Description
These homemade gluten free crackers are delightfully crisp and sturdy, perfect for scooping up your favorite spreads and dips. Packed with toasted sesame seeds, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, they offer a wonderful balance of delicate crunch and bold flavor. Easy to make from scratch, these crackers are ideal for anyone seeking a delicious gluten free snack with a touch of gourmet flair.
Ingredients
Gluten Free Crackers
- 30 g (3 tbsp) sesame seeds
- 240 g (2 cups) plain gluten free flour blend (e.g. Doves Farm Freee gluten free plain white flour without xanthan gum)
- 20 g (1½ tbsp) caster/superfine or granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (omit if flour blend contains xanthan gum)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 10 g (1 tbsp) poppy seeds
- 85 g (¾ stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 80 g (⅓ cup) cold water
Toppings
- 1 tbsp water (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line two large baking sheets with parchment or baking paper.
- Toast sesame seeds: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, toast 30 g sesame seeds, stirring frequently until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, sugar, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground pepper, toasted sesame seeds, and poppy seeds until well combined.
- Incorporate butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add water and form dough: Pour in the cold water, then mix with a fork or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Gently knead until smooth and no dry flour remains. The dough should be slightly soft, wet, and sticky. Do not add extra flour.
- Rest the dough: Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to let the gluten free flour absorb the moisture, improving rollability and texture. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly after resting, add 1-2 teaspoons of extra water and knead to smooth.
- Divide and roll dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half into a rectangle about 1/16 inch (1-2 mm) thick. Repeat with the other half and any scraps.
- Cut crackers: Use a pizza cutter, fluted pastry cutter, knife, or cookie cutter to cut dough into desired shapes. The recipe yields approximately 45 crackers sized about 1×3½ inches (2.5×9 cm).
- Transfer to baking sheets: Using a small offset spatula, carefully transfer crackers to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about ½ inch (1 cm) apart.
- Add toppings: Lightly brush water over the tops of the crackers to help toppings stick. In a small bowl, combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the crackers.
- Bake: Bake one sheet at a time at 400ºF (200ºC) for 12-14 minutes, until crackers are golden brown with slightly darker edges.
- Cool and serve: Let crackers cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with your favorite spreads or dips.
- Storage: Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature or a cool, dry place for up to one week.
Notes
- The dough is naturally sticky; do not add extra flour unless absolutely necessary to avoid dry crackers.
- Resting the dough is important for moisture absorption and proper texture.
- Adjust water quantity depending on your gluten free flour brand, as absorption varies.
- Use digital scale measurements for best accuracy with gluten free flour blends.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a deeper flavor; do not skip this step.
- Crackers can be cut into different shapes and sizes as preferred.
- For extra crispness, ensure thin and even rolling of the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten Free, Egg Free