Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite savory snack. This is the ultimate recipe for perfectly crispy, cheesy, and incredibly delicious homemade crackers that just happen to be gluten-free.
Table of Contents
This Gluten Free Cheese Cracker recipe is surprisingly simple and yields a wonderfully crunchy cracker that’s packed with real, sharp cheddar flavor.
They are so much better than the store-bought versions and are the perfect solution when a cheesy craving strikes.
A Little Story About This Dish
I’ve always had a soft spot for those classic, cheesy, square-shaped crackers. When I went gluten-free, I really missed that specific, satisfying crunch. So many of the store-bought gluten-free options just weren’t the same.
That’s what led me on a mission to create the perfect Gluten Free Cheese Cracker. I wanted that same intense cheese flavor and a texture that truly “snapped.”
After a bit of experimenting, I landed on this perfect recipe. It’s so reliable and so delicious that my family now prefers these to any other kind. They are a constant request for lunchboxes and snacks.
Get Ready to Cook!
You are about to turn a few simple ingredients into the crispiest, cheesiest crackers you’ve ever had. Let’s go over the key tips for a perfect batch.
What to Expect
Time: About 45 minutes from start to finish.
Difficulty: Very easy! A simple, one-bowl dough recipe.
Before You Begin
The number one rule for the best flavor is to use a good-quality, extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The flavor of the cheese is the star of the show, so a block of flavorful cheddar that you grate yourself will make a huge difference.
The secret to a flaky, crisp cracker is using cold butter and cold water. Just like with pastry, this helps create little pockets of steam during baking, leading to a better texture.
Finally, for that signature crispiness, you must roll the dough very thin—about 1/16th of an inch is perfect. The thinner you roll, the crispier your Gluten Free Cheese Cracker will be.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the few simple ingredients you need to create this amazing Gluten Free Cheese Cracker recipe.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend | 1 cup (120g) |
| Xanthan Gum (if not in your blend) | ¼ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese, finely grated | 8 ounces (225g) |
| Cold Unsalted Butter, cubed | 3 tbsp (45g) |
| Cold Water | 2 tbsp (30g) |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Gluten Free Cheese Cracker.
1. Prep Your Oven and Dough:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum (if using), and salt.
2. Work in the Fat and Cheese:
Add the finely grated cheese and the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter and cheese into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Dough:
Add the cold water and mix with a fork or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Then, use your hands to briefly knead it into a smooth, workable dough that isn’t too sticky.
4. Roll It Thin:
Divide the dough in half. Place one half between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out very thinly, about 1/16-inch thick.
5. Cut Into Shapes:
Remove the top sheet of parchment. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into small, 1-inch squares to create your own homemade Cheez-Its. Use the end of a skewer to poke a small hole in the center of each square.
6. Bake Until Golden:
Slide the parchment paper with the cut crackers onto a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown with slightly darker edges. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second half of the dough.
7. Cool for Maximum Crispiness:
Let the Gluten Free Cheese Cracker batch cool completely on the baking sheet. They will become much crispier as they cool down to room temperature.
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
Here are a few final pointers to make this Gluten Free Cheese Cracker recipe a new favorite.
Pointers for Perfection
Using a food processor can make the dough come together even faster. Just pulse the flour, salt, cheese, and butter until crumbly, then add the water and pulse until a dough ball forms.
How to Store
These crackers have a fantastic shelf life! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, and they’ll stay perfectly crispy.
These recipes are perfect for discovering new and exciting gluten-free meal options: Gluten Free Soft Pretzel Bites, and Gluten Free Almond Flour Crackers, and Cinnamon Roll Cookies.
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Gluten Free Cheese Cracker Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 150–160 crackers 1x
Description
The ultimate Gluten-Free Cheese Cracker recipe! This easy, homemade version is incredibly crispy, flaky, and packed with real extra-sharp cheddar flavor. So much better than store-bought and a perfect copycat for Cheez-Its.
Ingredients
120g (1 cup) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
¼ tsp xanthan gum (omit if your blend contains it)
¼ tsp salt
225g (8 ounces) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
45g (3 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
30g (2 tbsp) cold water
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum, and salt.
3. Add the finely grated cheese and cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips to work them into the flour until you have a crumbly mixture resembling breadcrumbs.
4. Add the cold water and mix with a spatula, then your hands, to form a smooth, workable dough.
5. Divide the dough in half. Roll one half out between two sheets of parchment paper until it is about 1/16-inch thick.
6. Remove the top parchment. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Use a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each square.
7. Transfer the crackers on the parchment paper to a baking sheet. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
8. Bake one sheet at a time for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown with slightly darker edges.
9. Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.
Notes
Use Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and cold water is key to a flaky, crispy cracker texture.
Roll Thinly: The secret to a truly crispy cracker is to roll the dough as thinly as possible before baking.
Storage: Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for about one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 crackers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are answers to some common questions about gluten-free cheesy snacks.
1. Which cheese crackers are gluten-free?
Many brands now make certified gluten-free cheese crackers. Some popular ones are Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, Lance Gluten-Free Baked Crackers, and Schär Table Crackers. It is always important to check the packaging for a “Certified Gluten-Free” label. And of course, making a gluten free cheese cracker recipe at home is the best way to ensure they are safe.
2. What is a gluten-free alternative to Cheez-Its?
While there are gluten-free cheese crackers on the market, this homemade recipe is the best gluten-free alternative to Cheez-Its! It gives you that same intense, real-cheese flavor and satisfying crunch that can be hard to find in store-bought options.
3. Is Cracker Barrel cheese gluten-free?
Yes, Cracker Barrel block, sliced, and shredded cheeses are generally considered gluten-free, as cheese is a naturally gluten-free product. It’s a great choice for this recipe or for gluten free cheese cracker sandwiches. As always, it is wise to double-check the ingredient label on any packaged food for potential gluten-containing additives.
Dig In & Enjoy!
You are now ready to bake a batch of what will surely become your new favorite savory snack. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, and delicious bite!
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