Homemade Cheez-It Crackers

So I've come across a few different recipes for these Cheez-It crackers and thought I should give it a whirl... They are so much better than the kind you buy in a box at the store! Flaky, crispy, and super tasty! A snack that you and your kids will love! There are many different ways you can switch them up too. Here is a basic recipe to start!

1 cup flour

 8 oz. cheddar cheese (you could use a pepper jack cheese, parmesan, or colby jack. This is where you can really have fun with it!)

4 tbsp cold butter

3/4 tsp salt

 1/4 tsp paprika 

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (totally optional. if you want no heat, leave it out!)

Cold water

*Make them Italian & add some Italian herbs & use Parmesan for your cheese* Oh Yeah!!

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, or you can do it by hand with a pastry blender. Mix until crumbly. Add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time until the mixture forms into a dough. (around 2-3 tbsp water) Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. I was too impatient to wait an hour so I stuck mine in the freezer for about 20 minutes and it worked like a charm! Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll each out to about 1/8 inch on a floured surface. Cut into little squares with a sharp knife or dough cutter. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Poke a little hole in the center of each cracker (a chopstick works well) Sprinkle crackers with some coarse salt and bake at 375 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until the edges are browning and centers are puffed. Watch carefully so you don't cross that fine line between golden delicious & burnt. Remove from baking sheet to cool. Scrum-didilly-umptious!!