The Genius Way You Can Have Cheez-Its At Dinner (Without Feeling Like You're Snacking)

Even casual snackers know the simple joy of indulging in a Cheez-It cracker, which is why it's such a shame that these square delights are usually reserved for small moments. Often enjoyed between meals, it's rare to see the familiar red and orange box make an appearance at the dinner table. Well, that doesn't have to be the case, because there are actually many great ways to use Cheez-It crackers. One clever, if not unconventional, way to add these to a meal is to turn this snack into croutons and pop them into a salad. Simply sprinkle a few of the treats into your salad bowl and voila. To really take things to the next level, consider elevating your Cheez-It croutons with a few tasty ingredients.

Instead of adding Cheez-It crackers into a salad whole, smash them into bite-sized pieces in a plastic bag using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin. Next, pour the crumbs into a bowl with some melted butter and the seasonings of your choice, then combine until well mixed. Cook this mixture in a pan on the stove, or toast it in the oven for a crispy finish. This cheesy topping will make a great addition to any salad. A rich, tangy Caesar salad, made with anchovies or without, could stand up to the intensely flavored crackers. You can also use these "croutons" in a Cobb salad. The savory ingredients like bacon and boiled eggs would pair exceptionally well with the bold cheddar flavors.

Beyond turning Cheez-It crackers into croutons, there are plenty of other ways to infuse your dinner with a deep cheddar taste. You could, for example, turn Cheez-Its into breadcrumbs. Whether you want to coat chicken cutlets, homemade mozzarella sticks, or some crispy air-fryer cauliflower, this one simple step could elevate the entire meal. Simply crush your Cheez-Its in a plastic bag or run them through a food processor. Next, combine the crumbs with the seasonings of your choice — add traditional breadcrumbs if you want a less intense taste. Finally, use these breadcrumbs as usual in your favorite recipe. 

Now, let's not forget dessert. Cheez-It crackers might not seem like an obvious ingredient for a sweet treat, but they can be. You could, for example, use Cheez-Its to make your s'mores a little more interesting, or craft some easy Cheez-It marshmallow treats. Simply mix the crackers with some melted marshmallows and butter, and let the mixture set inside a baking dish. Next, consider turning the crackers into a lunchbox staple by adding a dollop of peanut butter on each square, then dipping them in melted chocolate for a perfectly sweet and salty treat. The options are truly endless.