Cheez-It crackers without the cheese? This easy and healthy copycat recipe for Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Cheez-Its is top 8 allergy-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and secretly protein-packed! A delicious wholesome snack parents and kids will love!
Why are "snacks for kids" just so good, so iconic, so fun? I mean, come on guys! GOLDFISH! Speaking of Goldfish, in that recipe for homemade gluten-free vegan goldfish, I mentioned that Cheez-Its always seemed like the "grown-up version" of Goldfish. No fun fishy shape (don't get me wrong, these little squares are super cute in my opinion!) and the lose of "The snack that smiles back". But don't worry, there's plenty of redeeming qualities that Cheez-Its have, especially these gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, grain-free, protein-packed crackers! (Are you sold yet?)
Besides the obvious difference in shape and lack of smiley happy face, there's another big distinction in my mind that sets Cheez-Its apart. That sharp, deep, intense cheddar flavor. Much more prominent than the cheddar cheese flavor in Goldfish (I think that's why Cheez-Its are a darker, more orangey color). Of course, these homemade copycat Cheez-Its are vegan and thus, dairy-free. How are we going to master this intense cheddar flavor?
How are these Cheez-It crackers healthy?
I took the same Goldfish recipe and just tweaked the ingredients and baking process ever-so slightly. These yummy protein-packed squares are still made grain-free with chickpea flour, but the nutritional yeast is increased (amp that cheesy flavor!), and the paprika and black pepper become essential to round out the more intense cheddar flavor.
Are homemade Cheez-Its easy to make?
Yes! These are actually a step or two easier than the homemade Goldfish! You don't need a fish shaped cutter, nor do you need to make all those eyes and smiles! You just need to take a pizza cutter (or sharp knife) to make the squares out of the dough and then just use a toothpick to make a hole right in the center! A quick 10 minutes bake in the oven (get that Silpat out!) and you're moments away from your family's new favorite snack!
Are these crackers for kids? Adults? Teens?
These homemade gluten-free + vegan Cheez-Its are for EVERYONE! From little hands, to hungry teens, to even you! The bright and beaming reader looking for a wholesome and delicious snack that won't wreak your health goals! So whether you pack them in your kid's lunchboxes, your own lunch bag, have them ready to grab in a container when hungry people start grazing the kitchen, they'll work for any situation!
These are super easy to make-ahead and have on hand for the week as your go-to snack option. Make a big batch of small batch, it's up to you (but I think you'll need to double up on this one!) I guess these homemade Cheez-Its just prove that fun snacks aren't just for the kids 😉
Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Cheez-Its
Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Cheez-Its (Allergy-Free, Grain-Free)
Cheez-It crackers without the cheese? This easy and healthy copycat recipe for Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Cheez-Its is top 8 allergy-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and secretly protein-packed! An delicious wholesome snack parents and kids will love!
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: Varies
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Chickpea Flour
- ¼ Cup Nutritional Yeast
- 2 Tsp Olive Oil
- ½ Tsp Baking Powder
- ½ Tsp Turmeric
- ¼ Tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ Tsp Paprika
- ⅛ Tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ Cup + 2 TB Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk (or Water)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except the non-dairy milk, and whisk together.
- Now slowly add the milk (you may need more or less), mixing until you get a thick rollable dough.
- Roll the dough out between 2 Silpats (or parchment paper) to a very thin ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice straight lines vertically and horizontally on the rolled out dough to create (a little less than) 1-inch squares. Remove excess dough and re-roll as needed.
- Use a toothpick to make a hole in the center of each square.
- Place the cheez-its on a Silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 10 minutes.
So just like that, you won't be needing (or missing!) THESE anymore! It's time to bring ON snack time, but way healthier, more delicious, kid AND grown-up approved all in one 😉 Of course, that means we have to share with more hungry bellies. May want to stock up and hide some of these away in a place only you can find!
So tell me:
+ Goldfish vs Cheez-Its?
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Katrina
Oh wow - these look amazing. We are always on the look out for great vegan snacks. I have bookmarked this now.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm so glad! I hope you enjoy these!
Xavi
This snack is amazing my kids love it!
Amanda Martin
Cheez Its are my favorite food group!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well add these allergy-free vegan ones to the mix!
Cortney
You are speaking to my heart! I can easily down a whole box of cheezeits. This is a way better option. Where do you get chickpea flour? Never knew there was such a thing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The grocery store.
Maia
Wow I didn’t know you could make vegan cheez-its! Very yummy looking, I’ll have to get some chickpea flour.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Better stock up!
Milly Hailstone
These look delicious, I can't wait to try them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know when you do!
Logan
Omg I’ve been craving cheezits all week and I actually need these! They look so good! 💕
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Winning! I hope you bake some up and let me know!
mandy
Chickpea flour is the best! I'll have to give these a go for my kids, I think they'd love them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is such a handy staple to have!
Lauren
These look awesome! I have to send this recipe to my friend who is dairy free (but still loves cheese).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Can't go wrong when you have ALL the nooch!
Mamie
This sounds like a yummy alternative. Thanks.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just as delicious for us free-from eaters!
Lesley (makemeupblogs)
These look like delicious snacks to bring with me on-the-go! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great for packing up!
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
These look amazing! And I love the healthy ingredients that you used to make them. I can't wait to treat myself to a batch! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe. ♡
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No need to treat! They can be a staple snack!
briana
And grain free? You make it look so easy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well they are!
Muna Kenny
Although I'm not vegan, it is interesting to me how vegan food can sometimes taste even better than what we are used to. I'm not familiar with two ingredients in this list but I love chickpea flour and I'm sure this version of Cheez tastes delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, thanks I guess!
Maria
I love this! I really should try this for my daughter who has Diabetes, and it might not spike her sugars! Thanks!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No sugar and low carb here!
Ashley Dunham
When my little one is big enough, these will definitely be on the menu! Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Snacking awaits!
jena leigh
I love cheez its and to know that you can veganize it is awesome! I dont have chickpea flour but i hope it wont affect the tastes if i use AP flour since i have the rest of the ingredients.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Uh, no. It will.
Marta Rivera Diaz
I think it's genius that you were able to replicate the cheesy flavor without using cheese. I can't wait to try these
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
And they are perfectly "cheeZy" 😉
Marysa
How cool that you make your own crackers! I would love to give this a try. It's always nice to make your own homemade version, and you know just what is going into it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup! Nothing you don't want!
Laureen
Im definitely going to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad to hear it! Enjoy!
Cait
i have been obsessed with all of these posts you've been putting up! gluten free and VEGAN cheez its?! YES PLEASE!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta remake ALL the nostalgia!
dani
I love love love this. I will definitely give it a try. I am allergic to gluten and finding snacks is really challenging. You got me at Gluten free, Vegan and cheese. =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There are almost too many snacks out there, but not enough that are clean and totally allergy-free!
You can't be "allergic" to gluten. It's not an IgE response.