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Savory Gluten-Free Crackers: Cheesy Rosemary & Sunflower Seed Perfection

Cheesy Rosemary & Sunflower Seed Crackers (Gluten-Free)

Close-up of golden-brown, homemade cheesy rosemary & sunflower seed crackers on rustic wood, with a sprig of rosemary and a bowl of seeds.

Okay, friend, let's talk snacks! Because honestly, who doesn't love a good snack break? Especially when those snack breaks don't leave you feeling like you've just ingested a brick of gluten. For years, finding satisfying *and* gluten-free snacks felt like a personal mission. And let me tell you, the struggle was real! So many options were either cardboard-y or just… sad. That's why I've dedicated myself to crafting delicious gluten-free snacks that actually make me *excited* for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and this recipe I'm about to share, my friend, is one of my absolute favorites.

This isn't just any old gluten-free snack recipe; these are little bites of savory happiness, perfect for stashing in your bag for work, serving at gatherings, or honestly, just enjoying while you binge-watch your favorite show. They're packed with flavor, have a satisfying crunch, and are ridiculously easy to whip up. Yep, you heard that right – easy peasy! So, ditch those bland grocery store gluten-free options, and let's get cooking!

About This Recipe

These aren't your average crackers; they're a symphony of cheesy, herby, crunchy goodness! The rosemary adds this fantastic earthy note that pairs perfectly with the nutty sunflower seeds and savory cheese. They're so flavorful, in fact, that you might even question if they're *actually* gluten-free. Trust me, they are!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it has xanthan gum included, or add 1/2 teaspoon if yours does not)
  • ½ cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite hard cheese, like Parmesan)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds (raw or lightly roasted)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup cold water (add a tablespoon at a time if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: First things first - preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and give it a light greasing with a bit of olive oil. I find that a silicone baking mat makes life *so* much easier here - no sticking and easy cleanup. If you don't have one, you can use parchment paper instead.
  2. Dry Ingredients Unite: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt. Make sure everything is nicely combined.
  3. Cheesy Goodness: Add the grated cheddar cheese and the sunflower seeds to the bowl with the dry ingredients, give it a stir to coat them well with the flour mixture. This will help prevent the cheese from clumping together later.
  4. "Olive You So Much" (the Oiling Step): Drizzle in two tablespoons of olive oil, and using your fingers or a fork, mix everything together until well coated and it looks a little crumbly. It's kinda going to resemble coarse sand.
  5. Water Works: Now, slowly pour in the cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix after each addition. The mixture might seem dry at first, but as you continue mixing, a dough will begin to form. You want a dough that is not too sticky, but comes together when pressed. Use your hands to really bring it into a soft ball.
  6. Roll On: Place the dough ball between two sheets of parchment paper (or use a rolling mat if you have one). Roll it out evenly to about ⅛-inch thickness. Don't worry about perfection; remember, we're aiming for rustic charm. I find having a good rolling pin is essential for this step!
  7. Shape the Crackers: Using a cookie cutter (square, round, or even just a knife), cut the dough into small cracker shapes. Alternatively, for a truly rustic look, just score the dough with a knife into whatever size crackers you'd like. Transfer these now-shaped crackers onto your prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on them; oven temperatures can vary. The key is that slightly golden-brown edges!
  9. Cooling is Key: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them crisp up even more. Patience is a virtue here; they'll get that satisfying crunch as they cool.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of hard cheeses. Parmesan, Romano, or even a mixed blend would be delightful! For a dairy-free version, try using a nut-based or vegan cheese alternative - just be sure it's one that melts well.
  • Seed Options: Not a sunflower seed fan? No problem at all! Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or even a combination of seeds will work just as well. The little crunch adds such a lovely textural element.
  • Herb Infusions: If rosemary isn't your jam, try other dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! If you can find it, the use of fresh herbs if you have those available, is always a bonus!
  • Thickness Matters: Rolling the dough to even thickness is important for even baking. If your crackers are different thicknesses, you'll have some parts that are crisp and some that are still a little doughy.
  • Go Mini: For bite-sized snacks, cut the crackers into very small squares or triangles. Perfect for those "just a little something" cravings!
  • Dip It: These crackers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various dips and spreads. Try hummus, guacamole, or a creamy cheese dip.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance—store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.

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Recipe Card

Cheesy Rosemary & Sunflower Seed Crackers (Gluten-Free)

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Yield: Varies on size, approximately 20-25 crackers

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
  • ½ cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup cold water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), lightly grease a baking sheet.
  2. Whisk together flour, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Add cheese and sunflower seeds, mix.
  4. Drizzle in olive oil, mix using a fork.
  5. Slowly add cold water, mix until soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough to ⅛ inch thickness.
  7. Cut into desired cracker shapes.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Let cool to crisp!

Product Recommendations

These crackers are, seriously, my go-to gluten-free snack. They're simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. I truly hope you love them as much as I do. And remember, cooking is meant to be fun, so get in the kitchen, experiment a little, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Happy snacking!

Happy Baking !

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