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Homemade Cheez-Its

Homemade Cheez-Its
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Crispy, cheesy, and addictive homemade Cheez-Its made with sharp cheddar, simple ingredients, and baked to golden perfection. A customizable, preservative-free snack perfect for nibbling, lunchboxes, or parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 2–3 tablespoons Cold Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika or Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by finely grating the sharp cheddar cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese with all-purpose flour, salt, and optional spices. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually, kneading gently just until the dough comes together without becoming sticky.
  2. Roll and Cut: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness. Trim the edges for uniformity and cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Prick each square with a fork or toothpick to prevent puffing while baking.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow heat circulation. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the crackers feel crisp. Watch carefully near the end to avoid burning.
  4. Cool and Store: Transfer the baked Cheez-Its to a wire rack and let them cool completely to develop maximum crispness. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better flavor and melt; avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
  • Roll dough thin and even at about 1/8 inch thickness for optimal crunch.
  • Prick each cracker before baking to keep them flat and prevent puffing.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space for proper heat circulation.
  • Cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade Cheez-Its, cheesy crackers, baked snacks, sharp cheddar crackers, crunchy snack

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