Homemade Cheez It Crackers Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Cheez It crackers are a delightful, cheesy snack that’s crispy and full of sharp cheddar flavor. Making them from scratch is surprisingly simple and a fun way to customize your favorite store-bought treat at home.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon organic vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the grated cheddar cheese, butter, vegetable shortening, and sea salt in a food processor or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
2. Step 2: Add the flour and pulse or mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and is well combined.
3. Step 3: Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, with the mixer or food processor running, until the dough just begins to clump together. You may need more or less water depending on your ingredients and conditions.
4. Step 4: Gather the dough and gently pat it into three discs about 4 inches in diameter. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
5. Step 5: Wrap the dough discs tightly in waxed paper or parchment and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to three days.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dough sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling.
7. Step 7: Roll each dough disc on parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness, smoothing the edges as you go.
8. Step 8: Using a ruler, cut the dough into 1-inch squares with a pastry cutter, pizza cutter, or sharp knife. Poke a small hole in the center of each square with a skewer.
9. Step 9: Use a sharp spatula to carefully separate the crackers on the parchment paper, then transfer the entire sheet to a baking tray.
10. Step 10: Bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until the crackers are lightly browned around the edges. Let cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before serving. Makes about 7 to 8 dozen crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sharp cheddar and extra sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use a fork or a small cookie cutter to create different hole shapes in the center of each cracker.
• If the dough feels too sticky, chill it longer before rolling to make cutting easier.

Storage

Store cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They maintain their crispness best this way. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to one month. Reheat briefly in a low oven to restore crunch if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with other flavorful cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, or a spicy pepper jack. Keep the cheese grated finely for best results.

Why is the dough resting in the refrigerator necessary?

Chilling the dough firms up the fats and helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and resulting in crisp, flaky crackers.

Homemade Cheez It Crackers Recipe

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4.5 from 110 reviews

These homemade Cheez It crackers are a deliciously cheesy and crunchy snack made from scratch using sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a simple mix of pantry staples. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these crackers offer that classic savory bite without any preservatives or additives found in store-bought varieties.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
• Yield: 7 to 8 dozen crackers 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon organic vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons ice water (more or less as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, and sea salt in a food processor or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Add flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the cheese mixture and pulse in the food processor or mix on low speed until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water one tablespoon at a time while running the mixer or processor until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid adding too much water; the dough should clump but not be sticky.
4. Form dough discs: Gather the dough and shape it into three discs approximately 4 inches in diameter. Handle the dough gently to prevent overworking.
5. Chill the dough: Wrap each disc tightly in waxed or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days until ready to bake.
6. Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
7. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick, smoothing the edges as you go.
8. Cut crackers: Using a ruler and a sharp knife, pastry cutter, or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Use a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each cracker to mimic the classic Cheez It look.
9. Arrange and bake: Use a sharp spatula to gently separate the crackers and transfer the parchment paper with the crackers onto a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the edges become lightly browned and crisp.
10. Cool and serve: Allow the crackers to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Serve warm or let them cool completely to room temperature. This recipe yields approximately 7 to 8 dozen crackers.

Notes

• Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the crackers tender rather than tough.
• Adjust the amount of ice water depending on humidity and flour absorption to get the right dough consistency.
• Store baked crackers in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt or your favorite seasoning on top before baking.

Keywords: Cheez It, homemade crackers, cheddar crackers, snack recipes, crunchy crackers