April 20, 2017

Spicy Homemade Cheeze-Its

Minnesota State Fair Winner - 1999

Spicy Homemade Cheeze-Its

3/4 cup, cubed, cold, salted butter

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

7 ounces shredded sharp aged cheddar

2 tablespoons hot sauce, or to taste

2-3 pinches salt, or to taste

Combine the cold, cubed butter and the flour (with a pastry cutter or food processor) until crumbly. Mix in cheese and  hot sauce until well-combined, smooth, but not too over-mixed. Divide the dough in three equal portions and shape each into square logs. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (to prevent sticking). Slice dough evenly into 1/4-inch increments (to make 1 inch squares) and place on parchment paper, apart from each other. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges just start to crisp. Keep a close eye to not burn. Cool on wire rack. Makes several dozen cheeze-its.

-Recipe from the Blue Ribbon Group