Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe (Cheddar Cheese Crackers)

Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and packed with real cheddar flavor—just like the store-bought version but even better! Made with simple ingredients like sharp cheddar, butter, and flour, these bite-sized crackers are the perfect snack for cheese lovers.

I first made these when I wanted a homemade version of my favorite childhood snack. The dough came together quickly, and after a short bake, I had perfectly crisp, golden crackers that were irresistibly cheesy and flaky. They disappeared almost as fast as I made them!

What’s great about Homemade Cheez-Its is how easy they are to customize. You can add spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor, swap in different cheeses, or even make fun shapes for a unique twist. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, serving them at a party, or just snacking at home, these homemade crackers are a crunchy, cheesy delight!

Perfect for:

Snacking on the go
Lunchbox treats
Game day munchies
Party appetizers
Cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Homemade Cheez-Its will become your favorite snack:

Bold Cheddar Flavor: Made with real sharp cheddar for a rich, tangy taste.
Perfectly Crispy: Achieves the signature light and crisp texture with a flaky bite.
No Preservatives: A healthier alternative to store-bought crackers with no additives.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a fun baking project.
Kid-Friendly: A great homemade snack that both kids and adults will love.
Customizable: Add spices or different cheeses for a unique twist.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Great for Entertaining: A hit at parties, game nights, and casual get-togethers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Fun to Bake: Rolling and cutting the dough into classic Cheez-It squares is enjoyable for all ages.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: About 100 crackers
Calories per serving: Approximately 20-25 calories per cracker
Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 1.5g

Ingredients

1 ½ cups (6 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
2 tablespoons cold water

Ingredient Highlights

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The key to achieving that bold, tangy flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a flaky texture.
Paprika: Enhances color and provides a subtle smoky note.
Cold Water: Helps bind the dough while keeping it light.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse cheddar cheese, butter, flour, salt, and paprika until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Water: Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Roll and Cut:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut into Squares: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 1-inch squares.
Poke Holes: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each cracker.

Bake the Crackers:

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the crackers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the crackers cool completely before serving or storing.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Homemade Cheez-Its:

As a Snack: Enjoy them straight from the container.
With Dips: Pair with hummus, guacamole, or ranch dressing.
In Lunchboxes: A perfect homemade snack for kids and adults.
With Soup: Serve alongside tomato soup for a comforting meal.
On a Cheese Board: A crunchy addition to a charcuterie board.
With Peanut Butter: A fun, salty-sweet combination.
As a Salad Topper: Crumble over Caesar or garden salads.
As a Party Snack: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
In Snack Mix: Mix with pretzels, nuts, and popcorn for a homemade snack mix.

Additional Tips

Use Cold Butter – Just like making pie dough, using cold butter helps create a flakier, crispier texture.
Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes makes it easier to roll out and helps maintain the crackers’ shape while baking.
Roll Evenly – Aim for a consistent thickness (about 1/8 inch) to ensure even baking and the perfect crunch.
Use a Pizza Cutter – A pizza cutter or pastry wheel makes cutting uniform squares quick and easy.
Poke a Hole in the Center – This classic Cheez-It feature prevents the crackers from puffing up too much in the oven.
Add a Cheese Boost – For an extra cheesy flavor, mix in a pinch of powdered cheese or a touch of Parmesan.
Bake Until Golden – Don’t underbake! The crackers should be deeply golden for that signature crisp texture.
Let Them Cool Completely – They continue to crisp up as they cool, so resist the urge to eat them straight from the oven.
Store in an Airtight Container – Keep your homemade Cheez-Its fresh and crunchy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Experiment with Flavors – Try adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for a unique twist on the classic cheddar cracker.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cheez-Its – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a fiery kick.
Garlic Parmesan Cheez-Its – Mix 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the dough and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
Smoky Cheez-Its – Use smoked cheddar or add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
Herbed Cheez-Its – Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an aromatic twist.
Pepper Jack Cheez-Its – Substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicier, slightly creamy cracker.
Everything Bagel Cheez-Its – Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a bold, savory flavor.
Ranch Cheez-Its – Add 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix to the dough for a tangy, herby taste.
Whole Wheat Cheez-Its – Swap out half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier and slightly healthier version.
Blue Cheese Cheez-Its – Replace half of the cheddar with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy, gourmet cracker.
Extra Crispy Cheez-Its – Roll the dough even thinner and bake a few minutes longer for an ultra-crispy, crunchy snack.

Special Equipment

Food Processor: For quick and easy dough preparation.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For cutting the dough into squares.
Toothpick or Skewer: To poke the signature hole in each cracker.
Baking Sheet: For baking the crackers to golden perfection.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar gives the classic Cheez-Its flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
How do I make my crackers extra crispy?
Roll the dough very thin (about 1/8 inch) and bake until golden brown.
Can I make these crackers without a food processor?
Yes! You can use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to mix the dough.
How do I store homemade Cheez-Its?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make these crackers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Why did my crackers turn out soft instead of crispy?
They may have been rolled too thick, underbaked, or stored before fully cooling. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing in a container.
Can I add seasonings for extra flavor?
Yes! Try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the crackers hold their shape and improves their texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the crackers.
Can I make these crackers without butter?
Butter gives the crackers their flaky texture, but you can try substituting it with coconut oil or shortening for a different consistency.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and packed with real cheddar flavor—just like the store-bought version but even better! These homemade cheddar cheese crackers are made with simple ingredients like sharp cheddar, butter, flour, and a touch of salt for a perfectly crunchy, savory snack.

This recipe is easy to customize—try using white cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor twist, or add a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for extra seasoning. Whether you’re making them for a snack board, lunchbox treat, or just for fun, these crispy crackers are sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see how your Homemade Cheez-Its turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!