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Homemade Cheez It crackers stacked in a bowl, golden and crispy

Homemade Cheez It Crackers Recipe: Crispy & Cheesy

These homemade Cheez It Crackers are extra crispy, full of real cheddar flavor, and so simple to make — better than anything from the box!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese Grated, provides that signature cheesy flavor
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Cold and cubed for flaky texture
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Forms the base of the dough
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika Optional, adds color and subtle kick
  • 2–3 tbsp water Add gradually to bind dough

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Dough
    Add cheese, butter, flour, salt, and paprika to a food processor. Pulse until coarse crumbs form. Add water gradually until dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Step 2: Roll Out and Cut
    Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Roll dough between parchment sheets to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch squares. Poke a hole in the center of each with a toothpick.
  • Step 3: Bake to Perfection
    Arrange squares on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Notes

  • Cheese: For best results, use a block of extra-sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Do not use pre-shredded cheese.
  • Crispiness: The key to crispy crackers is rolling the dough to a uniform 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Baking: Watch the crackers closely in the final minutes. The deeper the golden-brown color on the edges, the crispier they will be.