Make Homemade Cheese Crackers in 20 Minutes with Just 6 Ingredients

Who says you need a store-bought snack to satisfy your cravings? In just 20 minutes (min), you can whip up delicious, crispy homemade cheese crackers using just 6 simple ingredients! Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to processed snacks or just want to impress your family with a fun kitchen project, this recipe is the perfect fit.

Not only are these crackers bursting with real cheese flavor, but they’re also incredibly simple to make. With no hidden preservatives and a straightforward recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making your own snacks all along.

Why Make Homemade Cheese Crackers?

Fresh and Flavorful: Store-bought crackers may taste good, but they often come with a list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s in them—just fresh, real ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese and butter. You’ll notice the flavor difference immediately!
Simple and Quick: One of the best parts about this recipe is how fast and easy it is. With just six common ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a batch of crackers ready in no time.
Cost-effective: Why spend money on expensive snack packs when you can make a bigger, fresher batch right in your own kitchen? Not to mention, it’s a great way to use up extra cheese you may already have on hand.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Tools)

Making these cheese crackers doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients or equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

The 6 Simple Ingredients:
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons cold water
Tools:
Food Processor: This is essential for getting the dough to come together quickly. It ensures all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough to the perfect thickness.
Pizza Cutter or Pastry Wheel: To easily slice the dough into cracker-sized squares.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Making these homemade cheese crackers is much simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a fresh batch of crackers ready to go in no time:

Step 1: Pulse the Ingredients Together
In a food processor, combine the cheddar cheese, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Pulse everything together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Then, add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand.
Next, add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough forms large clumps. The dough should hold together easily when pressed between your fingers.
Step 2: Pat the Dough and Chill
As soon as the dough is ready, place it on a floured surface and pat it lightly. Pat the dough into a rough 6-inch square. This step is important for getting an even thickness when you roll it out later.
Wrap the dough square in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 45 min. This chilling step is crucial because it helps the dough firm up, ensuring the crackers keep their shape when baked. (You can chill the dough for up to 2 days if you’re prepping ahead!)
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut
After chilling, unwrap the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out evenly to 1/8 inch thick. If the edges start to crack, just press them back together with your fingers.
Use a pizza cutter or pastry wheel to slice the dough into 1-inch squares. For that classic cheese cracker look, use a fluted pastry wheel for decorative edges. If you’re feeling fancy, poke a small hole in the center of each square using a skewer or toothpick.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Transfer the squares onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Bake for 16-20 min, or until the edges are golden brown. For a crunchier cracker, bake closer to 20 min. If you prefer a softer cracker, take them out around the 16-minute mark.
Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.

5. Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your cheese crackers come out perfect every time:

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the crackers. For the best flavor and texture, grate a block of sharp cheddar cheese yourself.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps it firm up, which is crucial for maintaining the shape of the crackers during baking.
Adjust for Texture Preferences: Want a crunchier cracker? Let it bake in the oven for a full 20 min. Prefer a softer bite? Stick to the lower end of the baking time, around 16 min.
Storage Tip: These crackers don’t have preservatives, so they will soften after a few days. Store them in a loosely covered container to maintain their crunchiness for as long as possible.

Homemade vs. Store-bought: A Quick Comparison

If you’re wondering whether homemade cheese crackers are worth the extra effort, let’s take a quick look at the differences between homemade and store-bought options:

Ingredients: Store-bought crackers often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and added sugars. Homemade crackers are made from real, fresh ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and flour. You control what goes into the recipe, so there are no hidden surprises.
Flavor: When you make your own crackers, the flavor is much richer and more pronounced. Freshly grated cheddar brings out a deeper cheese flavor, while the store-bought varieties tend to be milder and often taste processed.
Health Factor: Homemade crackers have no preservatives or artificial additives, making them a healthier option. You can also adjust the amount of salt or butter to suit your dietary needs.
Cost: While store-bought crackers are convenient, making a batch of homemade crackers is cost-effective, especially since you can make a large quantity with simple ingredients. Plus, you get more bang for your buck without any excess packaging waste!

FAQ

Q1. How long do homemade cheese crackers last?
Homemade cheese crackers can be stored in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If tightly sealed, they may lose their crunch, so keeping the container slightly ajar can help maintain some crispiness.

Q2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Simply wrap the dough square tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the dough in the refrigerator for a few hours and bring it to room temperature for about 10 min before rolling it out.

Q3. What cheeses can I use instead of cheddar?
You can use any medium-hard cheese like white cheddar, gouda, or even a mild Swiss. Just avoid soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella, as they won’t give the crackers the right texture.

These homemade cheese crackers are more than just a simple snack—they’re a healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought versions, with no preservatives and loads of flavor. Plus, the recipe is so easy that you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes. Whether you like them crunchy or a little softer, this versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

So why not give this recipe a try? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will love the cheesy goodness. And don’t forget to share your results with friends who are always looking for quick and fun homemade snack ideas!