Okay, folks! Here’s the recipe you’ve been requesting via Facebook. We wanted to make a cheese cracker that is less processed but similar in taste to Cheez-Its. After trying recipes from other sites, we have created our own recipe that we are thrilled to share with you! These take a little time to make, (mostly because you need to hand cut each cracker) but if you take time to make them on a Sunday afternoon you’ll have enough crackers to munch on throughout the week. Not only did these get the coveted Neil stamp of approval (keep in mind Cheez-It crackers are one of Neil’s all time favorite snacks), but also the co-worker stamp of approval, which is pretty hard to come by!

The zing of the sharp cheddar cheese packs these crunchy crackers with flavor. Someday in the near future we’ll try new cheeses with this same recipe. Ideas so far include a parmesan rosemary cracker, and a pepper jack and fresh cilantro cracker. It’s fun to think of possible combinations. The baking time really effects the flavor of these crackers. Neil really likes these brown, but I like them a light golden color. Either way, I’d start at 10 minutes and go from there. Let us know what you think after you try these at home!

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (have more handy to add right before baking)

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined and large crumbs are sticking together.

Using your hands, create one large dough ball with the large crumbs (it should stick together easily). Roll dough very thin onto a cutting board. You will need to work in batches based on how big your cutting board is.

Cut rolled dough into small squares and gently lift squares using a knife to silicone baking mat atop a baking sheet. (If you don’t have one of these, try using non-stick spray on a baking sheet. Report back and let us know how that works!)

If you’d like, you can press the edge of a fork in each cracker to create the classic Cheez-It design.

Sprinkle crackers generously with salt.

Bake for 10 minutes or until firm and a golden color. Cool and add more salt if needed. Store in an air tight container.

Makes a whoooole lot!

The Newlywed Chefs

We’re St. Louis food bloggers who love to cook! Join us on our culinary adventures as we keep a fresh outlook on life, love, and food.