Easy Vegan Cheese Crackers Recipe| Gluten-Free, Deloucius Cheez-it
Looking for the perfect snack that’s both vegan and gluten-free? Craving something cheesy and crispy, but want to avoid dairy? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’m going to teach you how to make your own vegan cheese crackers (think vegan Cheez-Its) right at home. These crackers are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re gluten free, making them a perfect snack for anyone with dietary restrictions. Let’s dive into the details and show you why this is a recipe you’ll want to save and share!
Why Make Vegan Cheese Crackers at Home?
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of making your own homemade snacks, especially when they’re healthier and tastier than anything you can buy in a store. Store-bought crackers often come loaded with preservatives, dairy, and other ingredients you might want to avoid. By making vegan cheez crackers at home, you have full control over what’s going into your food.
And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy cracker that’s free from animal products? Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking for a new snack, this recipe is a game-changer.
What Makes Vegan Cheez-It Special?
You might be wondering, what’s so special about vegan Cheez-Its? The answer lies in their cheesy, crispy goodness without any of the dairy. Traditional Cheez-Its are made with real cheese, but we’re using vegan cheese and nutritional yeast to get that same rich flavor.
The beauty of these vegan cheese crackers is that they’re not only dairy-free but also gluten-free. You get the crunch and cheesy flavor without compromising on dietary restrictions. Plus, when you make them at home, you can tweak the recipe to make it exactly how you like!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Cheese Crackers
Let’s start with the essentials. To make these delicious crackers, you’ll need:
- Vegan cheese (shreds or cheddar flavor, your choice)
- Almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Nutritional yeast for that signature cheesy flavor
- Vegan butter like Earth Balance or olive oil
- Baking powder to add a little rise
- Salt for that classic savory taste
- Garlic powder or optional seasoning like smoked paprika
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find. Plus, they work together to create the perfect cheesy bite!
Ingredients for Vegan cheese cracker recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of delicious homemade vegan cheese crackers:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour) – This forms the base of your cracker dough and adds a nice, light texture.
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast – The key to getting that cheesy flavor without dairy.
- 1/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese shreds – You can use your favorite brand of vegan cheddar, which adds extra richness and cheesiness.
- 2 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil) – Helps bind the dough and gives the crackers a slight buttery flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Optional, but adds a bit of savory depth.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Essential for balancing out the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder – Helps the crackers puff up slightly.
- 2-3 tbsp water – Adjust as needed to bring the dough together.
These ingredients are simple yet come together to create a flavorful, crispy cracker that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the almond flour, nutritional yeast, vegan cheddar cheese shreds, salt, garlic powder, and baking powder in a large bowl or food processor. Mix until all the dry ingredients are well combined.
Next, add in the vegan butter (or olive oil) and pulse or mix until the dough starts to form. The mixture will likely still be crumbly at this point. Slowly add 2-3 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a smooth, workable ball. You want the dough to hold together without being sticky.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two pieces of parchment paper and place the dough between them. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.
3. Cut the Crackers
After rolling out the dough, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into small squares. You can poke a small hole in the center of each cracker with a toothpick for that classic Cheez-It look. Transfer the cut squares onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are evenly spaced.
4. Bake the Crackers: Getting the Perfect Crisp
Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from crispy to burnt quickly. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
5. Enjoy!
Once the crackers have cooled down, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade vegan cheese crackers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crispy for up to a week.
Nutrient Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving size of 10 crackers:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Calcium | 20mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
This table provides a good overview of the nutritional content, making these vegan cheese crackers a relatively low-calorie, high-protein snack option compared to many store-bought alternatives.
How to Make These Vegan Cheese Crackers Gluten-Free
If you’re avoiding gluten, you’ll be happy to know that this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Simply swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Both options will result in a crispy and tasty cracker. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to get the dough consistency just right, but otherwise, it’s a seamless swap.
To make these gluten-free vegan crackers, make sure to use a certified gluten-free flour blend. This guarantees there’s no hidden gluten that could cause issues for those with sensitivities.
What’s the Key Ingredient for a Cheesy Flavor?
The secret weapon for these vegan cheese crackers is nutritional yeast. If you’re not familiar with it, nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that gives a cheesy, savory flavor without any dairy. It’s a common ingredient in many vegan recipes, and here it works like magic to mimic that cheesy taste.
Another key component is using vegan cheddar cheese shreds. The combination of these two ingredients is what makes these crackers taste as close to traditional Cheez-Its as possible, without any dairy.
Are These Crackers Healthier Than Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Since you’re making these crackers from scratch, you’re using whole, plant-based ingredients. There are no preservatives, and you can control the amount of salt and oil used. Compared to store-bought options that often contain artificial flavors and additives, these crackers are a much healthier choice.
How to Store Your Vegan Cheese Crackers for Maximum Freshness
Once cooled, store your crackers in an airtight container. They’ll stay crispy and fresh for about a week—if they last that long! Trust me, they’re addictive.
For longer storage, you can freeze the crackers. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving to maintain that crispiness.
Can You Make These Crackers in Different Flavors?
Of course! One of the best things about homemade vegan recipes is the ability to customize. Try adding:
- Smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- Garlic powder or onion powder for extra savoriness
- Herbs like rosemary or thyme for a sophisticated twist
Feel free to get creative with your seasoning!
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Vegan Snack
These vegan cheese crackers make the ideal snack on their own, but they can also be paired with dips like hummus, guacamole, or vegan cheese spreads. You can even use them as croutons on a salad or alongside a bowl of soup.
Why Nutritional Yeast is a Game-Changer in Vegan Recipes
If you’re new to vegan cooking, nutritional yeast might be a revelation. It’s packed with B-vitamins and has a cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s also gluten-free, making it perfect for this recipe. You can sprinkle it on popcorn, pasta, or use it in sauces.
Can You Make These Crackers Peanut-Free?
Yes! This recipe doesn’t contain peanuts, but if you want to make sure, check all your ingredients to be safe. For those with nut allergies, you can replace almond flour with a nut-free flour like chickpea flour.
Reader Interactions: Share Your Experience!
Have you tried making these vegan cheese crackers? Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! If you made any tweaks or added your own seasoning, I’d love to hear your version of this recipe. Sharing tips and experiences helps us all get better in the kitchen!
Summary: Key Takeaways for Making Vegan Cheese Crackers
- Vegan and gluten-free: Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- Nutritional yeast: The secret ingredient for that cheesy flavor.
- Customizable flavors: Add your favorite herbs or spices to make these crackers your own.
- Healthy alternative: Avoid preservatives and enjoy a wholesome, crispy snack.
- Perfect snack: Serve them with dips, soups, or enjoy them on their own!
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend if you don’t want to use almond flour.
2. How long do these crackers stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, these crackers can last up to a week.
3. Can I make these crackers oil-free? You can try using a little water instead of vegan butter, though the texture may change slightly.