake them for 3–4 minutes in a 350°F oven.
Do not refrigerate, as moisture may make them soggy. Freezing is not recommended for texture reasons.
FAQs
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is best for flavor and texture, but you can experiment with white cheddar or a mix.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the dough, though it takes more time.
Why does the dough need to chill?
Chilling firms up the butter and allows the flavors to develop, resulting in crispier crackers.
Can I make different shapes?
Absolutely. Use cookie cutters for fun shapes or even stamp them with letters for kids.
Do I have to poke a hole in each cracker?
The hole helps prevent puffing during baking and mimics the look of traditional Cheez-Its.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated cheese melts and blends better. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
How thin should I roll the dough?
About 1/8 inch thick for the best crunch. Thicker dough will result in softer, biscuit-like snacks.
Are these healthier than store-bought?
Yes—no preservatives, artificial colors, or excess sodium.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just divide the dough and roll it out in batches to keep it manageable.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.
Conclusion
Homemade Cheez-Its are the perfect from-scratch snack: cheesy, crispy, and fun to make. With simple ingredients and big flavor, they’re a fantastic alternative to packaged crackers. Whether you’re making a batch for your kids, your next party, or just for yourself, these little golden bites will become a new favorite.
Print
Homemade Cheez-Its
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are a cheesy, crunchy snack made from real cheddar cheese, flour, and butter. These bite-sized crackers are easy to make and perfect for snacking or packing in lunches.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 tsp paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine shredded cheese, butter, and salt. Pulse until well mixed.
- Add flour and optional paprika or cayenne. Pulse until crumbly.
- Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse until dough forms a ball.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and poke a hole in the center of each with a skewer or toothpick.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Use extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Try adding garlic powder or herbs for variation.
- Watch closely during baking to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 crackers
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg