Description
These homemade cheese crackers, inspired by classic Cheez-Its, are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for snacking. Made with sharp cheddar, all-purpose flour, cold butter, and plain yogurt, these crackers are easy to prepare using a food processor and baked to golden perfection. They deliver a delightful crunch and rich cheddar flavor, making them an irresistible homemade snack for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Cheese Crackers
- 8 ounces finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (160g)
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Pulse the sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter in a food processor several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is well incorporated but still in small pea-sized pieces.
- Add Yogurt: Add the plain yogurt to the mixture and pulse again for about a minute. The dough will remain crumbly but should hold together when pressed with your fingers.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Remove the dough from the food processor and shape it into a log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and slice.
- Prepare for Rolling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly sprinkle it with flour to prevent sticking. Place the chilled dough in the center.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough from the center outward, turning it occasionally to maintain an even thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Ensure the dough slab is uniform to promote even baking.
- Cut Crackers: Using a pizza cutter or fluted pastry wheel, cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Trim off any uneven edges to create perfect squares. Transfer the parchment paper with the cut pieces onto a cookie sheet, spacing the crackers slightly so they do not touch.
- Dock Crackers: Using the tip of a skewer or a chopstick, poke a hole in the center of each cracker to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake: Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, until they turn lightly golden and puff up slightly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying to ensure they crisp up fully.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk if desired for slight variations in flavor and texture.
- Ensure butter is very cold to achieve a flaky, crumbly dough texture.
- Store baked crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dough.
