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Homemade Cheez-Its are the perfect alternative to store-bought crackers.
These crackers are made with bright and tangy flavors of cheddar cheese, butter, and just a little bit of shortening! Kids and adults alike with love them.
These Homemade Cheez-Its Will Become a Favorite Because…
- It’s a must-try homemade snack made with just a few simple ingredients.
- These are crispy and crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside.
- These are the perfect afterschool snack or take-along lunchbox stuffable.
- And we can’t forget the satisfying cheese flavor.
Ingredients
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the best option for these crackers because of its bold and tangy flavor.
Butter: Choose unsalted butter for the best results and mix with a shelf-stable shortening.
Make It Your Own!
Right before the baking process, feel free to sprinkle on whatever seasonings you might like:
- Garlic powder or onion powder are great choices!
- Try a taco-flavored or ranch-flavored batch of Cheez-Its.
- Dusting with parmesan cheese will make them a little extra salty and flavorful.
How to Make Cheez-Its
- Combine ingredients until a dough forms (full recipe below).
- Cover the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Roll out and cut into squares with a pastry wheel. Poke a hole in the center of each and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake, cool, and serve.
Storing Homemade Crackers
Just like any other cracker, homemade cheez-its need to be stored in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature. They will last up to a week.
More Snacks to Crave!
Did you enjoy these Homemade Cheez-Its? Leave a comment and rating below.
Homemade Cheez-Its
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ice cold water
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the cheese, flour, butter, shortening, and salt. Pulse several times to combine.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough forms a ball, you may not need all of the water. The dough should not be sticky. Form the dough into a 4-inch disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a well floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. With a pastry wheel or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch squares and use a skewer or toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each.
- Bake for 19-23 minutes or until light brown at the edges. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Snack
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
I want to make them Keto friendly. Has anyone tried almond or peanut flour?
I have not but would love to hear how they turn out for you if you try.
Great lil snack. Made them as is and then decided to try a different cheeses. I used pepper jack and also tried cheddar with Monterey Jack all are great. So versatile. Thank you.
So glad you loved them!
They look fantastic. I have family with Celiac disease. Has anyone tried with gluten free flour? Thanks
I haven’t but perhaps another reader has.
These were so delicious! I also packed some for a school snack. I love being able to send a Homemade snack to school with my son. Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Can avocado oil shortening be used
I haven’t tried these with avocado shortening but I don’t see why not.
These are fantastic and I’m sure much better for you than store bought cheez-it’s! Will make often as our family likes to snack! (Will probably experiment with different cheeses as well just for fun)!
I am so happy to hear this recipe was a hit with your whole family!
What is shortening the same as, don’t think you can get it in UK
Shortening is vegetable shortening, a white fat made from vegetables. You can see what it looks like here on Amazon. In the UK, you may find it known as “vegetable fat” branded as Trex. Hope that helps!
I used lard from our Managlitas and they turned out delicious. I want to see if I can make them with chickpea or almond flour next for my MIL, who’s always looking for homemade, high protein low carb snacks.
It was pretty easy and the family loved it. I used garlic butter!
Glad your family enjoyed these Linda! Garlic butter would be great in these!
Can butter be used instead of shortening?
We haven’t tried it that way, but it could work.
For the cheese – 8 oz as in a cup or weight (i.e. half pound) ?
Can’t wait to make these!!!!
8 oz is a weight in this recipe. :) Enjoy Linda!
Do you use plain flour? These look delicious!
Thank you!! Yes, this recipe uses all-purpose flour. :)
It’s not fair as all our grandkids are big now & it’s no fun fixing special stuff for my husband & I
aw… no way! you raised your kids and did your time, now esp. is when you deserve to treat yourself ;)