Homemade Cheez-It Crackers Recipe
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.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Yield: 7 to 8 dozen crackers 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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