Homemade Cheez-Its

Homemade Cheez-Its are the perfect alternative to store-bought crackers.

These crackers are made with bright and tangy flavors of cheddar cheese, butter, and just a little bit of shortening! Kids and adults alike with love them.

It’s a must-try homemade snack made with just a few simple ingredients.
These are crispy and crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside.
These are the perfect afterschool snack or take-along lunchbox stuffable.
And we can’t forget the satisfying cheese flavor.

salt , water , flour , cheese , shortening , and butter with labels to make Homemade Cheez-Its

Ingredients

Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the best option for these crackers because of its bold and tangy flavor.

Butter: Choose unsalted butter for the best results and mix with a shelf-stable shortening.

Make It Your Own!

Right before the baking process, feel free to sprinkle on whatever seasonings you might like:

adding ingredients to food processor to make Homemade Cheez-Its

blended ingredients to make Homemade Cheez-Its dough

How to Make Cheez-Its

Combine ingredients until a dough forms (full recipe below).
Cover the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Roll out and cut into squares with a pastry wheel. Poke a hole in the center of each and place it on a baking sheet.
Bake, cool, and serve.

Homemade Cheez-Its on a sheet pan before cooking

A fluted pastry wheel is the best option for cutting. However, a pizza cutter will also work. Have neither? Use a sharp paring knife.

Storing Homemade Crackers

Just like any other cracker, homemade cheez-its need to be stored in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature. They will last up to a week.

More Snacks to Crave!

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Homemade Cheez-Its are a simple snack that is perfect for stuffing into lunchboxes.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

In a food processor, add the cheese, flour, butter, shortening, and salt. Pulse several times to combine.
Gradually add cold water until the dough forms a ball, you may not need all of the water. The dough should not be sticky. Form the dough into a 4-inch disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a well floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. With a pastry wheel or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch squares and use a skewer or toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each.
Bake for 19-23 minutes or until light brown at the edges. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Cheez-Its will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese should measure about 2 cups.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Snack

Cuisine American

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