Homemade Cheese Crackers

Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by Kathryn Donangelo

Homemade Cheese Crackers are made with only 4 simple ingredients and tastes even better than store-bought Cheez-its! They are crunchy and buttery with a sharp cheddar cheese flavor. These crackers are perfect for lunch boxes or take them as a to-go snack!

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Homemade Cheese Crackers

If you’re looking for an unbelievably easy savory snack recipe, you’ve come to the right place on the internet! One of my favorite snacks as a kid and adult is Cheez-its! This Homemade Cheese Crackers recipe AKA Homemade Cheez-its tastes better and is better for you than the store-bought stuff.

These crispy crackers can look intimidating to make but I promise they are so easy. It’s always good to have these cheese crackers on hand because they are perfect for both kids and adults to snack on, take them to-go, and enjoy them any time of the day.

If you love savory snacks, you’ll love my Homemade Soft Pretzels, Buffalo Rancho Chex Mix, and Cheese Pizza Roll Ups.

Key Ingredients

There are only 4 ingredients needed in this easy recipe! You can feel good about these cheese crackers because they are healthier than the store-bought stuff.

Cheddar Cheese: We use extra sharp cheddar cheese but you can use mild cheddar, regular cheddar, or white cheddar.

Butter: Use salted butter to add a hint of saltiness. The butter should be at room temperature.

Flour: I use all-purpose flour but you can also use whole wheat flour instead. You can also use a combination of both flours.

Water: you want to use cold water or ice water, this will helps bind the dough together.

How To Make Homemade Cheese Crackers

Beat Butter and Cheese. In a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, stand mixer, or food processor beat together the butter and cheese until softened and combined.

Mix In Flour and Water. Add the flour and continue to mix until slightly dry and crumbly. Add water and continue to mix until combined dough forms and comes together.

Chill Dough. Form the dough into 2 balls and wrap each ball in plastic wrap. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Cut Into Squares. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a surface and roll each dough ball to 1/4 inch thickness with a rolling pin. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 1-inch squares and place on prepared sheets. Use a wooden skewer or chopstick to poke a small hole in the center of each square. Top with a little salt (optional).

Bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a golden brown. If you want your cheese crackers to be extra crunchy, continue baking for another 1-2 minutes but be careful not to burn. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Cool completely and enjoy!

Recipe Variations & Add-Inns

Add more flavor: Some other spices to add in or sprinkle on top for additional flavor is garlic powder, onion powder, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, and paprika.

Shapes: Instead of cutting the crackers into squares, cut into triangles or use mini cookie cutters to make other shapes like a gold fish, stars, hearts, and flowers.

Shred Your Own Cheese: This is the most important tip and is a must! Make sure to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese will NOT melt the same way as shredding the cheese yourself will because store bought pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent that prevents the cheese from sticking together when packaged making a gritty texture.

Cheese Flavors: Alternatively, you can use white cheddar cheese, Jack cheese, and Colby. You want to be sure the cheese has a similar texture and flavor to cheddar otherwise it could change the consistency. If you want your crackers to tastes like Homemade Cheez-its, I recommend using extra sharp cheddar like the recipe calls for.

Add Spice: You can make these spicy by adding black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the dough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They are perfect for kids’ school snacks, lunchboxes, game day, snack time, and everyone will love them– even any pick eater!
• You only need 4 ingredients to make this recipe. That’s it! 
• Packed with real cheese flavor.
• They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors. 
• Taste just like store-bought cheez-its except these crackers are made with real cheddar cheese and has no add sugars or preservative so they are healthier for you. 

Leftovers & Storage

To-Store: Store crackers in an airtight container or large ziplock bag for up to 1 week. Since they are made with real cheese and butter, they may loose their crunchiness if not stored properly. You can also store in the refrigerator to ensure they keep the crunchiness.

Other Popular Easy Recipes To Try

• Homemade Bagel Bites
• Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Peanut Butter Energy Bites
• Turkey Cheddar Roll Ups
• Hot Pizza Dip
• Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
• Date Bars

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