Description
Homemade spicy cheez-its bring zesty cracker magic straight to kitchen counters. Sharp cheddar and cayenne pepper combine in crispy, addictive bites that crunch with bold flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Salt for topping
Instructions
- Cream sharp cheddar cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fully integrated, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Whisk salt into flour, then gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the cheese blend on low speed until it transforms into a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Introduce cold water sparingly, mixing until the ingredients cohesively form a malleable dough.
- Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase completely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to enhance flavor development and texture.
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread parchment paper on the work surface and roll the chilled dough into an ultra-thin rectangular sheet, ensuring the thickness is less than ⅛ inch.
- Using a ruler and pizza cutter, meticulously slice the dough into precise 1-inch squares, creating uniform crackers.
- Pierce the center of each square with a wooden skewer to allow steam escape and create traditional cheez-it perforations.
- Carefully transfer the parchment paper with dough squares onto a baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces.
- Delicately brush each cracker with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt for enhanced flavor profile.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation that signals crispy perfection.
- Immediately remove from oven and transfer crackers on parchment paper to a cooling rack, allowing them to crisp and set.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to develop a flaky, crisp texture that mimics classic Cheez-Its.
- Ensure the dough is rolled extremely thin for that signature cracker-like crunch and light, airy bite.
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor intensity and authentic cheesy taste.
- Poke small holes in each cracker to prevent bubbling and create the traditional Cheez-It appearance.
- Sprinkle extra salt on top just before baking to enhance the savory, addictive quality of the crackers.
- Cool crackers completely on the parchment paper to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg