If you’ve never made homemade cheese crackers before, you’re in for a treat! This easy recipe delivers that classic crunch and bold flavor of store-bought cheese crackers, but without the preservatives and with a whole lot more satisfaction.
These cheddar crackers are one of my new favorite recipes that we’ve added to our recipe box. They are simple to make, fun to roll out, and perfect for snack time, a lunchbox, or even as a party nibble.
A Delicious Copycat Recipe
These crispy crackers are made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry: flour, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese. Our version of homemade Cheez-its.
A fun recipe for baking with kids or whipping up something for guests. You can even experiment with different cheeses or spices next time for a fun twist.
Quick and Crispy Cheddar Cheese Crackers Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded (avoid pre-shredded cheese for the best result)
- ¾ Cup All-Purpose Flour or use whole wheat flour for added whole grains
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter cold and cubed
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Kosher Salt or sea salt
- ⅛ Teaspoon Black Pepper optional, but it adds a nice kick
- 1–2 Tablespoons Water as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dough
- In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture resembles pie dough crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time and pulse just until the dough forms a ball.1 ½ Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, ¾ Cup All-Purpose Flour, 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder, ¼ Teaspoon Onion Powder, ¼ Teaspoon Kosher Salt, ⅛ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
- Step 2: Chill
- Wrap the piece of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough and gives you a better texture.
- Step 3: Roll and Cut
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter, fluted pastry wheel, or small cookie cutter to create fun shapes. For a traditional look, cut into 1-inch squares.
- Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the crackers about ½ inch apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown.
- Bake time may vary depending on your oven and cracker size, so keep an eye on them!
- Step 5: Cool
- Transfer crackers to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Serving and Storage
These homemade cheddar cheese crackers are best served at room temperature and enjoyed within 5 days. Store in an airtight container at room temp for freshness.
Note: Unlike store-bought versions, these crackers don’t have preservatives, so they won’t last quite as long—but they probably won’t stick around that long anyway!
Recipe Variations
Want a different flavor? Try these tweaks:
- Add a pinch of garlic salt or paprika for extra zip.
- Use a pasta maker for ultra-thin crackers.
What Kind of Cheese Can you Use for These Crackers?
While sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice for homemade cheese crackers because of its bold, tangy flavor and good meltability, you can experiment with different cheeses to create fun variations. Here are some options:
🧀 Best Cheeses for Homemade Crackers
Sharp Cheddar (Classic)
- Strong flavor
- Melts well
- Most similar to Cheez-Its or other store-bought cheese crackers
White Cheddar
- Milder than yellow cheddar but still flavorful
- Great for a slightly more refined look
Parmesan
- Dry and salty with a nutty flavor
- Best used mixed with cheddar or another melty cheese
Gruyère
- Buttery and slightly sweet
- Melts well and gives a more gourmet flavor
Pepper Jack
- Spicy twist with jalapeño flecks
- Perfect for adding a kick without changing the texture
Colby or Colby-Jack
- Milder than cheddar
- Good for kids or those who prefer less tang
Smoked Gouda
- Rich and smoky flavor
- Adds complexity, especially when paired with a touch of garlic powder or paprika
American Cheese (processed slices)
- Very melty and smooth
- Not as sharp, but still makes soft, kid-friendly crackers
🔄 Tips for Swapping Cheeses
- Stick to hard or semi-hard cheeses that melt well.
- Avoid high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella or fresh goat cheese—they don’t create the right cracker texture.
- Combine cheeses for a different flavor profile—e.g., cheddar + Parmesan for tang and depth.
- Grate the cheese yourself when possible. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can affect how the dough comes together.
Budget-Friendly Cheddar Cheese Crackers
If you’ve been relying on store-bought crackers, give this homemade version a try. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and a great way to use up pantry staples.
Plus, it’s an ideal beginner-friendly first recipe for home bakers.
Pair them with soup, charcuterie, or eat them straight from the jar—however you enjoy them, this crackers recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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