Ok, we’ll admit it — we’ve been caught elbow deep in a box full of store-bought cheese snacks crackers before. But while they may be delicious in the moment, they’re also often processed, unhealthy, and loaded with chemical additives. There’s only one way to ensure that you’re eating the healthiest, yummiest cheese snacks–and that’s to make them yourself, in your own kitchen! (Plus, you gain bragging rights. It’s a fact.) Here are three delicious homemade cheesy snacks that both you and your kids will love.
1. Homemade Goldfish Crackers
This recipe is simple and easy, with only five ingredients and little prep time. So, it’s a great cooking exercise to try with your kids, who can help with cutting the dough into fun shapes.
Amy Johnson from Tasty Kitchen recommends, “Use itty bitty cookie cutters, icing tips, or make your own cookie cutter shapes out of an aluminum can. The crackers puff up to a chewy, cheesy bite.”
2. Homemade Cheez-Its
It’s hard to find a kid (or an adult, for that matter) who doesn’t love Cheez-Its. This homemade version is versatile–spoon the dough into balls for a high-end cocktail snack, or cut into squares for a simple after-school snack.
Jestei from Food 52 says, “The paprika is responsible for the tang; the better the cheese you use, the sharper and more elegant the taste, yet they will still remain distinctly Cheez-It-esque.” We recommend a tangy, aged cheddar cheese, like this one from Bravo Farms in California.
3. Classic Cheese Straws
This Southern recipe is savory and rich, with a spicy and peppery flavors. These cheese straws make a great appetizer, snack, or party dish.
Holley Johnson of Southern Living says, “We’ve updated this classic by incorporating different types of cheese, ground spices, and nuts. These recipes pair well with soups or salads, whether you prefer wafers cut into round or square slices or you choose to put the dough through a cookie press to make the traditional straws. They can also go solo with a glass of Champagne or beer.”
If you prefer a more traditional recipe, these cheese straws and wafers are crispy, salty, and light as a feather — perfect for your cocktail party.
Photo by Tasty Kitchen
Erica Mixon
Erica Mixon is an editorial intern at Culture. Mixon is also the arts editor of Emerson College's student-run newspaper, the Berkeley Beacon, and editor in chief of an upcoming human resources blog, HRTalentManagement. While Erica is not editing or writing, she enjoys spending time in her hometown of Ogunquit, Maine.
