Homemade Healthy Cheez-Its – Easy & Delicious Snack Recipe

Introduction

Skip the processed snacks and enjoy all the cheesy, crispy goodness you love—without the additives! These Homemade Healthy Cheez-Its are the ultimate whole-food, crave-worthy alternative to store-bought cheese crackers. They deliver that iconic sharp cheddar bite and snappy crunch, but are made with simple ingredients and a straightforward, quick prep process.

They’re an easy win for after-school snacks, lunchboxes, or anyone craving a highly munchable, healthy treat. Impress your friends (and yourself) with a batch that rivals the original in flavor, and exceeds it in wholesome simplicity.

What Makes These Homemade Cheez-Its So Good?

The magic behind these crackers is using real, sharp cheese and whole grains for depth of flavor—without artificial flavorings or preservatives. A touch of butter and just enough seasoning brings home that familiar, savory intensity. They’re baked to perfect crispness, making them dangerously snackable.

Because you control the ingredients, you can keep these gluten-free or experiment with your favorite cheeses. Best of all, the dough comes together quickly in a food processor and is a breeze to roll out.

Tips for Making the Dough

Achieving the best texture means working efficiently. Grate your cheese finely, and pulse the dough just until it comes together—overmixing makes it tough.

A powerful food processor like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black makes it simple to shred cheese and blend the dough. If you’re prepping veggies for snack platters, tools like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save even more time.

Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment to prevent sticking, and use a pizza cutter for uniform squares. For perfectly even baking, a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet is a must.

Baking for Maximum Crunch

Bake until deep golden and crisp; depending on your oven, this may require rotating pans halfway through. For even easier cleanup and consistent browning, bake on a quality SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch or a pre-lined sheet pan.

Let crackers cool completely before storing so they stay crunchy. Store in an airtight container for several days of snacking (if they last that long).

Creative Serving Suggestions

Pile these up in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for a portable snack, or serve with fresh veggies, fruit, or a wholesome dip like hummus. They’re also divine crumbled atop salads or soups for cheesy crunch.

Whether you’re making them for kids or adults, these Cheez-Its will disappear quickly at parties, picnics, or on movie night.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 90 small crackers (about 4–5 servings). Each serving contains approximately 140–170 calories (depending on your cheese and flour choice), with less sodium and more protein than commercial versions.

Perfect for those seeking a flavorful, satisfying snack without the guilt!

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless, non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
2. In the bowl of a food processor such as the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, pulse the cheese, flour, butter, salt, and turmeric/paprika (if using) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough comes together and forms a cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing.
4. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick, covering with a second parchment sheet if necessary to prevent sticking.
5. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut into 1-inch squares. Use the tip of a chopstick or skewer to poke a hole in the center of each for that trademark Cheez-It look.
6. Transfer the cut squares (along with the parchment) to your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them slightly apart if possible. Optionally, lightly dust with extra sea salt.
7. Bake for 14–18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until golden and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup).

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Homemade Healthy Cheez-Its: Snack Recap

Baking your own Cheez-Its means full, real-cheese flavor and a delightful crunch—all with simple ingredients you control. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that makes snack time healthier and more delicious.