Homemade Cheez Its are a delicious and cheesy snack that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. The best part? They are straightforward to make and perfect for munching during movie nights or as an afternoon treat.
I remember making these with my sister, Jennifer. We would crowd around the kitchen counter, laughing and snacking on the warm, cheesy bits right out of the oven. Those are sweet memories I cherish.
Your Ingredients List
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
My Go-To Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Standing mixer or electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Ruler
- Pizza cutter or pastry cutter
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Place the butter and cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Mix for 4-5 minutes on medium/high speed until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl on low speed.
- Slowly add cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until a dough starts to form.
- Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Roll out the dough on parchment paper into a rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick.
- Use a ruler to mark 1-inch squares vertically and horizontally.
- Cut the dough into squares using a pizza cutter carefully.
- Use a skewer to make small holes in each square.
- Transfer the parchment paper with squares to a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Brush olive oil on each square and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until they start to brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a cooling rack.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can try whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Another twist is to use a mix of cheeses for different flavors, such as gouda or pepper jack.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
These Homemade Cheez Its are great as a standalone snack. I also love to serve them with salsa or guacamole for a tasty dip. They’re also excellent paired with a savory cheese platter.
Getting It Just Right
For crispier crackers, make sure the dough is rolled thin enough before cutting. Don’t skip the holes in each square, as they help the heat circulate during baking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Homemade Cheez Its in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Enjoy Every Moment
Make these Homemade Cheez Its a part of your next gathering or movie night. I promise they will delight both kids and adults alike. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
A Few Common Questions
What type of cheese is best for Homemade Cheez Its?
Sharp cheddar is best because it gives that rich flavor we love. However, feel free to experiment with other cheese for unique tastes!
Can I make Homemade Cheez Its ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a few days. When ready, just roll it out and bake.
How do I make my Homemade Cheez Its spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in spices like cayenne pepper or paprika into the dough. Just a pinch will do to add that extra kick!
Print
Homemade Cheez Its
- Total Time: 77 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Cheez Its are a delicious and cheesy snack that’s perfect for movie nights or as an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Place the butter and cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Mix for 4-5 minutes on medium/high speed until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl on low speed.
- Slowly add cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until a dough starts to form.
- Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Roll out the dough on parchment paper into a rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick.
- Use a ruler to mark 1-inch squares vertically and horizontally.
- Cut the dough into squares using a pizza cutter carefully.
- Use a skewer to make small holes in each square.
- Transfer the parchment paper with squares to a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Brush olive oil on each square and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until they start to brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a cooling rack.
Notes
For crispier crackers, make sure the dough is rolled thin enough before cutting. Store any leftover Homemade Cheez Its in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: snack, homemade, cheese crackers, Cheez Its