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Homemade Cheddar Cheese Crackers Recipe

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Homemade Cheez It Crackers are a crispy, cheesy snack made from scratch using sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and simple pantry staples. These bite-sized crackers are perfectly seasoned with sea salt and baked to a golden brown, delivering a deliciously savory flavor and satisfying crunch. Ideal for snacking, entertaining, or serving alongside soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Dough

  • 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon organic vegetable shortening
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Combine the grated cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, and sea salt in a food processor or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until well mixed.
  2. Add Flour: Add the all-purpose flour and pulse or mix on low speed until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. Add Ice Water: Slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time while the mixer or processor is running, just until the dough begins to clump together. Adjust the amount of water if necessary depending on the dough’s consistency.
  4. Form Dough Discs: Gather the dough and pat it into three discs approximately 4 inches in diameter. Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking.
  5. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough discs tightly in waxed paper or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days to allow the dough to firm up.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dough from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften slightly.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough gently on a piece of parchment paper until it is about 1/8 inch thick, smoothing edges as needed to maintain even thickness.
  8. Cut Crackers: Using a ruler, cut the dough into 1-inch squares with a pastry cutter, knife, or pizza cutter. Poke a hole in the center of each square with a skewer to mimic the classic Cheez It shape.
  9. Separate and Bake: Use a sharp spatula to separate the crackers on the parchment paper and transfer the parchment to a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the crackers are lightly browned around the edges.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. This recipe yields about 7 to 8 dozen crackers.

Notes

  • Do not overwork the dough to keep the crackers tender and flaky.
  • The exact amount of ice water needed may vary depending on ingredient brands and kitchen humidity.
  • Store baked crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to 1 week.
  • Vegetable shortening helps create a crisp texture but can be substituted with additional butter if desired.

Keywords: Cheez It, homemade crackers, cheddar cheese crackers, baked snack, cheesy crackers

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/homemade-cheddar-cheese-crackers-recipe/