Homemade Cheese Crackers (Cheez-Its) Recipe

Introduction

These Homemade Cheese Crackers, inspired by the classic Cheez-Its, are crisp, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Made with sharp cheddar and a simple blend of ingredients, they’re perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dips.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (160g)
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pulse the cheddar, flour, and butter in a food processor several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: Add the yogurt and pulse again for about a minute. The dough will remain crumbly but should hold together when pressed with your fingers.
3. Step 3: Remove the dough from the processor and shape it into a log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly sprinkle with flour. Roll the dough from the center outwards, turning occasionally to keep an even thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
5. Step 5: Cut the dough into one-inch squares using a pizza cutter or pastry wheel. Trim edges to create perfect squares. Transfer the parchment with the cut dough onto a cookie sheet, spacing crackers slightly apart.
6. Step 6: Use the tip of a skewer or chopstick to poke a hole in the center of each cracker. Bake for 17-20 minutes until lightly golden and puffed. Cool completely before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• Use aged cheddar for a stronger, more complex flavor.
• Substitute the plain yogurt with sour cream for a tangier taste.
• Roll dough between two sheets of parchment for easier handling and less flour on the surface.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their crispness. If they soften, reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a food processor?

Yes, you can cut the cold butter into the flour and cheese using a pastry cutter or two knives, then mix in the yogurt by hand until the dough holds together.

Can these crackers be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough log before rolling it out, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling, slicing, and baking as usual.

Homemade Cheese Crackers (Cheez-Its) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 40 crackers 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade cheese crackers, inspired by classic Cheez-Its, are a deliciously sharp and crispy snack made with sharp cheddar, butter, and yogurt. They are easy to prepare, rolled out into perfect little squares, and baked to golden perfection—perfect for snacking or serving alongside soups and salads.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Cracker Dough

• 8 ounces finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (160g)
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

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Instructions

1. Pulse dry ingredients: Pulse the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter in the food processor several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add yogurt and mix: Add the plain yogurt to the food processor and pulse for about a minute. The dough will still be crumbly but should hold together when pressed with your fingers.
3. Shape and chill dough: Remove the dough from the food processor, shape it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll out. If storing longer, let it sit at room temperature briefly before rolling.
4. Preheat oven and prepare workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly sprinkle it with flour.
5. Roll out dough: Place the chilled dough on the parchment and roll it from the center outward, turning occasionally to maintain an even thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
6. Cut dough into squares: Use a pizza cutter or fluted pastry wheel to cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Trim edges to create perfect squares. Transfer the entire parchment sheet with cut dough onto a cookie sheet, spacing crackers slightly apart.
7. Poke holes in crackers: Using a skewer or chopstick tip, poke a hole in the center of each cracker to allow even baking and prevent puffing.
8. Bake: Bake the crackers for 17-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and puffed slightly.
9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the crackers cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

• You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream for a slightly different flavor.
• Ensure the butter is cold to help create a flaky texture in the crackers.
• Roll the dough evenly for uniform crackers that bake consistently.
• Store baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheese crackers, Cheez-It copycat, homemade snack, cheddar crackers, savory crackers, baked snacks