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Homemade Cheez-Its

Homemade Cheez-Its
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Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy crackers bursting with rich sharp cheddar flavor, made with simple ingredients for a fresh, delicious snack. Perfect for munching anytime, these baked treats are easy to customize, preservative-free, and great for lunchboxes, parties, or cozy movie nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking mix for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water

Optional Seasonings

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spicy kick)
  • Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives (for herb-infused variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese and Butter: Start by finely grating the sharp cheddar cheese. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and combine both in a mixing bowl, preparing them for making the dough.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and any optional spices you wish to include. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the dough.
  3. Combine and Form Dough: Add the flour mixture to the cheese and butter bowl. Gradually pour in cold water, mixing with your hands or a pastry cutter until a firm, non-sticky dough forms.
  4. Roll and Cut: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into small squares approximately 1 inch wide. Prick each square with a fork to help them bake evenly.
  5. Bake to Golden Crisp: Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the crackers turn a beautiful golden color with slightly darker edges.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving, which lets them crisp up perfectly.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact.
  • Keep butter cold to achieve the best flaky, crunchy texture.
  • Roll dough evenly for uniform baking across all crackers.
  • Prick dough squares before baking to prevent puffing and ensure crispness.
  • Store finished crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch for up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade cheez-its, cheesy crackers, baked snacks, cheddar crackers, gluten-free crackers, crunchy snack

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/homemade-cheez-its/