The Best Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe (Crispy Cheddar Crackers)

Skip the box and try these homemade Cheez-Its with real sharp cheddar cheese and butter for crispy, golden, craveworthy crackers.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 17

Chill Time 1 10

Total Time 1 52

Servings crackers (about)

In a food processor, combine flour, butter, cheese, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water and blend until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into a thick, flat square. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a separate sheet of parchment, roll the dough into an 11x14-inch rectangle no more than 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 1 1/4-inch squares (the width of a ruler) using a fluted pastry wheel, pizza cutter, or sharp knife, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch apart. If you notice any crackers are thicker than 1/8 inch, re-roll and cut them again.
Use the bottom of a straw, skewer, or chopstick to poke a large hole through the center of each cracker.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up the dough. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed, golden brown on top, and crisp on the bottom. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week. If the crackers become soft in storage, refresh in a 300°F for about 5 minutes then let cool again before enjoying.

* Hot or humid kitchen? Freeze the cubed butter and cold water for about 10 minutes before making the dough.

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