If you love crunchy, cheesy snacks but want a plant-based alternative, you’re in for a treat! These homemade vegan Cheez-Its deliver the nostalgic flavor of classic cheese crackers without any dairy. This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for those looking for a vegan, gluten-free snack. Plus, making your own crackers means you know exactly what’s going into your food—no preservatives, just real, wholesome ingredients.
Let’s dive into this cheesy, crispy, and totally addictive vegan snack recipe!
Why Make Your Own Vegan Cheez-Its?
You might be wondering: Why go through the effort of making your own crackers when you can buy vegan snacks at the store? Here’s why homemade is better:
- No preservatives or additives – Store-bought crackers often contain hidden chemicals and artificial flavors.
- Customizable flavors – Want extra cheesy, smoky, or spicy crackers? You control the taste!
- Healthier ingredients – You can use gluten-free or whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option.
- Satisfying and fun – There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own homemade crackers from scratch.
Once you try these delicious and easy crackers, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions!
Easy Homemade Vegan Cheez-Its: The Ultimate Cheese Cracker Recipe
Course: Snacks5
servings15
minutes15
minutes420
kcalMake your own homemade vegan Cheez-Its with this easy, crispy, and cheesy vegan cheese cracker recipe! These gluten-free crackers are the perfect snack—flaky, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Try them today
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
¼ cup almond flour (for a rich, slightly nutty flavor)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy umami taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but enhances the cheesy flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth and extra savoriness)
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ cup vegan butter, cold (for flakiness and crunch)
½ cup vegan cheddar shreds (to intensify the cheese-like taste)
3 tablespoons cold water (to help form the dough)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Cheez-Its at Home
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, almond flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add vegan butter and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add the vegan cheddar shreds and pulse a few more times to distribute evenly.
- Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together into a ball.
- Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
- Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and place the dough on top.
- Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thick—the thinner, the crispier!
- Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small square shapes to resemble classic Cheez-Its.
- Use a skewer or fork to poke a hole in the center of each cracker—this helps prevent puffing up while baking.
- Step 3: Bake the Crackers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cracker squares onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before enjoying.
- Step 4: Store and Enjoy
- Store the vegan cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them and reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Calcium | 70mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
These vegan cheese crackers are packed with flavor, offering a cheesy taste with a crunchy texture, while staying completely dairy-free!
Can You Make Vegan Cheez-Its Gluten-Free?
Yes! If you’re avoiding gluten, you can make these crackers gluten-free by using a blend of gluten-free flour like:
- Chickpea flour – Adds protein and a slightly nutty taste.
- Almond flour – Gives a delicate, crumbly texture.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour – Works well as a direct substitute.
Tip: If using gluten-free flour, add an extra tablespoon of water to help the dough form properly.
The Secret to the Cheesy Flavor in Vegan Crackers
Since we’re skipping dairy, how do we get that cheesy flavor? Here’s the secret:
- Nutritional yeast – This ingredient gives a rich, umami-packed cheesy taste.
- Vegan cheddar shreds – Melts beautifully and enhances the flavor.
- Smoked paprika & garlic powder – Adds depth and mimics the tang of aged cheese.
These simple swaps create an incredible cheesy vegan cracker that’s just as satisfying as the original.
The Best Flour Options for Vegan Crackers
- Whole wheat flour – Adds a hearty texture and nuttiness.
- All-purpose flour – The classic option for a light, crispy cracker.
- Gluten-free flour – Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Each flour affects the texture and flavor slightly, so choose based on your preference!
How to Make Your Crackers Extra Crispy
Want an even crispier cracker? Try these tricks:
- Roll the dough as thin as possible—thinner crackers bake up crunchier.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Let the crackers cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy Your Vegan Cheese Crackers
These cheesy vegan crackers are delicious on their own, but you can also:
- Pair with vegan cheese spreads or hummus.
- Use them for a vegan cheese sandwich (stack with avocado and tomatoes!).
- Crumble them over salads for extra crunch.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a quick snack.
Storing Homemade Vegan Cheez-Its for Maximum Freshness
To keep your homemade vegan Cheez-Its fresh:
- Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze them and re-crisp in the oven before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Cheez-Its
1. Can I make these without vegan cheese shreds?
Yes! Increase nutritional yeast and add a bit of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
2. Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, but the crackers might be slightly less flaky.
3. What’s the best way to cut the dough?
A pizza cutter works best, but you can also use a knife.
4. My crackers are soft—how do I make them crispier?
Bake them a few extra minutes or let them cool completely before storing.
5. Are these crackers kid-friendly?
Absolutely! They’re a great alternative to store-bought cheez-it snacks.
