This Homemade Cheese Crackers Recipe Is So Easy, You’ll Never Buy Store-Bought Again
Let’s face it, we all reach for those pre-packaged snacks sometimes. One of my favorites? Cheese crackers. They’re a convenient, grab-and-go option that satisfies a quick craving. But often, these savory bites come with a hefty price tag as well as some unpronounceable ingredients. So I was thrilled to learn how easy it is to indulge in that satisfying crunch by making your own. Homemade cheese crackers are crispy and bursting with real cheese flavor, plus come together in under an hour with a handful of wholesome ingredients. Plus, I spoke to experts who share their best baking tips and fun ideas to customize your flavors. Here’s how to make yummy homemade cheese crackers.
What are homemade cheese crackers made of?
It might surprise you that a homemade cheese crackers recipe requires just a few staple ingredients, including flour, grated cheese, a little fat like butter or oil and salt. This costs a lot less than most name brands. You can also add nutritional yeast, a plant-based powder used as a vegan cheese flavoring, or flax meal for a nutritional boost.
Why homemade is better than store-bought
Making your own cheese crackers has a few advantages compared to their store-bought counterparts. One of the biggest? You get to choose the quality of ingredients, ensuring freshness and flavor integrity. This means opting for real cheese, wholesome grains and minimal preserves, avoiding artificial additives.
"One big difference that can change up the nutrition is using whole wheat flour as the main ingredient. Most store-bought crackers use enriched flour, which lacks the fiber," explains Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, creator of The Mindful Gut. She adds that "homemade crackers may have less fat in them as recipes often skip the oil" found in most store-bought varieties. You can also say goodbye to excess salt and greasiness.
For more homemade recipes, click for Homemade Nut Butter and Homemade Protein Bars.
Which cheese to use in a cracker recipe
Cheese is the star of the show in any cheese cracker, and the type you choose directly impacts the final flavor. "A hard cheese is what will work well for crackers so something like cheddar or even parmesan," advises Sauceda. "Hard cheeses have less moisture content, which is important for the crackers. You could play around with a mix of sharp or mild cheddar and then add some parmesan cheese for a little more of a savory, umami flavor."
Alternatively, Gruyère offers a creamy richness while Gouda adds a touch of sweetness. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or even combine a few for added complexity.
Can’t get enough cheese? Try this Microwave Mac and Cheese recipe!
Tips for baking delicious homemade cheese crackers
Time to get snacking! Whether you want to whip up a batch for the office or a party appetizer, we got you covered. Use these essential baking tips to ensure perfectly crisp, flavorful results.
1. Grating your cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best flavor and texture, opt for freshly grated cheese that melts easier. This gives the best-tasting cheese crackers.
2. Forming the dough
Try not to overwork your dough, which can create tough crackers. Additionally, chilling your dough before rolling prevents the butter from melting too quickly during baking, resulting in a crispier cracker. Pop your formed dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, for the best results.
3. Cutting and shaping
While most recipes call for traditional squares, you can create different shapes for your homemade cheese crackers. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for straight-edged shapes or small cookie cutters for playful shapes like stars or circles. Cutting directly on the baking sheet/parchment paper also saves some time transferring.
4. Baking techniques
First, prick the top of the crackers with a fork, which will allow steam to escape and prevent them from puffing up. Additionally, give your crackers enough space, an inch or more, to spread without touching. This ensures even baking and prevent them from fusing together. You’ll want to bake them until golden brown but not burnt. "A tricky part for making your own crackers is watching how long they bake. They are small and more prone to burning so you will need to keep an eye on them," says Sauceda.
Easy homemade cheese crackers recipe
This healthy recipe from White Blank Space uses half cornmeal in the dough for added crunch, nutrition and a subtle corn flavor. As a note, using flax meal causes darker flecks on the crackers, so if you want them to resemble store-bought, skip this ingredient.
Homemade Cheese Crackers
Ingredients:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup corn meal
Roughly 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Roughly ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. nutritional yeast (optional)
1 Tbs. flax meal (optional)
½ tsp. salt
⅓ cup hot water
Directions:
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1½ cups crackers
Position the rack on the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Then, in a food processor, add all-purpose flour, corn meal, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, olive oil, nutritional yeast, flax meal and salt. Process until combined.
With the food processor running, drizzle in hot water. The dough will stick together when pressed. If it doesn't, add a little bit more water. After, dump the dough onto a silicone baking mat or countertop and pat into a square. Wrap with cling wrap and chill the dough for 10 minutes in the fridge.
Roll out the dough ⅛”-thick on parchment paper. Then, place both on a baking sheet.
Cut the crackers into your desired shape. Bake for about 17-20 minutes until the edges are golden. Timing will vary based on the thickness of the crackers, so keep an eye on it.
Remove and let crackers cool on the sheet pan. The crackers will crisp up more while cooling.
Storing tips
Homemade cheese crackers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. But if they get stale, you can throw them in the air fryer to re-crisp them. And for longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Customize your homemade cheese crackers
Just like the snack aisles at the supermarket have various flavors, there are endless possibilities for customization. So, explore these ideas below for exciting flavor variations to elevate your cheese crackers.
1. Herbs
Finely chopped herbs like chives, parsley or dill add a vibrant pop of flavor. You can also use rosemary, thyme or oregano for a bolder taste.
2. Seeds
Sprinkle your dough with sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or even a touch of crushed chili flakes for added texture.
3. Spices & seasonings
Lately, you can find any flavor in powder-form, from pizza seasoning to umami powder. Experiment with savory spices like garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning. Or you can also add paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
For more easy snack recipes, try some of these below:
How to Make Perfectly Crispy Potato Chips in the Microwave — Ready in 5 Minutes
Pizza Toast Recipe Is the Perfect Treat That’s So Easy + Indulgent With Creamy Burrata on Sourdough
These Mini Muffins Bake Up Golden + Delicious in 10 Minutes — Easy Shortcut Recipe
