Irresistible Gluten-Free Parmesan Herb Crackers: Your New Favorite Crispy Snack
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfectly crispy cracker, especially when it’s homemade and tailored to your dietary needs. These delightful, rustic Gluten-Free Parmesan Herb Crackers were truly born out of necessity – a desire for a crunchy, flavorful, and gluten-free snack that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Forget the bland, crumbly imitations; these crackers are crisp, savory, and robust enough to stand up to your favorite dips and cheeses, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.
They pair exquisitely with a wide array of accompaniments, but we particularly love them with our Whipped Feta and Yogurt Dip – a combination that creates an explosion of flavors and textures. The journey to perfecting this gluten-free recipe began with inspiration from the wonderful blog, Fox and Briar, renowned for its delicious Rosemary crackers. We took that excellent foundation and carefully adapted it, ensuring that our gluten-free version maintained all the rustic charm and irresistible crunch of the original, while offering a safe and delectable option for those avoiding gluten.
Crafting exceptional gluten-free baked goods often comes down to the quality of the flour. For these crackers, we’ve found that Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour and King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour yield the most consistent and delicious results. These brands are formulated specifically to mimic the properties of wheat flour, helping to achieve that desirable crispness without the use of gluten. We highly recommend sticking to these flours, as the recipe has been meticulously perfected using them. While the mixing process is remarkably quick and straightforward, the secret to truly outstanding crackers lies in the rolling of the dough. Patience is key here; you want to roll the dough out as thinly as possible, aiming for an even 1/8 inch thickness, to ensure maximum crispiness with every bite.
Why Make Your Own Gluten-Free Crackers?
In a world full of pre-packaged snacks, taking the time to make your own crackers might seem like an extra step. However, the benefits, especially for gluten-free individuals, are immense. Homemade crackers allow you to control every ingredient, avoiding unnecessary additives, preservatives, and questionable oils often found in commercial products. You get to choose high-quality flours, fresh herbs, and real Parmesan cheese, resulting in a snack that is not only healthier but also bursting with superior flavor. Plus, there’s a unique satisfaction in serving something you’ve created from scratch – a rustic, wholesome treat that tastes infinitely better than anything you can buy.
Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour
As mentioned, not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Many all-purpose gluten-free blends on the market contain a mix of different flours (like rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, and sorghum flour) along with binders such as xanthan gum. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur have mastered these ratios, providing blends that are specifically designed for baking and deliver excellent texture without the grittiness or excessive stickiness that can plague other brands. Using a reliable blend ensures that your crackers will be sturdy enough to roll out thinly and achieve that desired snap once baked.
How to Make These Crispy Gluten-Free Parmesan Herb Crackers
Making these crackers is a rewarding process, and following these steps carefully will ensure you get that perfect crunch every time. Let’s get started!
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232°C). A hot oven is crucial for achieving the quick bake and crispy texture that defines these crackers. While the oven preheats, you can gather your ingredients and prepare your workspace.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: the gluten-free all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese (the initial amount for the dough), dried Italian herbs (for the dough), granulated sugar, and coarse sea salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This step is important for an even distribution of flavor throughout the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add 1/2 cup of water and 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to your dry mixture. Olive oil adds richness and helps with the dough’s texture and crispness.
- Mix the Dough to Perfection: Continue to whisk or stir the dough until all the ingredients are fully combined. The dough should start to come together. If it appears too dry or crumbly, and isn’t forming a cohesive mass, add an additional tablespoon of water at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough reaches a consistency similar to the photo below. It should be moist enough to hold together but not overly sticky. If needed, a tiny bit more olive oil can also help achieve the right texture and add pliability.
- Prepare for Rolling: Once your dough has the perfect consistency, place it onto a sheet of lightly floured parchment paper. The parchment paper should be approximately the size of your rimmed baking sheet (typically 13 inches by 18 inches). This step is crucial, as rolling the dough directly on parchment paper makes it much easier to transfer to the baking sheet later.
- Roll Out the Dough Thinly: Dust the top of the dough with a little more gluten-free flour. Using a rolling pin, begin to work the dough, thinning it out evenly. Continue to lightly dust the dough and your rolling pin with flour as needed to prevent sticking – gluten-free dough can sometimes be a bit more prone to stickiness. The goal is to roll the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick across the entire surface. This thinness is vital for achieving truly crispy crackers.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet & Trim: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the rolled-out dough onto your rimmed baking sheet. If necessary, trim both the parchment paper and the edges of the dough to fit neatly within the baking sheet.
- Important Trimming Note: This step is critical for safety and optimal baking. Since you’re baking at a high temperature (450°F / 232°C), parchment paper can sometimes scorch or burn if its edges extend beyond the baking sheet. To prevent the cracker edges and paper from burning, we highly recommend trimming the sides of both before placing them in the oven. This ensures even baking and prevents any unwanted smoky surprises.
- Season and Prepare for Baking: With the dough now on the baking sheet, lightly brush the surface with a tiny bit of water. This helps the toppings adhere. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of coarse sea salt, a pinch of dried Italian herbs, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface. Finally, take a fork and gently poke holes all over the dough. These holes prevent the crackers from puffing up excessively and encourage even crisping. Your crackers are now ready for the oven!
- Bake Until Golden and Crisp: Bake the crackers for 20 minutes. Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on them. Depending on your oven’s heat, they might need up to 5 additional minutes. The crackers are done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel perfectly crisp to the touch. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Cool, Break, and Enjoy: Once the crackers have cooled completely and are firm, break them into rustic, irregular pieces. There’s no need for perfect squares; the irregular shapes add to their homemade charm. Serve and enjoy these delicious, crispy Gluten-Free Parmesan Herb Crackers with your favorite dips, cheeses, or as a stand-alone snack!
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
These versatile Gluten-Free Parmesan Herb Crackers are perfect for so much more than just dipping! Here are a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:
- Cheese Boards: They are an essential component of any elegant gluten-free cheese board. Their savory flavor complements both mild and strong cheeses beautifully.
- Soup & Salad Accompaniment: Crumble them over creamy tomato soup or a fresh garden salad for an added crunch instead of croutons.
- Appetizer Base: Use them as a base for mini appetizers. Top with cream cheese and smoked salmon, bruschetta mix, or a dollop of our Whipped Feta and Yogurt Dip.
- Snack Time: Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying, healthy snack between meals.
Experiment with Flavors
While the Parmesan and Italian herb combination is a classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor profiles:
- Rosemary & Sea Salt: A timeless combination, just like the original inspiration.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Add a teaspoon of each to the dry ingredients for a more pungent cracker.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can add a welcome heat.
- Nutritional Yeast (Dairy-Free): For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast, which offers a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle with this popular blend for an intense, savory topping.
- Other Cheeses: Finely grated cheddar or asiago can also be used, though Parmesan’s hard texture contributes uniquely to crispness.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To keep your Gluten-Free Parmesan Herb Crackers wonderfully crisp and fresh, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Avoid refrigeration, as it can introduce moisture and cause them to soften. If they do lose some of their crispness over time, you can briefly re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, then let them cool again.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
My crackers aren’t crispy enough. What went wrong?
The most common culprit is not rolling the dough thinly enough. Aim for an even 1/8 inch thickness. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and that you bake them until they are uniformly golden brown. Ovens vary, so you might need those extra 5 minutes of baking time.
Why did my crackers puff up?
This usually happens if you didn’t poke enough holes in the dough with a fork. The holes allow steam to escape, preventing the dough from ballooning and ensuring a flat, crispy cracker.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! To make them dairy-free, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with an equal amount of nutritional yeast. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious and savory.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
While best made fresh, you can prepare the dough and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come closer to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before attempting to roll it out, as cold dough can be harder to work with.
Gluten Free Parmesan Herb Crackers
Ana | Claudia’s Table
August 3, 2020
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Gluten Free all purpose flour Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur brands
- 1 tbsp parmesan cheese grated (plus a pinch extra for topping)
- 1 1/2-2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2-3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp Italian herbs dried (plus a pinch extra for topping)
- 1 tsp sugar granulated
- 1 tsp sea salt coarse grind (plus a pinch extra for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
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Combine your dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined.
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Add 1/2 cup of water and 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil.
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Continue to whisk the dough until combined. If the dough appears dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the consistency appears as the photo below. At this point, you can also add a tiny bit more olive oil too.
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Once you get the consistency just right, place dough on a floured parchment paper sheet approximately the size of a rimmed baking sheet (13 inches x 18 inches).
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Dust the top of the dough with a little flour and start working the dough to thin it out. Continue to lightly dust the dough as needed. It may become a little sticky from working it. Continue to roll out until it’s 1/8″ thick.
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Slide the dough on the parchment paper onto the rimmed baking sheet and trim both the paper and the dough if you need to.
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IMPORTANT: This is going in the oven at the max temperature for the parchment paper, so you don’t want ends of the cracker and paper burning. So I highly suggest trimming the sides of both before baking it.
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Now that the dough in on the baking sheet, brush on a little bit of water and sprinkle a little bit of sea salt, a pinch of dried Italian herbs and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Take a fork and poke the dough a little here and there and now you are ready for the oven.
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Bake for 20 minutes. Depending on the heat of your oven, you may need up to 5 more minutes. It will be golden brown when it’s done and be crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet.
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Once cooled, break into pieces and enjoy these delicious, crispy Gluten Free Parmesan Herb Crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.
All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com