By: Jill Mills Updated: May 27, 2026

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Made with just 5 ingredients, these Homemade Cheez-Its are a quick and easy snack the entire family will love. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar makes them taste even better than the store-bought version, too!

My family is obsessed with these homemade Cheez-Its, perhaps even more so than they were with the store-bought version before I started making these. They were one thing that always seemed to find their way into my cart, and I quickly became tired of spending $5 on a box that would be devoured in 5 minutes. The store brand cheddar crackers just didn’t cut it, either; they basically tasted like cardboard.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out how easy this copycat Cheez-Its recipe is to make with just 5 basic ingredients. Not to mention cheaper! They don’t last quite as long as the store-bought version but that’s never been an issue because they disappear almost as fast as I make them. But, if you can keep the kids out of them, they do stay fresh for about a week. And since cheese is the main ingredient, they taste SO much better.

It’s currently a toss-up in my house between these and dill pickle Chex Mix as the most requested savory snack. I’ve also discovered they work great with dips and as a topping for soup. These crackers + crockpot tomato soup = perfection.

Why These Homemade Cheez-Its Are So Good

Only 5 ingredients. These cheddar crackers are made with a whopping 5 ingredients. I’m not sure how many ingredients are in the store-bought version but I’m sure it’s more than that! I love knowing exactly what’s in them and, most importantly, knowing that cheese is actually the main ingredient.
Quick & easy to make. The short ingredient list and making the dough in the food processor keep this homemade Cheez-Its recipe super quick and easy to make. The dough does need to chill for an hour before cutting the crackers, but the actual hands-on time is less than 20 minutes! They bake in just a few minutes, too.
Actually tastes like cheddar. Using freshly shredded sharp cheddar means these crackers actually taste like cheddar. There’s actually just as much cheese as there is flour in the dough! For that reason, I think they taste even better than the store-bought version.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make cheez its

What You’ll Need

Here’s an overview of the five ingredients needed to make these cheese crackers. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of the post for the exact measurements.

Cheddar cheese – Be sure to use sharp or extra sharp cheddar so that the flavor really comes through in the final product. Mild cheddar will be very bland. I also highly recommend shredding your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as easily.
Butter – I used salted butter. If you use unsalted, just add a pinch more salt.
Seasonings – I just used a bit of salt and garlic powder to season these crackers.
All-purpose flour – The flour acts as a binder that turns the cheese into a dough.
Ice water – Adds moisture to the dough as needed. Be sure to use ice water to prevent the dough from becoming too warm and sticky.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your homemade Cheez It flavors. I stuck with the classic cheddar, but you can switch things up by using white cheddar cheese or experimenting with parmesan or gruyère.

For extra flavor, sprinkle the crackers with flaky sea salt before baking or, if you prefer spicier crackers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dough. You can also make a ranch version by adding some ranch seasoning to the dough.

How To Make Homemade Cheez-Its

These homemade crackers are truly so simple and easy to make. Just remember to plan time for the dough to chill. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Shredded cheddar and butter in a food processor

Flour added to cheddar cheese and butter in the food processor

Pulse the ingredients. Pulse the cheese, butter, salt, and garlic powder in a food processor until combined. Add the flour and pulse until it resembles coarse sand.
Add water. Pulse in the water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to form a ball. Only add as much water as needed and do not overmix.
Chill. Transfer the dough to plastic wrap. Shape into a disc, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Prep to bake. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll and cut the dough. Divide the dough in half. Roll half out to ¼ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch squares and poke a hole in the center with a toothpick.
Bake. Arrange the squares on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crackers are crisp and lightly golden around the edges. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
Repeat. Repeat the process with the remaining dough. Enjoy!

Homemade Cheez Its on a scoop on a baking sheet

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure crispy, flavorful homemade Cheez Its.

Roll to even thickness. To ensure even baking, roll the dough as evenly as possible and keep the thickness consistent. Aim for about ¼ inch thick so they get crispy in the oven.
Chill if needed. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
Use sharp cheddar. For the best flavor, be sure to use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, or another cheese with a strong flavor, like parmesan.
Make it by hand. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the dough by hand using a pastry cutter or fork, but it may take longer to combine.
Avoid overbaking. The crackers can become too hard if they’re baked for too long. Check them frequently during the last few minutes of baking.

Proper Storage

Homemade Cheez-Its can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If they start to soften, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.

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