Crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive—these homemade cheese crackers taste better than the store-bought ones. They’re made with just a handful of real-food ingredients and come together iso quickly.
My boys love a good snack, and honestly, so do I. But every time I picked up a box of store-bought cheese crackers, I cringed at the long list of ingredients—most of which I couldn’t pronounce. Of course these are the ones the boys are always asking for when we go to the store. So, I wanted a nourishing, homemade version that felt fun, tasted amazing, and made me not feel guilty for saying no at the grocery store.
These homemade crackers have become a staple in our house, and they’re a hit with everyone—kids, hubby, and basically anyone who has tried them. Double up the batch if you want them to last more than a day!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Made with 5 main ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen.
- Ready in about 30 minutes- see if they last that long!
- Crisy, cheesy, and butterey- the perfect combination for a cracker.
- Just real food ingredients- I leave out all the yucky!
- Perfect to add to lunchboxes, snack trays, or movie nights.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – The star of the show. I love to use Sharp cheddar because it gives the best flavor.
- Cold Butter – This brings out the richness and flakiness, giving the crackers that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Flour – The base that holds everything together.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances out the cheese.
- Garlic Powder or Paprika (optional) – A touch of extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy. Paprika adds some color and who doesn’t love a touch of garlic.
- Cold Water – Just a splash to bring the dough together.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cheese Crackers
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pulse Ingredients
In a food processor, pulse together shredded cheese, flour, salt, and optional spices until it looks crumbly.
3. Add Butter
Add your cold butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Drizzle in Water
Drizzle in your cold water one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
5. Wrap Dough & Chill
Form into a ball, wrap, and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to make it easier to roll.
6. Roll Out Dough
Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment to about ⅛-inch thick.
7. Cut into Squares
Cut into squares and poke a small hole in the center of each with a skewer for that iconic cracker look.
8. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Then, cool completely before storing.
Tips for The Best Cheese Crackers
- Use cold butter and water to keep the dough tender and flaky.
- Just pulse the dough until combined for the best texture.
- Make sure to roll your dough evenly. You don’t want it too thin or too thick.
- Make sure to watch closely near the end of baking so you don’t overcook the crackers.
- They need to cool completely and will continue to crisp as they cool.
How to Store
Once fully cooled, store your crackers in an airtight glass jar or container at room temperature for up to 5 days. (Though I doubt they’ll last that long!) For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat just let them thaw at room temp and crisp them back up in the oven for a few minutes if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Parmesan, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses work beautifully. Just stick with firm cheeses that shred well.
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes, but it’ll take a little more effort. Grate the butter and cheese, then use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the dough together.
Can I double the recipe?
For sure! Just divide the dough into two discs to roll out more easily, and bake in batches.
More Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
- The Best Homemade Granola Bars
- 5-Ingredient Energy Balls
- Gut-Friendly Marshmallows
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Easy Homemade Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a food processor, pulse cheese, flour, salt, and optional seasonings until crumbly.
- Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse just until the dough comes together.
- Form dough into a ball, wrap, and chill for 15 minutes.
- Roll dough between parchment paper to ⅛-inch thickness.
- Cut into small squares, poke a hole in the center of each if desired.
- Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Make sure your water and butter are cold.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices!
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