You’ve probably grabbed a box of Cheez-Its more times than you can count. They’re cheesy, salty, crunchy, and downright addictive. But have you ever thought about making them yourself?
Here’s the good news: you can recreate that classic snack right in your kitchen—with just a handful of ingredients and way more flavor. These homemade bites are buttery, flaky, and full of real cheese. Plus, you get to control everything from the saltiness to the sharpness of the cheese. No preservatives. No mystery ingredients. Just pure snack joy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These
Here’s why these are about to become your new favorite thing to bake:
- Made with real, bold cheese
- Crispy and crunchy, just like the original
- Easy to customize—mild, sharp, spicy, or herby
- Kid-approved and adult-approved
- Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or late-night snacking
If you’re craving that familiar cheesy crunch but want it fresher and even more flavorful, this recipe’s got your name on it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might already have most of these in your kitchen!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 8 oz (shredded) | Use fresh block cheese for best flavor |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp (cold, cubed) | Adds richness and flakiness |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Forms the base of the dough |
| Salt | ¾ tsp | Use fine salt for even distribution |
| Ice water | 2–3 tbsp | Helps bind the dough |
| Optional: cayenne, garlic powder | To taste | For a little kick or extra flavor |
How to Make Them Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Pulse the Dough
In a food processor, combine shredded cheddar, flour, salt, and cold butter cubes. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
2️⃣ Add Ice Water
Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and pulse again until the dough starts to come together. Add a little more water if needed—just enough to form a soft dough.
3️⃣ Chill
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the crackers bake up nice and crisp.
4️⃣ Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a pastry wheel, pizza cutter, or knife to cut into small squares (roughly 1-inch). Want them authentic? Use a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each square.
5️⃣ Bake
Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 13–17 minutes or until puffed and golden. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t burn.
6️⃣ Cool and Snack
Let the crackers cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they cool. Then it’s snack time.
Pro Tips for Success
- Shred your cheese fresh. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can mess with your dough texture.
- Chill the dough. It makes a big difference in texture and rollability.
- Roll evenly. Uneven dough leads to uneven baking. Try using rolling pin rings for consistency.
- Double the batch. These go fast—you’ll thank yourself later.
Flavor Variations to Try
Get creative and make these your own:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Garlic & Herb: Mix in garlic powder and dried thyme.
- Extra Sharp: Use extra-sharp cheddar or a blend with parmesan.
- Ranch Style: Sprinkle with dry ranch seasoning before baking.
- Parmesan Crust: Press shredded parm into the tops before baking for a cheesy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a food processor?
It’s helpful for speed and texture, but you can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour and cheese.
How do I store these?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to 5 days—but good luck keeping them around that long.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap it well and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.
Why aren’t mine as crispy as store-bought?
Make sure they’re rolled thin and baked long enough. Underbaked crackers will be soft. Let them cool fully for the crunch to set.
Perfect For…
- After-school snacks
- Game night grazing
- Movie marathons
- Road trip treats
- Snack platters or charcuterie boards
Seriously, once you taste these, you might not go back to the box again.
Final Bite: Snack Smarter, Cheddar Harder
Making your own version of this iconic cheesy snack is not only simple—it’s satisfying. You get to enjoy something you love, only better. Real cheese, no fillers, and all the crunch.
So next time the craving hits, skip the store and make a batch yourself. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the cheesy magic begin.