Chipotle Cheez-Its
Remember those Homemade Cheez-Its I posted last week? Yea, I’m back. With more Cheez-Its. You see, after making that first batch, Hubby would not stop talking about them. And I may have made the mistake of mentioning that they were really easy to make…
So I agreed to make another batch but wanted to mix it up this time. I know that Rachel threw some red pepper flakes into her crackers when she made them, so I opened up my spice cabinet. It’s actually in a really sad state these days. Since moving in to our apartment, we’ve been just buying spices as we need them, so my options were limited.
I will say though, that those options are high quality options. We have a Penzey’s literally across the street from our apartment. And I figure if I’m going to restock a spice cabinet, it might as well be with the good stuff!
On a recent trip to Penzey’s, this ground chipotle caught Hubby’s eye, so we grabbed some. You can smell the smokiness the second the jar is opened. What you can’t smell is the heat that kicks in after the smokiness.
To say Hubby loved these Chipotle Cheez-Its would be the understatement of the century. Since them the other day, I’ve already made them a second time… And, he’s told anyone who will listen about how amazing they are. So if you were even *thinking* about making Homemade Cheez-Its after last week’s post, you definitely have to make them now!
One Year Ago: Pumpkin and Gingerbeer Biscuits and Mango Salsa
Two Years Ago: Brasato al Barolo (Beef Braised in Wine) and Pomegranate Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Three Years Ago: Gooey Bars and Gingerbread Apple Upside Down Cake
Four Years Ago: Crockpot Tamale Pie and Inauguration Day Cupcakes
Five Years Ago: Clam Chowder
Chipotle Cheez-Its
Yield: ~12 dozen crackers
Ingredients:
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 Tbsp butter, softened
1 Tbsp vegetable shortening
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp cold water
1 tsp ground chipotle
Course sea salt for sprinkling
Directions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cheese, butter, shortening and salt on medium-high speed. Reduce speed to medium, slowly add flour and water. If adding chipotle, do so now.
Continue mixing until dough is smooth.
Divide dough into two, creating discs and wrapping in plastic. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
Roll out dough to 1/8″ thickness. Dough will be approximately 10"x10". Using a ruler as a guide, cut long 1" horizontal strips. Rotate ruler to slice vertically, creating 1"x1" squares. Carefully transfer individual squares to prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining dough.
Using a toothpick or cake tester (I used a straw), create holes in the center of each square.
Sprinkle with course salt. Sprinkle with pepper if using.
Bake for 10-15 minutes. I removed mine at 12 minutes. The time will depend on the thickness of your squares as well as the crispness you prefer. Watch your oven closely from 10 minutes on.
Best eaten the same day. Store remainder in an airtight container.
Recipe adapted from ReadmyMade Magazine
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
I saw your recipe last week and I had to make them. I had to save a few for my husband because when my kids came home for school they went nuts over them. So I had to run out to the store and get more cheese. I wound out making 7 different types of crackers. And they were all awesome…. I made Pepper Jack, Swiss and Black Pepper, Blue Cheese/ Brick, Chipotle Chedder, Chedder, Chedder Bacon, And Parmesan/Brick. For the Blue and the Parm I did them half and half because those two can be kinda strong on there own. I took them a party and they were a hugh hit.
I am planning on making more this coming weekend.
Thanks for the recipe.
beantownbaker — January 23rd, 2013 @ 8:27 am
Wow! All of those sound awesome. I made another couple batches last night too. My sister made some and threw in a packet of ranch dressing mix. The possibilities for this recipe are literally endless!
haha, love how excited hubby is about them 🙂 i’m going to have to make some crackers!!
beantownbaker — January 24th, 2013 @ 12:06 pm
My sister has already made them twice. And the girl NEVER bakes. And my friend made some this weekend. Not going to lie, I’ve made them 4 times already…
i’ve always really wanted to make my own crackers. i LOVE these flavors!
These are adorable. And I’m jealous of the Penzey’s across the street!
beantownbaker — January 24th, 2013 @ 8:44 pm
It’s kind of dangerous having one so close!!
With the Super Bowl coming, I will have to make these. They look so tasty! Love Penzey’s. I’ve never had fresher spices.
beantownbaker — January 27th, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
I would recommend doubling the batch for the Superbowl. I made more yesterday for hanging out with friends and the 4 of us went through an entire batch while playing cards.
OMG Jen these are adorable! I like cheesy crackers, but would so much rather make them myself and know what’s in them. Plus Car’s vote of approval is always a plus. 🙂
beantownbaker — January 29th, 2013 @ 12:41 pm
He more than approves of these. He asks me to make more every chance he gets.
Great information. Lucky me I found your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I have book-marked it for later!
Oh wow, I need to make these, like now. I love cheez-its and with chipotle? I’m sold!
beantownbaker — February 26th, 2014 @ 4:44 pm
They’re definitely awesome. We can plow through a batch in no time flat!
I used to eat store bought cheez-its until i saw the laundry list of preservatives and foreign ingredients. I am very glad you shared this, now I can make them myself!
I like the kick of chipotle, great idea!
beantownbaker — March 25th, 2014 @ 9:28 pm
They’re SO MUCH better than store bought! And no preservatives!