Spicy Homemade Cheez-Its: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Snack
There’s nothing quite like a cheesy, crispy snack to satisfy your cravings. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that takes the classic Cheez-It to a whole new level with a spicy twist. These homemade Spicy Cheez-Its are easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a snack or a party appetizer, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Use a standing mixer or an electric mixer to mix on medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, combined, and fluffy.
- Create the Dough:
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the flour and whisk together.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture on low speed until it turns into a dry crumble.
- Gradually add cold water by the teaspoon until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out and Cut the Dough:
- Roll the dough out on a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick.
- Use a ruler to mark 1-inch squares and cut with a pizza cutter or pastry cutter.
- Use a wooden skewer to poke a hole in the center of each square.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Transfer the parchment paper with the dough squares to a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle with additional kosher salt.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack immediately.
Nutrition Information
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 290 per serving
Final Thoughts
These Spicy Homemade Cheez-Its are not only fun to make but also a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of sharp cheddar and a touch of spice makes them irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below. Enjoy your snacking!
Tip: You can customize the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dough for an extra kick!
Print
Spicy Homemade Cheez Its
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt + more for topping
2–3 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sharp cheddar cheese. Use a standing mixer or an electric mixer to mix on medium/high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, combined, and fluffy.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the flour and whisk together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture on low speed until it turns into a dry crumble.
Gradually add cold water by the teaspoon until a dough forms.
Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough out on a piece of parchment paper into a rectangle less than ⅛ inch thick. Use a ruler to mark 1-inch squares and cut with a pizza cutter or pastry cutter.
Use a wooden skewer to poke a hole in the center of each square. Transfer the parchment paper with the dough squares to a baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
Brush each square with olive oil and sprinkle with additional kosher salt.
Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack immediately.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 Kcal