Oh my goodness, have I got a delightful treat for you today! If you love snacks that are cheesy, crunchy, and just a touch smoky, you’re in for a real treat with these Smoked Cheez It Crackers! I stumbled upon this little gem of a recipe not too long ago during a backyard barbecue, and let me tell you, they were the hit of the party. Everyone kept asking how I made them, and I just had to share my secret!
What makes these crackers so special? Well, not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also take your beloved Cheez-Its to a whole new smoky dimension. The delightful crunch combined with the subtle flavors of ranch and taco seasoning creates a snack that is simply irresistible. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Plus, you can customize them with extra spices or fresh herbs to suit your palate. Trust me; once you start nibbling on these, you won’t be able to stop!
What’s in Smoked Cheez It Crackers?
Let’s dive into what makes these crackers so irresistible!
Original Cheez-Its: The star of the show! I like to use the classic variety because they have that iconic cheesy flavor that everyone loves. Plus, they’re super crunchy, which is essential for this recipe!
Canola Oil: This oil works wonders for helping the seasonings stick to the crackers. You could use any neutral oil, but I prefer canola for its mild flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This blend adds a punch of tangy goodness that elevates the crackers from ordinary to extraordinary. Store-bought is fine, but feel free to use homemade if you have a favorite recipe!
Taco Seasoning Mix: Because who doesn’t want a little fiesta in their snack? This gives the crackers a warm, herby flavor that complements the ranch seasoning beautifully.
Smoked Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: A little sprinkle of either (or both!) will add a lovely kick to your crackers. Adjust it based on your spicy tolerance!
Fresh Herbs (Optional): I love garnishing with chives or parsley for a fresh touch. It makes them look extra fancy when serving to guests!
Is Smoked Cheez It Crackers Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health side of things. While these snacks are undoubtedly delicious, they should probably be considered a treat rather than a staple. Here’s the scoop on some of the ingredients:
Original Cheez-Its: They’re tasty, but they’re also high in sodium and fat. Moderation is key here, but hey, we all deserve a little snack magic now and then!
Canola Oil: A healthier oil option that’s lower in saturated fat compared to other oils. It can be part of a balanced diet when used in moderation.
Seasoning Mixes: Store-bought mixes often contain additives and sodium, which is something to be mindful of. If you’re watching your salt intake, consider making your own seasoning blends at home.
So while these Smoked Cheez It Crackers won’t win any health awards, they are definitely a fun indulgence to share with friends and family!
Ingredients:
– 1 box original Cheez-Its (about 12 ounces)
– 2 tablespoons canola oil (or any neutral oil)
– 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
– Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for additional spice
– Optional: fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives)
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people. Perfect for a small gathering or even just for you to snack on while binge-watching your favorite show!
How to Make Smoked Cheez It Crackers?
Let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you don’t have a smoker, don’t worry! You can also set up your grill for indirect heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss your Cheez-Its with canola oil until they’re evenly coated – no one wants a sad, dry cracker!
3. Sprinkle the ranch and taco seasoning mix over those cheesy beauties. Get in there with your hands and mix well to ensure every cracker gets a flavor hug!
4. Spread the seasoned Cheez-Its out in a single layer on a smoker-safe tray or baking sheet.
5. Pop that tray into the smoker and let the magic happen! You’ll want to smoke them for about 30 to 40 minutes or until they’re crispy and infused with yummy smoky flavor.
6. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool. If you like a bit more spice, sprinkle your choice of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on top!
7. Serve them up in a bowl, maybe add some fresh herbs for a pop of color, and prepare for your friends to gobble them up!
Snack Attack Tips!
A little creativity can go a long way with this recipe! Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends according to your taste preferences. You could try buffalo seasoning for a spicy twist or go sweet with cinnamon sugar for those who like a little sweetness with their crunch.
If you’re feeling ambitious and have leftovers (no promises there!), toss them in a salad for a crunchy topping or mix them into a cheesy dip for an extra cheesy experience.
So, are you ready to recreate this deliciousness? I promise, you’re going to love how easy and fun these Smoked Cheez It Crackers are to make. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out. Happy snacking!
