Homemade Cheez Its bring back so many wonderful memories! I remember the first time I made these with my mom, Eva. We spent a whole afternoon in the kitchen, laughing and enjoying the cheesy aroma filling the air.
Now, these little bites of goodness are my go-to snacks. They are perfect for sharing or just keeping for myself during movie nights. Let me walk you through making your very own Homemade Cheez Its!
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
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Ruler
- Pizza cutter or pastry cutter
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wooden skewer
- Cooling rack
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Place the butter and shredded cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Mix on medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture and mix on low speed until a dry crumble forms.
- Gradually add cold water by the teaspoon until the dough starts forming.
- Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate 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.
- Make 1-inch marks vertically and horizontally with a ruler to create a grid.
- Cut along the lines with a pizza cutter or pastry cutter to make squares.
- Use a wooden skewer to poke small holes in the center of each square.
- Move the parchment paper to a baking sheet, ensuring the squares aren’t touching.
- Brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until they start to brown.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
If you’re looking to make these a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You might also try adding some herbs or spices, like garlic powder or paprika, to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
These Homemade Cheez Its are perfect on their own, but I love serving them alongside a creamy dip. Pair them with guacamole or a spicy salsa for a delightful snack. You can also use them as toppings for salad for a crunchy addition.
Getting It Just Right
To get that perfect crispy texture, make sure you roll the dough out thin enough. The less than ⅛ inch thickness is key. If they are too thick, they might stay chewy instead of getting that nice crunch we all love.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Enjoy Every Moment
Making these Homemade Cheez Its is a fun activity for the whole family. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or just for yourself, every bite is a little moment of joy. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and savor these crunchy snacks!
A Few Common Questions
How can I make Homemade Cheez Its spicier?
You can add a little cayenne pepper or black pepper to the cheese mixture to give your Homemade Cheez Its a spicy kick. Just a pinch can really enhance the flavor!
What if I don’t have a wooden skewer for poking holes?
If you don’t have a wooden skewer, a toothpick or even the tip of a knife can work just as well. The holes help with even baking and create that classic Cheez It look.
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you could use any cheese you like, such as pepper jack for spice, gouda for a different flavor, or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind the texture might change a bit.
Print
Homemade Cheez Its
- Total Time: 77 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Cheez Its are a delightful snack that brings back wonderful memories. Perfect for sharing or enjoying during movie nights.
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 shredded cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl.
- Mix on medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture and mix on low speed until a dry crumble forms.
- Gradually add cold water by the teaspoon until the dough starts forming.
- Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate 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.
- Make 1-inch marks vertically and horizontally with a ruler to create a grid.
- Cut along the lines with a pizza cutter or pastry cutter to make squares.
- Use a wooden skewer to poke small holes in the center of each square.
- Move the parchment paper to a baking sheet, ensuring the squares aren’t touching.
- Brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until they start to brown.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack.
Notes
For a healthier option, substitute whole wheat flour and add spices for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: snack, cheese, homemade, Cheez It, crunchy