HOMEMADE CHEEZ-ITS

Homemade Cheez-Its image

Provided by Sharon123

Categories Grains

Time 37m

Yield 100 little crackers

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (I used sharp aged white cheddar-can use half cheddar and half goats cheese)
1 cup all-purpose flour (I sub 1/3 cup whole wheat flour and may try some wheat germ and nutritional yeast)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
3 -4 tablespoons ice water

Steps:

First, mix together the shredded cheese, half of the salt and the softened butter. (I used sharp aged white cheddar cheese, but you can use whatever kind of cheese you like. I shredded my own cheese just because I think it has better flavor and melts better, but you can use pre-shredded too to save some time!) Add in the flour and mix until the dough looks like little fluffy clumps. Then, with the mixer running begin adding the ice water and mix until a soft dough forms. (use as much ice water as you need for a dough to form).
Divide the dough in two, form each into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. Then, roll the dough out on a floured surface into about an 1/8 inch thickness and using a fluted pastry cutter, cut the dough into about 1 inch squares.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Transfer your little cheez-its onto the parchment paper, make a hole in the center of each with a toothpick, then sprinkle them with the rest of the salt. Bake for about 7 - 10 minutes (baking time will depend on your oven, just watch them carefully so they don't burn!), or until they have puffed up and the edges begin to brown. Let cool before eating. (They are best eaten right away, but you can store them in an airtight container).