Like boxed cheddar crackers? You’ll love these healthier homemade cheez its. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a little whole wheat flour your snacking time just got a whole lot better.
I think I have done it. I didn’t think it would really turn out like I hoped. But, it did.
Yes, yes, it did.
I experimented with a healthier cracker. More specifically, I took the oh-so-addicting Cheez-It and turned it into real food. No more processed, highly colored, preservative-filled concoction, but real, food made with ingredients you can pronounce.
Yes, I am just as surprised as you are.
I took a recipe from a magazine and tweaked it. I didn’t want a spicy flavor and I wanted to avoid nuts due to a suspected nut allergy in our family. I also simplified the recipe immensely. No egg separating from this mama. And I whirred it all together in the food processor.
And the end result? A homemade Cheez It worth writing home about!
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This recipe produces a crisp, salty, cheddary cracker that smacks of the “I-could-eat-the-whole-box-but-they’re-so-bad-for-you-Cheez-It.” I hope you like them.
This is one healthy snack your hungry kid (and you too!) are going to gobble up.
Ingredients for these healthy homemade Cheez Its
- Flours – I used a combination of all purpose flour and whole wheat flour. Adding in a little whole wheat flour makes these a little heartier and fiber-filled.
- Cheese – For these cheddar coins, I like using sharp cheddar cheese. Of course a mild or medium cheddar cheese would also work. Shred it yourself to save a few pennies.
- Seasoning – To season these crackers a little bit salt and garlic powder is all you need.
- Dairy – Cube up some butter and add one egg.
How to make these cheddar coins – aka homemade cheez its
Normally a homemade cheez it cracker has to be rolled and cut into their typical square shape. But these are so much easier. The dough gets rolled into a log and then cut into coins, or round crackers.
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In bowl of food processor, combine flours, cheese, salt, and garlic powder. Add butter cubes and pulse until crumbs are formed. Blend in egg until dough comes together around the blade.
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Turn dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Form into 1 inch log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375 ° . Slice into thin coins. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on rack. Package in airtight container.
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Freeze for longer storage.
If you prepare this recipe, be sure to share a picture on social media and hashtag it #GOODCHEAPEATS. I can't wait to see what you cook up!
Cheddar Coins – Homemade Cheez-Its
Ingredients
- 1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour
- 5 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded) (about 1 ⅓ cup)
- 1 teaspoon salt you may want to reduce this according to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup butter cubed
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In bowl of food processor, combine flours, cheese, salt, and garlic powder. Add butter cubes and pulse until crumbs are formed. Blend in egg until dough comes together around the blade.
- Turn dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Form into 1 inch log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375 ° . Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Slice the log into thin coins and distribute them on the prepared sheets, leaving at least 1-inch space. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Cool on rack. Package in airtight container. Freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Note: Nutrition Facts are based on one cracker
Nutrition
Ellen
Do you think you could use oil in these instead? I sometimes don’t have butter on hand… Maybe half butter half oil?
Jessica
I’m not thinking that it would. It’s so much more like a pie crust or shortbread which I’ve never used oil in. But, you could always try…. 😉
MMM
I am excited to try this. Cheez-its are a favorite around here. Do you think I could make them in my kitchen-aid or do you need a food processor? Thanks!
Jessica
I’m not sure. Do you regularly use the KitchenAid for pie crust or scones? It’s the same basic technique of cutting in the ingredients, butter and cheese, specifically. Try it, and let us know!
Steph @ The Cheapskate Cook
Wow, here’s to you, Fishmama! I’m going to join the party and plan to make these in the near future as well 😉
Tracy
My daughter BEGGED me to get some cheese crackers at the store yesterday… I held out and am glad I did… I wonder how one would go about soaking this recipe and if it would work??
Kristi
This is perfect! I have been trying to start changing our eating habits into better ones but we love Cheez-its. I wasn’t sure how to change this one out w/out having to give them up altogether. Can’t wait to try them!!!!
One question, if you don’t have a food processor, is a hand mixer ok to use?
Jessica
I am not sure. I love my food processor and use it all the time. Do you use a hand mixer for making pie crust? You might be better off using a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the butter and cheese.
sarah k. @ the pajama chef
wow! i’ve never tried making my own crackers but these look so easy so i might just do that!
Danielle
Can’t wait to try this out, I’ve been looking for a substitute for goldfish crackers, this might just do the trick.
Suzy @ GingerandBerries
You read my mind!! Can’t wait to try these!
Stephenie
I was just talking with a friend this week about making cheese crackers. My family thinks I’m off my rocker for making crackers! LOL Can’t wait to try this recipe. Love that it’s done in the food processor and that you don’t have to roll it!
Ellen
We’re going to try this. We like Cheezits a lot around here. And there was just a buy one get one sale on shredded sharp cheddar at my local store, so we’re set.
Anne
Oooh, I have a similar recipe lying around that I’ve wanted to try but haven’t b/c it seemed like too much work destined to fail. but your recipe looks simple and easy; definitely going to try it!
Liz
I have thought about making my own crackers, but I’m not keen on baking. This recipe sounds really easy, and there’s no rolling out dough, which is a plus. I’m printing it out to try soon. Thanks!
Stacy
Thank you so much for posting this! My daughter has been addicted to Cheese-its and I really hate buying them. I know they aren’t the healthiest thing for her to have and would much rather her eat “real” food. Can’t wait to try these!
Allyson Kellner
Wow! I can’t believe how easy it sounds! I will have to try this!
Melissa
YUM! I love, love, love that these are cut from a “log”, rather than rolled out! They look wonderful! Do you think ww pastry flour would work for the unbleached, or would it be too ‘wheaty’? Thanks – I am trying them tomorrow morning!!
Jessica
I don’t know. But, try it and see. Then be sure to report back. 😉
Amanda
Wow, I’m going to have to try these! They look very yummy!
Christi
I certainly want to try this! About how many does this make?
Kim
thanks for simplifying & sharing your recipe!! I can’t wait to try these for my child care!
Jaymie
YUMMY! I can’t wait to try these! Cheezeits are addicting and we love them in my house. I can’t wait to try this healthier homemade cracker! I hope my kids love them! Thanks so much!
Jan J.
I can’t wait to try these – they sound yummy! My girls won’t even eat bagged store-bought cookies since I’ve begun making all from scratch and I’ll be they will be the same with crackers. Hmmm, maybe I SHOULDN’T try them LOL!