Description
Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy crackers made from sharp cheddar cheese and butter, baked to golden perfection. This simple recipe yields flavorful snacks with a hint of saltiness and optional cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, perfect for satisfying your crunchy cravings or serving at parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquid
- 3 tbsp water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, mix the grated sharp cheddar cheese with the cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture in the crackers.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly. If you want a little heat, add the optional cayenne pepper and mix it evenly through the dough ingredients.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the water, stirring as you go, until a smooth dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently to bring it all together without overworking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into squares or your preferred shapes to mimic classic Cheez-Its.
- Bake: Place the cut dough pieces on the prepared baking sheets with a little space between each. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- For sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Adjust water quantity as needed to achieve a dough that is neither too sticky nor too dry.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- You can sprinkle a little additional salt on top before baking if you like a saltier cracker.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a mild spicy kick, omit for a classic flavor.
