Description
These Homemade Cheese Crackers, inspired by Cheez-Its, are a deliciously sharp and buttery snack made from scratch with finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, flour, butter, and yogurt. Rolled out thin and baked to a perfect golden crisp, they’re perfect for a crunchy snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Pulse the cheddar cheese, flour, and cold butter pieces in a food processor several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This helps distribute the butter evenly and begins to form the base of the cracker dough.
- Add Yogurt and Pulse: Add the plain yogurt to the food processor and pulse for about a minute until the dough is still crumbly but holds together when pressed with your fingers, forming a cohesive dough.
- Chill the Dough: Remove the dough from the food processor and shape it into a log. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and slice. If refrigerated for longer periods, allow the dough to sit at room temperature briefly before rolling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Surface: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a work surface, place a sheet of parchment paper and lightly sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking. Place the chilled dough in the center of the parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough evenly from the center outward, turning occasionally to maintain a uniform thickness between 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Using a pizza cutter or fluted pastry wheel, cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Trim edges for perfect squares. Transfer the entire parchment sheet with cut dough onto a cookie sheet, spacing crackers slightly apart.
- Decorate and Bake: Using the tip of a skewer or chopstick, poke a small hole in the center of each cracker to prevent puffing and help them bake evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden and puffed. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Notes
- The plain yogurt adds moisture and helps bind the dough; Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
- For sharper flavor, use aged sharp cheddar cheese.
- Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a flakier texture in the crackers.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- You can adjust baking time to achieve your preferred level of crispness; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
