Homemade gluten-free cheese crackers. If you’re craving that salty, cheesy crunch reminiscent of classic Cheez-Its but need a gluten-free alternative, this recipe is perfect for you. With just six simple ingredients, these crackers are quick to make, packed with bold cheddar flavor, and deliver the perfect crisp texture.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers

1. Easy to Make: No chilling time is needed! Simply mix, roll, cut, and bake.
2. Perfectly Crispy & Flaky: These crackers are light, crisp, and deliciously cheesy.
3. Just Six Ingredients: You probably already have most of them in your pantry.
4. Customizable Flavors: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
5. Better Than Store-Bought: Homemade means no preservatives and full control over ingredients!

Essential Ingredients for the Best Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: A high-quality gluten-free flour mix ensures the perfect crisp texture.
• Xanthan Gum: If your flour blend doesn’t contain it, xanthan gum helps with binding.
• Extra Mature (Sharp) Cheddar Cheese: The star of the recipe! Using extra sharp cheddar ensures the boldest, cheesiest taste.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Helps create a flaky, crispy cracker texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the cheese’s natural sharpness.
• Cold Water: Brings the dough together without making it sticky.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers

1. Use High-Quality Cheese

The quality of your cheese makes all the difference! Finely grate extra mature (extra sharp) cheddar for maximum flavor and the best texture. A coarser grate can make the dough harder to work with.

2. Work with Cold Ingredients

Cold butter and cold water help create a dough that’s easy to handle and roll out. The cold butter also contributes to a crisp and flaky texture.

3. Mix Dough Until It Resembles Breadcrumbs

When combining butter and cheese with flour, aim for a breadcrumb-like texture before adding water. This ensures even distribution of ingredients.

4. Roll the Dough Thinly

For ultra-crispy crackers, roll the dough to about 1/16 inch (1-2mm). The thinner the crackers, the crispier they’ll be.

5. Poke Holes to Prevent Puffing

Use a skewer or fork to poke a hole in each cracker. This prevents them from puffing up too much during baking.

6. Bake Until Golden Brown

For the best flavor and texture, bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

7. Store in an Airtight Container

These crackers stay crisp for up to a week when stored in a dry, airtight container at room temperature.

Fun Flavor Variations

• Spicy Cheddar: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Garlic & Herb: Mix in garlic powder and dried thyme or rosemary.
• Smoky Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika gives a deep, rich flavor.
• Parmesan Blend: Replace some of the cheddar with grated Parmesan for an extra umami boost.

Serving Suggestions

• Snack Time: Enjoy them on their own for a crunchy, cheesy treat.
• Charcuterie Boards: Pair with meats, fruits, and dips for an elegant appetizer.
• Soup & Salad: Serve alongside tomato soup or a fresh salad for a gourmet touch.
• Kid-Friendly Lunches: These crackers are a great addition to lunchboxes!

Crispy Homemade Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers

Recipe by Cookingpoint.net

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Baked

Servings

150

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 120g (1 cup) plain gluten-free flour blend (without xanthan gum)

• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (omit if already in the flour blend)

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 225g (8 ounces) extra sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated

• 45g (3 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 30g (2 tbsp) cold water

Directions

• Preparing the Dough:
• Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
• Add the grated cheese and cold butter. Use your fingers to blend everything until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Alternative: A food processor can also be used—just pulse the flour, cheese, butter, and salt together until crumbly.
• Gradually add the cold water, mixing with a fork or spatula until a rough dough forms.
• Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. It should roll out easily without being too dry or sticky. If needed, add a teaspoon of water at a time to adjust consistency.
• Rolling & Cutting the Crackers:
• Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out each portion between two sheets of parchment paper until 1/16 inch (1-2mm) thick.
• Use a pizza cutter, sharp knife, or cookie cutter to slice into cracker-sized pieces.
• For a classic Cheez-It look, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) squares. This recipe yields about 150-160 crackers.
• Transfer the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/4 inch (0.5cm) apart.
• Use a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each cracker to prevent excessive puffing.
• Baking:
• Bake each tray separately for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown with slightly darker edges.
• Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying

Notes

• Storage:
  Keep your homemade gluten-free cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy them as a snack or pair with your favorite dips!