Spicy Cheez It Recipe

Are you ready to up your snacking game?  This spicy Cheez-It recipe will tantalize!  These homemade spicy Cheez-Its are perfect for parties, snacks, and spicy cravings.

 I’ll show you how to make these irresistible snacks at home today.  I’ll help you choose seasonings and get the right crunchiness.  Just grab your favorite Cheez-Its box and start cooking!

Ingredient of Spicy Cheez It Recipe

Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients for a Spicy Cheez-Its recipe:

Cheez Its 12 Oz

Cheez-Its are crunchy, square-shaped crackers made with aged cheddar cheese, wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, and seasonings. Their signature sharp cheese flavor comes from real cheese powder, giving them a perfect balance of savory and crispy texture.

Avocado Oil 1/4 Cup

Avocado oil is a heart-healthy oil made from pressed avocados. It has a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for baking. Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, it adds a smooth texture to recipes.

Ranch Seasoning 2 Tbsp

Ranch seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, combined with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and buttermilk powder. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor, enhancing dishes with a savory, zesty kick.

Red Pepper Flakes 1-3 Tsp

Red pepper flakes are crushed dried chili peppers, typically cayenne or serrano, offering a spicy, mildly smoky heat. They add a punch of flavor to dishes and are perfect for giving spicy Cheez-Its an extra kick without overwhelming them.

Garlic Powder 1/2 Tsp

Garlic powder is a finely ground, dehydrated form of garlic, offering a mild, savory flavor with subtle sweetness. It’s commonly used to enhance the taste of snacks like spicy Cheez-Its, adding depth and richness without the intensity of fresh garlic.

Onion Powder 1/2 Tsp

Onion powder is made from dehydrated onions, ground into a fine powder. It imparts a mild, slightly sweet and savory onion flavor, perfect for enhancing the overall taste of spicy Cheez-Its without the strong bite of fresh onions.

Essential Equipment For Spicy Cheez It Recipe

To make homemade spicy Cheez-Its, you’ll need the following essential equipment:

1. Baking Sheet: A large, flat baking sheet to spread the crackers evenly while they bake. You may need two sheets depending on the quantity.
   
2. Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is necessary for combining the cheese, spices, and oil before tossing in the crackers. A glass or metal bowl works best.
   
3. Whisk or Spatula: A whisk is great for mixing the cheese powder and spices evenly, while a spatula helps to toss the crackers without crushing them.
   
4. Oven: A preheated oven is essential for baking the Cheez-Its to a crisp, golden texture. Set it to 350°F (175°C).
   
5. Cooling Rack: After baking, place the Cheez-Its on a cooling rack to help them crisp up and cool evenly.

These tools will make the process smooth and ensure you get perfectly spicy Cheez-Its!

How To Make Spicy Cheez-Its At Home?

• Begin by preheating the oven to 325 degrees F.
• In a small mixing bowl, add the oil, ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth.
• Place the Cheez-Its in a big plastic bag and gently pour the oil mixture over them. 
• Close the bag securely and gently shake to coat the crackers equally with the oil and seasoning blend. Spread the Cheez-Its evenly across one or two large baking sheets.
• Place in a preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown.

How To Store And Keep Spicy Cheez-Its Fresh?

To store and keep spicy Cheez-Its fresh, follow these tips:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the Cheez-Its to cool completely before storing them. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
2. Airtight Container: Store the Cheez-Its in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to keep air out and maintain crispness.
3. Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or humidity, which can cause them to lose their crunch.
4. Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate, as this can affect the texture and flavor. Room temperature storage is best.
5. Consume Within a Week: For optimal freshness, eat them within 5-7 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

By following these steps, your spicy Cheez-Its will stay fresh and crispy for days!

Best Seasonings For Spicy Cheez-Its

To create the perfect spicy Cheez-Its, the right blend of seasonings can elevate the flavor, balancing heat, savory notes, and cheesy goodness. Here are the best seasonings to achieve that perfect balance:

1. Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper is the go-to ingredient for adding heat. It has a bold, sharp spiciness that doesn’t overpower the cheese flavor. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your Cheez-Its to be, starting with a pinch for a mild heat or adding more for a fiery kick.
   
2. Chili Powder: A combination of ground chili peppers, cumin, and garlic, chili powder brings a smoky, earthy flavor to the Cheez-Its. It’s a fantastic complement to cayenne pepper, as it adds a layer of complexity to the heat, making it rich and flavorful without being overly spicy.
   
3. Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a deep, smoky flavor that balances the sharpness of the cheese and the heat from the other spices. If you want a milder flavor, you can use regular paprika, which adds color without as much smoke. Either type will enhance the overall richness of the Cheez-Its.
   
4. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, umami kick to your spicy Cheez-Its. It’s perfect for rounding out the flavors and making the snack more savory rather than just hot. Garlic complements both the cheese and the heat from the peppers.
   
5. Onion Powder: Onion powder brings a sweet and savory profile that pairs well with the other spices. It provides a depth of flavor that makes the Cheez-Its more addictive and savory.
   
6. Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra layer of heat and texture, red pepper flakes offer bursts of spice with a slight crunch. They also add visual appeal to the Cheez-Its, giving them a little pop of color.
   
7. Cumin: A pinch of cumin gives a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the overall spice blend. It pairs well with chili powder and adds a unique depth to your Cheez-Its.
   
8. Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a mild heat and a slight sharpness to round out the seasoning mix. It’s subtle but effective in giving the Cheez-Its an added zing.
   

These seasonings, when combined with the rich cheese flavor, make for the perfect spicy Cheez-Its that are sure to be a hit at any party or snack time!

Final Words

This Spicy Cheez-It recipe is excellent for spice up your snack game. These handcrafted snacks will satisfy your taste senses with the proper mix of spice and cheese. These Spicy Cheez-Its are perfect for movie night or your next party. Prepare to enhance your munching experience and flavor a classic. Taste buds will appreciate you!

FAQs

Baking Vs. Air Frying Spicy Cheez-Its

Baking gives you a traditional, evenly crisped texture and is great for larger batches. It’s slower but ensures consistent results. 

Air frying, on the other hand, cooks faster and can create a slightly crunchier texture with less oil, making it a great option for smaller batches. Both methods deliver spicy, crispy Cheez-Its, but air frying is quicker and uses less energy!

What Is The Secret Ingredient In Cheez It?

The secret ingredient in Cheez-Its is real cheese specifically, aged cheddar. This gives them their signature sharp, tangy flavor. Along with the cheese, a blend of wheat flour, vegetable oil, and seasonings (like salt and paprika) adds texture and enhances the taste. The cheese powder used in Cheez-Its is key to their distinct, cheesy flavor, making it a highly addictive snack!

Is Cheez-It Vegetarian?

Yes, Cheez-Its are generally considered vegetarian, as they do not contain any meat or fish products. The primary ingredients include wheat flour, vegetable oil, and cheese, along with seasonings. However, some varieties may contain animal-derived enzymes in the cheese powder, which are used to enhance flavor. If you’re looking for a strictly vegetarian option, it’s best to check the packaging or choose versions that explicitly state they are “vegetarian-friendly” or free from animal-derived enzymes.