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August 17, 2022 By Kathryn Donangelo 10 Comments

Homemade Cheese Crackers

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homemade copycat Cheez-it crackers

Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by Kathryn Donangelo

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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!

PIN these Homemade Cheese Crackers to try later!

homemade cheese crackers in a while bowl.

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.

close up of cheese crackers

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 cheese crackers from scratch

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!

cheese crackers on baking sheet

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.

close up of homemade cheez-its

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. 
homemade cheese crackers in a bowl

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.

cheese crackers in bowls

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
birds eye view of cheese crackers

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Subscribe and I’ll send all my newest and FREE recipes to your inbox! You can also keep up with me on social media: Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. If you make this recipe, please let me know how it turned out and leave a star rating in the recipe card! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram so I can see and feature you!

Homemade Cheese Crackers

Homemade Cheese Crackers are made with only 4 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!
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese cracker recipe, homemade cheese crackers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Equipment

  • Electric hand mixer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Maldon Sea Salt

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup salted butter softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  • In a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, stand mixer, or food processor beat together the butter and cheese until softened and combined.
  • Add the flour and continue to mix until slightly dry and crumbly. Add water and continue to mix until combined and the dough should come together.
  • 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.
  • 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. Cut into 1 inch squares and place on prepared baking sheet. Use a small skewer or chopstick to poke a hole in the center of each square. Top with sea salt flakes (optional).
  • 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 cooling rack. Cool completely and enjoy!
Find Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

Notes

Recipe Notes: 
  1. 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.

Like this recipe? Then you'll love these:

  • Turkey Cheddar Lunch Roll Ups
    Turkey Cheddar Lunch Roll Ups
  • Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies
    Chocolate Chip Pretzel Cookies
  • Raspberry Almond Scones
    Raspberry Almond Scones
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Filed Under: Snacks

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. oyummy.blog@gmail.com'o-yummy says

    August 21, 2022 at 7:27 am

    5 stars
    Wowww!! It looks so tempting, definitely gonna try it. Thanks!!!!!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      August 22, 2022 at 6:01 am

      5 stars
      I hope you do, they are the best kind of snack!

      Reply
  2. dannii@hungryhealthyhappy.com'Dannii says

    August 21, 2022 at 7:41 am

    5 stars
    My kids loved these. So easy to make too.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      August 22, 2022 at 6:00 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  3. janessa@thenessykitchen.com'Janessa says

    August 21, 2022 at 7:57 am

    5 stars
    These look so tasty! Perfect to make for a snack when you’re on the go.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      August 22, 2022 at 6:00 am

      5 stars
      They taste even better than store bough Cheez-its too!

      Reply
  4. talldrea67@gmail.com'Andrea says

    August 21, 2022 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    I’ve never made homemade crackers. Not sure why. They are so easy to make and these cheese crackers are a perfect flavor.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      August 22, 2022 at 6:00 am

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved them, Andrea!

      Reply
  5. beth@effortlessfoodie.com'Beth says

    August 21, 2022 at 9:47 am

    5 stars
    Homemade cheese crackers make the best after-school snack for kids! Such a delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Kathryn Donangelo says

      August 22, 2022 at 5:56 am

      5 stars
      Thank you, Beth! I agree!

      Reply

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