Homemade Cheez-Its – A Crunchy, Cheesy Snack You’ll Love to Bake
Introduction: Say Goodbye to Store-Bought
If you’re a fan of crispy, salty, cheesy snacks, then homemade Cheez-Its are a must-try. With just a few basic ingredients—cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and seasoning—you can create a snack that’s even more delicious than the boxed kind. These crackers are incredibly easy to make, and they deliver that signature crunch and bold cheese flavor everyone craves.
Perfect for lunchboxes, movie nights, party platters, or guilt-free snacking, this DIY version is preservative-free and totally customizable.
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Why You’ll Love Homemade Cheez-Its
Only 6 basic ingredients
No preservatives or artificial colors
Customize the flavor and spice level
Store well for up to a week
Perfect for kids and adults alike
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Ingredients
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp cheddar for more flavor)
4 tbsp salted butter, softened
½ tsp seasoning salt (or regular salt)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional, but adds depth)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2–3 tbsp ice water (as needed to bring dough together)
> Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
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Equipment
Food processor (recommended for easy dough mixing)
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Pastry wheel or knife
Fork or skewer (to poke holes)
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Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
1. In a food processor, pulse together the shredded cheese, butter, seasoning salt, and garlic powder until combined.
2. Add the flour and pulse until mixture is crumbly.
3. Slowly add 1 tbsp of ice water at a time, pulsing until the dough forms a ball.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a flat disc.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Chilling helps develop flavor and makes rolling easier.
Step 3: Roll & Cut
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper until 1/8 inch thick.
3. Use a knife or pastry wheel to cut into 1-inch squares.
4. Use a skewer or fork to poke a small hole in the center of each square.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer squares to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Keep an eye on the edges—they can brown quickly.
Step 5: Cool & Store
Let crackers cool completely on a wire rack.
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
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Flavor Variations
1. Spicy Cheez-Its
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
2. Herb Cheez-Its
Mix in 1 tsp dried rosemary or Italian seasoning.
3. Parmesan & Black Pepper
Substitute half the cheddar with grated Parmesan and add cracked black pepper.
4. Smoky Cheez-Its
Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for a BBQ-style flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
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Serving Ideas
Pack in school lunches or snack boxes
Serve with dips like ranch, hummus, or salsa
Crumble over soups and salads for added crunch
Make mini sandwich bites with deli meat and cheese
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Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead:
Prepare dough and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month—thaw before rolling.
Storage:
Store baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature.
For longer shelf life, bake an extra 2 minutes and let them dry fully.
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Nutrition (Per Serving – About 15 crackers)
Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 12g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 210mg
> Nutrition may vary depending on cheese and toppings used.
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FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but fresh cheese melts and blends better. Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
Add a little more ice water, one teaspoon at a time.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Roll the dough thinner (about 1/16”) and bake a few extra minutes.
Can I freeze baked Cheez-Its?
Yes! Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month and re-crisp in the oven.
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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Homemade Snack
These Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and completely addictive. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. With easy variations and endless serving ideas, this snack is a win for family game nights, lunchboxes, or simply satisfying a savory craving.
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Call to Action
Bake a batch and tag your crunchy creations with #HomemadeCheezIts
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