Homemade Cheez Its

These Homemade Cheez Its are a delightful snack that brings the taste of real cheddar cheese to your kitchen. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply satisfying a cheesy craving, these crunchy bites are easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. They’re not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite herbs or spices for an extra kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just six ingredients and straightforward steps, making homemade Cheez Its is simple and fun.
• Real Cheese Flavor: Using sharp cheddar cheese ensures that every bite is packed with rich, cheesy goodness.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add spices for unique flavors.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack at home or a party appetizer, these Cheez Its fit right in.
• Healthier Option: Homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought snacks.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your homemade Cheez Its, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Ruler
• Pizza cutter or pastry cutter
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: These tools save time and effort by thoroughly mixing ingredients quickly.
• Pizza cutter or pastry cutter: This tool allows for clean cuts and uniform squares for even baking.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes transferring your Cheez Its effortless.

Ingredients

These homemade Cheez Its are made with 6 basic ingredients including real cheddar cheese. Learn how to make them in this simple tutorial.

For the Dough

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Homemade Cheez Its

Step 1: Mix Butter and Cheese

Place the butter and sharp cheddar cheese into a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, mix the two ingredients together on medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture becomes smooth, combined, and fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Flour and Salt

Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the flour and whisk the two together. Slowly add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix on low speed until it turns into a dry crumble.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Once all of the flour has been added, slowly add cold water by the teaspoon. Continue mixing until a dough forms.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Form the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Remove the dough from the fridge. Preheat your oven to 375ºF.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Lay parchment paper on your counter. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle that is less than ⅛ inch thick.

Step 7: Cut Squares

Use a ruler to measure out 1-inch marks vertically and horizontally to create a grid. Carefully cut straight lines with a pizza cutter from your markings.

Step 8: Create Holes

Use a wooden skewer’s flat end to make small holes in each square before transferring them carefully onto a large baking sheet without overlapping.

Step 9: Add Olive Oil & Salt

Brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle them with kosher salt.

Step 10: Bake

Place in the oven for 15-17 minutes or until they start browning.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from oven; immediately move parchment paper onto a cooling rack to let them cool completely before serving.

Now you can enjoy your delicious homemade Cheez Its!

How to Serve Homemade Cheez Its

Serving your homemade Cheez Its can elevate your snacking experience. Whether it’s for a gathering, movie night, or just a simple treat, here are some great ideas.

Pair with Dips

• Creamy Spinach Dip – This rich dip complements the cheesy flavor perfectly.
• Salsa – A fresh salsa adds a zesty twist to each crunchy bite.
• Guacamole – Creamy avocado goodness pairs well with the crunch of the Cheez Its.

Cheese Board Addition

• Artisan Cheeses – Serve alongside various cheeses for a gourmet touch.
• Charcuterie Meats – Add some cured meats for a savory contrast.
• Olives and Pickles – These add briny flavors that enhance your cheese experience.

Snack Mix Ideas

• Trail Mix – Combine Cheez Its with nuts and dried fruits for a sweet-salty snack.
• Popcorn Mix – Toss them into popcorn for an exciting crunch in every handful.

For Kids’ Parties

• Mini Sandwiches – Use Cheez Its as fun sandwich fillers or toppings.
• Fruit Skewers – Balance out the cheesy snacks with some colorful fruit.

How to Perfect Homemade Cheez Its

To achieve the perfect homemade Cheez Its, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and enhances flavor.
• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating helps in achieving a crisp texture when baked.
• Roll Evenly – Ensure the dough is less than ⅛ inch thick for uniform baking.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on them near the end to prevent over-browning.
• Experiment with Spices – Add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cheez Its

Homemade Cheez Its can be paired with many delightful side dishes that complement their cheesy goodness. Here are some tasty options:

1. Vegetable Crudités – Fresh veggies served with hummus provide a healthy crunch.
2. Caprese Salad – Juicy tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic reduce richness.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy roasted potatoes make a hearty sidekick to your snacks.
4. Chicken Wings – Spicy wings balance out the mild flavors of the Cheez Its.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers can be a satisfying companion.
6. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad adds freshness that pairs well with cheese snacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Cheez Its can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring the butter temperature: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can make it difficult to achieve a smooth cheese mixture. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough crackers. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Skipping the chill time: Not refrigerating the dough may result in uneven baking. Always chill your dough for at least an hour for best results.
• Cutting squares unevenly: Irregular sizes will bake unevenly. Use a ruler for precise measurements to ensure uniform cooking.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect the texture. Preheat your oven fully before placing your crackers inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Homemade Cheez Its

• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Reheating Homemade Cheez Its

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious as this may make them chewy.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm them for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Homemade Cheez Its?

You can add spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance flavor. Experiment with different cheese varieties too!

Are these Homemade Cheez Its gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Homemade Cheez Its, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors in your Homemade Cheez Its.

How do I know when they are done baking?

They should turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them during baking as they can burn quickly.

What is the best way to serve Homemade Cheez Its?

Serve them fresh as a snack or pair with dips like hummus or salsa for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Cheez Its are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them according to your taste preferences, making them a fantastic snack option. Try experimenting with different spices and cheese varieties for unique twists!