Description
Firecracker Ranch Cheez Its are a deliciously spicy and cheesy homemade snack that combines sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and a kick of cayenne pepper. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, these crackers are an ultimate savory treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, ranch seasoning mix, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cheese and butter mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
- Combine: Mix all ingredients together until they form a cohesive dough. If the dough feels crumbly or dry, add cold water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together smoothly.
- Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out evenly to about ¼ inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- Cut Crackers: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into small squares or your preferred shapes for individual crackers.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the cut crackers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to prevent sticking as they bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown, indicating the crackers are crisp and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crackers to cool on the pan for about 10 minutes to crisp up further.
- Enjoy: Serve your Firecracker Ranch Cheez Its as a spicy, cheesy snack or at your next party for an irresistible treat everyone will love.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for milder or hotter crackers.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour in small increments while rolling it out.
- Store cooled crackers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy for up to a week.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked cheddar for varying flavors.
