Indulge in Deliciousness with Homemade Cheese Crackers
Welcome to my blog where I share healthy and delicious recipes, perfect for any occasion. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that will satisfy your craving for a crunchy, cheesy snack while keeping it healthy!
These homemade cheese crackers are not only gluten-free but also dairy-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions. They are delicious and incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of simple ingredients. This is a great snack to have around the house for mid-afternoon cravings or for movie nights with friends and family.
As the author, I can attest that these cheese crackers are addictive (in a good way!). You’ll find yourself reaching for more before you know it. So let’s get started on this mouth-watering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine snacking on cheesy, crispy crackers that are healthy and gluten-free. Yes! Our cheese crackers recipe is going to leave you amazed. If you are a fan of Cheez-its or any other processed snack crackers, these gluten-free versions will replace them all.
First of all, let’s talk about taste. These cheese crackers are bursting with flavors of salty cheddar and mild mustard seeds. The hint of cayenne pepper adds a unique spicy aftertaste that won’t make you want to grab another beverage in the middle of your snacking experience.
Now, let me tell you why this recipe is so special. It’s not just about the taste, it’s about what goes into them. Our gluten-free flour blend is a mixture of almond flour, coconut flour, brown rice flour, and xanthan gum. We have substituted regular wheat flour with healthier alternatives that are less likely to spike up your blood sugar levels.
Secondly, this recipe uses real cheese – no artificial dyes or highly processed cheese products here! We use sharp cheddar cheese that gives a rich and tangy flavor to the crackers but feel free to switch things up with other types of cheese like jack or vegan cheese if dairy-free is more your style.
These cheese crackers are perfect for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets as they contain hardly any carbs at all thanks to the use of almond flour instead of regular flour. The best part? You wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference between these gluten-free alternatives and the originals.
Lastly, these cheese crackers are highly customizable! Switch out the mustard seeds with other herbs or add nutritional yeast for a vegan cheesy twist! You can also experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or rosemary.
These reasons should be enough to persuade you to try this recipe at least once in your life! Not only is it delicious but also healthier and easy-to-make. Once you have tasted our gluten-free, dairy-free cheese cracker recipe, it may likely become your new favorite snack!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers recipe:
- Blanched Almond Flour: 2 cups
- Coconut flour: 1/4 cup
- King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Xanthan Gum: 1/2 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, cold and cut into small pieces
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons
These ingredients will result in a delicious batch of gluten-free cheese crackers that will satisfy your hunger for something crunchy and cheesy.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the list of ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend, 1/4 cup of coconut flour, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast (optional), 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 tsp of sea salt, and 1 tsp of baking powder until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter and Add Cheese
Next, cut in 4 tbsp of cold butter, using a pastry blender or two knives, until the mixture becomes sandy in texture. Add in 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese into the flour mixture and stir until everything is evenly integrated.
Step 4: Form into Crackers
Slowly pour in enough water to form a dough that holds together when squeezed. Begin by pouring in just a small amount, around 1/4 cup, then slowly add more as needed. Divide the dough into two portions and form each into a ball. Place one of the balls onto your prepared baking sheet and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Try not to leave any holes or cracks in your dough.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut your dough into square-shaped crackers that measure about two inches each in diameter. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until slightly golden brown around all edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once done baking, let the crackers cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Once they are cool to the touch, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious gluten-free cheese crackers with your favorite dip or topping!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, food lovers! In this section, I’ll be sharing some substitution and variation ideas for the Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers recipe. These tips will help you personalize your crackers to suit your preferences, taste buds, or dietary restrictions.
1. Flour substitutes:
If you don’t have gluten-free flour on hand, don’t worry. You can use almond flour or coconut flour instead. However, keep in mind that the final texture and flavor of the crackers may differ slightly.
2. Cheese options:
While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, you can use any type of hard cheese you like, such as pepper jack, parmesan, or asiago. If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can also use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes.
3. Spice it up:
If you like your crackers with a little kick to them, consider adding more cayenne pepper to the recipe. Alternatively, you could swap it for paprika or chili powder.
4. Mustard seeds:
If you don’t have mustard seeds, omit them from the recipe or substitute them with other herbs like thyme or rosemary. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile of the crackers.
5. Cut into different shapes:
If you want to get creative with your presentation, use different cookie cutters to cut out different shapes (e.g., stars, hearts). Bonus points if you have seasonal cookie cutters for festive occasions!
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create a unique and tasty version of the Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers recipe that suits your dietary needs and taste preferences perfectly. So grab your apron and let’s start baking!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made these delicious gluten-free cheese crackers, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair them. These light, crispy cheddar cheese bites are the perfect snack to serve at a party or to have while watching TV at home.
You can serve these freshly baked crackers on a charcuterie board with some cured meats, fruits, and nuts for an elegant and sophisticated appetizer. They also pair excellently with a variety of dips such as hummus, guacamole or even with your favorite nut butter.
If you have a bit more time on your hands, you can use the crackers as the base for some miniature canapés. Top them with sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes and slices of thinly cut deli meat for a protein-packed snack.
One thing to keep in mind while serving these crackers is that they are quite rich and filling because of the cheese content. So, be careful not to overdo it on the portion sizes.
These crackers pair extremely well with an oak-aged Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Cabernet Sauvignon if you’re looking for something stronger. For those looking for non-alcoholic options, tea or sparkling water would be perfect.
Keep in mind that there is no “wrong” way to enjoy the Gluten-Free Cheez-its recipe! Find your favorite pairing and enjoy it as a snack or appetizer any time of day!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the reasons why I love this cheese crackers recipe is that it is incredibly easy to create a big batch and store the extras for later. The crackers will keep for a significant amount of time in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for make-ahead snacks or preparing for parties.
To store these gluten-free cheese crackers, all you need to do is place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep them at room temperature for up to two weeks, and don’t forget to label your container with the date you made the crackers.
When reheating the cheese crackers, there’s no need to use an oven or microwave. Instead, simply pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they are crisp again. You can also eat them straight out of the container if you prefer.
If you want to freeze these crackers, first make sure they are completely cooled. Then place them in a container or bag suitable for freezing, and they will stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat after freezing, thaw the cheese crackers by leaving them at room temperature for an hour or so before reheating.
One tip to ensure your stored cheese crackers remain crispy is to add some uncooked rice or silica packets into the container. This simple trick helps absorb excess moisture from the air and keeps your homemade treats fresh and crunchy longer.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy this gluten-free cheese cracker recipe anytime you want without worrying about losing their flavor and texture over time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect cheese crackers requires some attention to detail, but with a little bit of care, you can get an exceptional result. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture.
Firstly, it is essential to use sharp cheddar cheese. The sharper the better. The flavor will be more pronounced and impactful. Additionally, shredding your cheese fresh from a block always produces better results than using pre-shredded cheese in bags which often contains fillers.
Secondly, handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough results in tough crackers that are less flaky and tender. The consistency of the dough should be similar to pie crusts – crumbly and dry, but still capable of sticking together when compressed.
Thirdly, bake the crackers until nicely browned. They should have a crispy texture with an even color throughout. Check on them periodically and savor the aroma as they bake; this will give you a sense of when to take them out of the oven.
Finally, do not overcrowd your baking sheet – ensure there is enough space between each cracker so that they have ample room to expand and cook efficiently.
By following these simple tips, your gluten-free cheese crackers will come out perfectly every time – crispy, flavorful treats that everyone will love!
Bottom Line
So, there you have it, folks! A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cheese crackers that you can enjoy guilt-free. These gluten-free cheese crackers are not only easy to make but also highly customizable. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find the perfect combination that fits your taste buds. Plus, with endless variations and adaptations, you can rest assured that this recipe will never get old. Whether you are entertaining guests or just looking for a healthy snack, these gluten-free cheese crackers will hit the spot every time.
So go ahead and give this amazing recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your health) will thank you for it! Remember to substitute or modify the recipe ingredients as per your liking or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore new flavors. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to this amazing Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers recipe!
In conclusion, I hope this recipe has inspired you to get in the kitchen and whip up some delicious snacks that will leave both your taste buds and stomach happy. By using organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients in your diet, you are doing your part in promoting a healthier lifestyle for yourself and the planet. So let’s all embrace a healthier way of living starting with our meals. Enjoy!
Cheese Crackers (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups fine rice flour, plus more for dusting the work surface
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely ground mustard seeds
- 3/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces and softened
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons water
- additional salt, to top the cracker (optional)
Instructions
- In a food processor or large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground mustard.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
- Mix in the cheese, and blend until the cheese is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the egg yolks and the water.
- Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and blend to form a dough that will hold together in a cohesive ball.
- Add more flour if needed to make a workable dough; it should be mostly cohesive but somewhat crumbly.
- Divide dough into two equal portions and flatten into discs about inches thick; wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for about one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- On a lightly-floured surface or pastry cloth, roll out a dough disc into a circle approximately 1/2 inch thick. The dough will be somewhat crumbly; just do your best to keep sticking it together.
- Cut the dough circle into four equal segments. Without rotating each segment to align the cut and non-cut sides, stack the segments atop each other. Press the dough segments gently together, and re-flouring if necessary, roll the dough out again.
- Repeat the cutting, lifting, and rolling two more times. (It's this repeated stacking and rolling that gives the cracker its flaky, crisp layers.).
- The last time you roll the dough, roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- If desired, sprinkle top lightly with salt; press lightly into dough with rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into 1-inch squares; place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Prick each square once or twice with the tines of a fork.
- Bake the crackers for about 8-10 minutes.
- If any crackers are browned through, remove them to a cooling rack.
- Turn the rest and bake an additional 5-8 minutes, or until medium to medium-dark brown.
- Cool on a rack; then store in an airtight container.
- Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking for the second dough disc.
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