Skip to Content

Are cheez its low carb: Copycat cheez-its recipe

Sharing is caring!

The world of snacks can be a minefield for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. As someone always seeking for ways to satisfy my crunch cravings while staying on track with my dietary lifestyle, I have often found myself asking, "Are Cheez Its low carb?" To put it simply, traditional Cheez Its are not low carb. However, before you lament the loss of this cheesy snack from your diet, let's delve into how you can still enjoy the delectable crunch of a Cheez It without derailing your keto diet.

cheez its that are low carb

The Cheez It Controversy: Are cheez its low carb

Cheez Its, the brightly colored, square-shaped, bite-sized crackers that are an omnipresent feature in many households, are well-loved for their cheesy flavor and addictive crunch. But their main ingredients are wheat flour and canola oil, which are high in carbohydrates.

While a single serving of Cheez Its contains 150 calories, it also packs in a substantial 17g total carbs. For those following a ketogenic or low carb diet, this might be more than half of their daily carb allowance. Hence, in the traditional sense, Cheez Its are not a low carb or keto-friendly snack.

The Low Carb Solution: Keto Cheese Crackers

However, there is good news for the low-carb lifestyle enthusiasts who still crave that cheesy flavor and crispy texture. The solution is a simple and easy keto cheese cracker recipe, essentially a homemade Cheez It. These low carb cheese crackers provide all the delightful crunch of the original Cheez It, minus the high carb content.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of almond flour
  • 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup of cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine all dry ingredients (almond flour, sea salt, garlic powder) in a food processor until well mixed.
  3. Add the cheeses and the egg to the food processor. Process until a dough forms.
  4. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper until thin. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares.
  5. Transfer the pieces of parchment paper with the dough onto a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.
  6. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown. Let them cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.

These low carb cheese crackers not only make an excellent keto snack, but also fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can satisfy your craving for cheesy, crunchy snacks. Plus, the best part is knowing exactly what's in your food, as opposed to store-bought snacks which can often contain food additives.

Comparing Cheez Its Alternatives

SnacksTotal CarbsKeto-Friendly?
Original Cheez Its17g per servingNo
Homemade Keto Cheese Crackers3g net carbs per servingYes
Whisps Cheese Crisps1g per servingYes
Pork Rinds0g per servingYes

For low carb and ketogenic diet followers, our homemade Cheez It recipe, Whisps Cheese Crisps, and Pork Rinds are excellent options. They allow you to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful snack while sticking to your diet's restrictions.

Delving into the Keto Kitchen: Necessary Tools

One area we haven't yet touched upon is the specific tools you'll need to masterfully craft these keto-friendly snacks. So, let's delve into the world of kitchenware for a moment.

A food processor is the first piece of essential equipment. It's ideal for combining our main ingredients in the easiest and fastest way possible. But worry not if you don’t own one. You can combine the ingredients by hand using a wooden spoon and a little elbow grease.

The second item is a rolling pin, a staple in any baker's kitchen. This tool will help you achieve a thin and uniform thickness for your cracker dough, leading to an even bake and perfect, crispy crackers.

Next, we can't forget the piece of parchment paper. This often-overlooked item is critical to prevent your dough from sticking to the rolling pin or the baking surface. It's an inexpensive tool that can save you lots of time and stress.

Lastly, a pizza cutter will come in handy to quickly and effortlessly cut out your cracker squares. The speed and convenience of a pizza cutter will have you wondering why you didn't get one sooner. But in case you don't have one on hand, a sharp knife can also do the job.

Experimenting with Cheesy Flavors

I’m always up for a little kitchen experimentation. And you should be too. Making low carb snacks should not be a monotonous chore, but rather an opportunity to play with different flavors and create something uniquely yours.

When it comes to our keto Cheez It copycat recipe, a world of possibilities awaits in the form of different cheeses. Real cheese, such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even extra toasty parmesan, can make a world of difference in the flavor profile of your low carb crackers. Each kind of cheese imparts its own unique, cheesy flavor to the crackers, giving you a wide array of choices based on your preference.

All About the Crunch: Achieving the Perfect Texture

As much as we love the cheesy flavor, the real MVP (Most Valuable Property) of a Cheez It is its iconic crunch. Achieving the perfect, crispy texture in a homemade, low carb cracker might seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks, you'll be on your way to a truly crispy keto snack.

Firstly, it's crucial to roll your dough thin. Thin slices ensure that your crackers bake evenly and develop a crisp texture. Thick crackers might turn out soft and chewy rather than crispy.

Secondly, be patient with the baking time. It might be tempting to take the crackers out as soon as they turn golden brown, but a few extra minutes in the oven can make a difference in the crunch level. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Lastly, allow your crackers to cool completely before storing them. Cooling will help them crisp up even more. Remember to place them in an airtight container to maintain their crispy texture.

Conclusion: Rediscovering the Joy of Cheez Its

In a world where dietary restrictions can often feel limiting, it’s important to remember that with a little creativity and determination, we can rediscover the joy of our favorite foods in a healthier, low-carb form. So, even though traditional Cheez Its might not fit the low carb bill, our homemade version is a delicious and equally satisfying substitute. With the right tools, some high-quality ingredients, and a dash of patience, you can create a fantastic, keto-friendly alternative that will keep you coming back for more.

So, next time you're about to reach for a store-bought snack, consider whipping up a batch of these low carb cheese crackers instead. With each bite, you'll experience the delightful crunch, bold cheese flavor, and the satisfaction of knowing you're maintaining your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy!

Are cheez its low carb Key Takeaways

  • While regular Cheez Its are not low carb, there are low carb alternatives available, like the homemade low carb cheese cracker recipe provided.
  • Homemade Keto Cheese Crackers provide all the crunch and cheese flavor of Cheez Its, but with far fewer carbs.
  • Making your own low carb crackers ensures that you know exactly what ingredients you are consuming, as well as their nutritional information.
  • Other alternatives to Cheez Its include Whisps Cheese Crisps and Pork Rinds, both of which offer a satisfying crunch without the high carb content.

FAQs: Are cheez its low carb

Can I make these crackers with different flavors?

Yes, you can easily customize this recipe by adding different kinds of cheese or spices. Parmesan cheese or even a sharp cheddar cheese can add a different twist to the flavor. Also, feel free to experiment with spices like onion powder or smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick.

What is the best way to store these keto cheese crackers?

The best way to store these crackers is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them crispy and fresh. Remember to cool them completely before storing to avoid any condensation which can make them soggy.

Are pork rinds a good alternative to Cheez Its?

Yes, pork rinds can be a great alternative. They are virtually carb-free and high in protein. They offer a satisfying crunch, but their flavor profile is different from the cheesy flavor of Cheez Its.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use almond meal. However, the texture of the crackers might be a little different, as almond meal is coarser than almond flour.

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, but coconut flour is highly absorbent so you would need to adjust the quantities of the other ingredients. It's recommended to use a 1:4 ratio of coconut flour to almond flour.

The Last Cracker Crunch

In conclusion, the question "Are Cheez Its low carb?" might have a disappointing answer for low carb and keto diet followers. However, our homemade keto cheese cracker recipe provides a great alternative. Not only are these crackers low in carbs, they also carry the crunchy texture and cheesy flavor we all love about Cheez Its. This easy snack recipe is a testament that you don't have to give up your favorite flavors when embarking on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. And remember, the next time you reach for that bright orange cracker box, consider your healthier, homemade alternative instead. Happy snacking!

Sharing is caring!