Name: Homemade Cheez-Its
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488670H45M54S
Total time: PT-488670H45M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for topping; ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed; 2 tablespoons whole milk, cold

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These Homemade Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive. With sharp cheddar cheese, real butter, and a pinch of salt, they’re a homemade version of the iconic snack cracker that tastes even better than the box. Perfect for snacking, parties, or packing into lunchboxes, these crunchy little squares are quick and fun to bake at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with real cheese and no artificial ingredients
Crisp, golden, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor
Easy to cut into classic square shapes at home
A family-friendly recipe kids and adults both love
Stores well for a ready-to-eat homemade snack

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt, plus more for topping
¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
2 tablespoons whole milk, cold

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Add cheddar cheese, flour, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until combined.
Add butter and pulse several times until the mixture looks crumbly.
Add milk and pulse again. The dough will not form a ball in the processor but should hold together when pressed between two fingers.
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll into a thin rectangle, thinner than ⅛ inch since the crackers puff as they bake.
Using a knife, pizza cutter, or fluted pastry wheel, cut into 1-inch squares.
Use the flat end of a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each square for the classic Cheez-It look.
Place squares on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
Bake for 17–20 minutes, until the bottoms are deep golden brown and crisp.
Cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 60–70 crackers, depending on how thinly you roll the dough.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: none required
Cooking time: 17–20 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Use white cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère for different flavors.
Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a spiced version.
Sprinkle with garlic powder or onion powder before baking.
Try cutting into fun shapes using small cookie cutters.
Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To re-crisp, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes.
Freeze cooled crackers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Do I need a food processor for this recipe?

It makes the process faster, but you can mix by hand or with a pastry cutter.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese works best since pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Why do I need to poke a hole in the crackers?

The hole helps release steam so the crackers stay crisp and also gives them the signature Cheez-It look.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Thinner than ⅛ inch for the crispiest results, since they puff up in the oven.

Can I make them spicier?

Yes, add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot smoked paprika to the dough.

What if my crackers aren’t crispy?

They may need more baking time—bake until bottoms are deep golden brown for crunch.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

How do I get perfectly even squares?

Use a pizza cutter or pastry wheel with a ruler for neat cuts.

Do they taste exactly like boxed Cheez-Its?

They’re very close but with a fresher, sharper cheese flavor since they’re homemade.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheez-Its are the ultimate cheesy, crunchy snack you can bake right in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and bold cheddar flavor, they’re fun to make, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear quickly. Once you try these, you may never want to go back to the boxed version.