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Homemade Cheez-It Crackers Recipe

4.7 from 113 reviews

These homemade Cheez It crackers offer a delightful, cheesy snack with a crispy texture and rich buttery flavor. Made from scratch using sharp cheddar cheese, these crackers are perfect for satisfying savory cravings and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Combine the grated cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, and sea salt in a food processor or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until evenly combined.
  2. Add Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and pulse or mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the dry and wet ingredients are well integrated.
  3. Add Ice Water: Slowly add the ice water one tablespoon at a time while the processor or mixer is running. Add just enough water to allow the dough to clump together without becoming sticky.
  4. Form Dough Discs: Gather the dough and pat it into three discs about 4 inches in diameter. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain tenderness.
  5. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough discs tightly in waxed paper or parchment and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to three days if preparing ahead.
  6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the dough out and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling.
  7. Roll Dough: On a piece of parchment, gently roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness, smoothing edges as you go to ensure even thickness throughout.
  8. Cut Crackers: Using a ruler, cut the dough into 1-inch squares with a pastry cutter, pizza cutter, or sharp knife. Pierce each cracker with a skewer in the center to prevent puffing during baking.
  9. Arrange and Bake: Carefully separate the crackers using a sharp spatula and transfer the parchment with crackers onto a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Serve warm or cool to room temperature. Yields approximately 7 to 8 dozen crackers.

Notes

  • The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
  • Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
  • Poking holes in the crackers prevents them from puffing up during baking.
  • Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the crackers tender.
  • These crackers are best stored in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Cheez It crackers, homemade cheese crackers, sharp cheddar crackers, baked cheese snack, crispy cheese crackers, homemade snack