Description
These homemade cheese crackers, inspired by classic Cheez-Its, are crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, flour, butter, and yogurt, they’re rolled, cut into perfect squares, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or party treat, these crackers offer a delightful homemade alternative to store-bought versions.
Ingredients
Cheese Cracker Dough
- 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 grated cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter in a food processor several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Yogurt: Add the plain yogurt to the mixture and pulse again for about a minute. The dough should still be crumbly but should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
- 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. Chilling helps make rolling and slicing easier. If the dough is refrigerated for a longer time, let it sit at room temperature briefly before rolling.
- Prepare to Roll: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly sprinkle with flour. Place the chilled dough in the center.
- Roll Dough: Roll the dough out from the center outward, turning it occasionally to maintain an even thickness. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness for perfect crackers.
- Cut Crackers: Use a pizza cutter or fluted pastry wheel to cut the dough into one-inch squares. Trim the edges for neatness. Transfer the entire parchment sheet with the cut dough squares to a cookie sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they do not touch.
- Create Cracker Holes: Using the tip of a skewer or chopstick, poke a small hole in the center of each cracker. This helps them bake evenly and look authentic.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 17-20 minutes or until the crackers are lightly golden and puffy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying their crispy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- You can substitute plain yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for a slight variation in flavor.
- Keep the butter very cold to help create a flaky texture in the crackers.
- Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness.
- For extra flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne before baking.
