Vegan Cheez-Its: Best Store-Bought and Homemade Cheese Crackers
If you’ve ever found yourself craving that irresistible crunch of a Cheez-It but hesitated because they’re not vegan, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Today, we’re diving into the exciting realm of vegan Cheez Its—where crunchy goodness meets cheesy satisfaction, with some mouthwatering alternatives that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your values.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll even show you how to whip up your own batch of homemade vegan Cheez Its using just one ingredient and a sprinkle of culinary magic.
Whether you opt for store-bought alternatives or get creative in the kitchen with homemade vegan Cheez Its, embracing a plant-based lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. You can have your cheese and eat it too—all while staying true to your values and supporting a more compassionate world, one crunchy bite at a time!
Are Cheez Its Vegan? The Big (Orange) Cheese Debate
Cheez Its, those iconic little squares of cheesy goodness, have long been a snack-time favorite for many. But for those following a vegan lifestyle, the question arises: Are Cheez Its vegan-friendly?
Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no. These crispy crackers contain ingredients like cheese made from cow’s milk, rendering them unsuitable for vegans. But fear not, fellow plant-based snack enthusiasts, there are plenty of delicious alternatives available!
Vegan Alternatives: Crunch Without Compromise
If you’re craving that cheesy crunch without compromising your ethics, fear not! Several brands offer vegan-friendly alternatives that satisfy those Cheez It cravings.
One notable option is Back to Nature, which produces a vegan cheese-style cracker that’s remarkably similar in taste and texture to the original. With these cruelty-free crackers, you can indulge in that familiar cheesy flavor without any animal products involved.
Other popular vegan cheese cracker brands include:
Make Your Own Vegan Cheez Its With This Easy Recipe
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, making your own vegan Cheez Its at home is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of baking magic, you can whip up a batch of these cheesy delights in no time.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade vegan Cheez Its that rival the original in flavor and crunchiness. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of your favorite snack!
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let your imagination run wild as you whip up a batch of vegan Cheez Its that will delight your taste buds and nourish your soul. With every crunchy bite, you’ll be savoring not just the deliciousness of the snack, but also the joy of living in alignment with your values.
How to Make One-Ingredient Vegan Cheez-Its
Step 1: Lay the slices of cheese on top of one another, and use a large knife to slice orange vegan cheese slices into nine one-inch-by-one-inch squares.
Step 2: Poke holes into each square of cheese using a toothpick, drink umbrella, or any small round tool. For efficiency, you can stack the cheese squares and punch holes through several at once. Twirl the toothpick around so you’ve got a solid hole, as if it’s too small it may close up while baking.
Note: this step is purely aesthetic. It helps create the traditional Cheez-It look, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry and they will taste just as delicious.
Step 3: Lay the cheese squares on a baking sheet, leaving space between each. You can fit approximately 35 crackers per half-sheet. If desired, sprinkle with salt (this is optional).
Step 5: Place the cheese squares in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F for about 25 minutes, watching closely near the end to pull them out when they are crispy but not burnt. If they start to brown at all, pull them out! Allow to cool and come to room temperature before enjoying. They will continue to harden as they cool.
Spread the Vegan Love: Sharing is Caring
Of course, no snacking adventure is complete without sharing the love! Whether you’re hosting a movie night with friends or packing a lunch for school or work, vegan Cheez-Its are sure to be a hit with everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences. So why not whip up a double batch and spread the vegan love far and wide? After all, good snacks are meant to be shared!
In the world of vegan snacking, there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. From store-bought alternatives to homemade creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So the next time you find yourself craving that classic cheesy crunch, reach for a box of vegan Cheez-Its or roll up your sleeves and make your own. With a bit of creativity and a whole lot of flavor, you’ll never miss the original!
FAQs
Homemade vegan cheese crackers typically last about 5-7 days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. They have the best texture and taste when eaten immediately.
If you want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them return to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Yes! All dairy-free cheese is made primarily with some sort of fruit, nut, or plant oil as a base, along with setting agents. Depending on which brand you choose, the crackers may have different flavors or a slightly different texture. But, generally, this recipe should work for all commercially made cheese slices.
Listen while you cook! Tune into my podcast, The Plant Powered People Podcast, while you’re cooking, folding laundry, or taking a bath. It may just change your life!
Vegan Cheez-Its
Ingredients
- 4 slices plant-based cheese slices, orange-colored Cheddar or American style
- 1 sprinkle salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each cheese slice into 9 squares and use a toothpick to drill a hole in the center of each square for the classic Cheez-It look.
- Arrange the squares on the lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt if desired.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the crackers are crispy but not burned. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully before enjoying.
Video
Notes
- Storing Instructions: These crackers typically last about 5-7 days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. They have the best texture and taste when eaten immediately.
- Freezing Tips: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them return to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
Yum! What brand of cheese did you use?
We used Violife cheese slices 🙂
These are the best snacks! Love them!
This recipe blows my mind! Whoa! So easy and delicious
This is so crazy easy…who knew? Delicious!
Right? These are my new favorite quick snack!
I love the Back to Nature ones too! I tried them for the first time recently and fell in love. I’m saving this recipe to try next — looks so easy and delicious!