If you are searching for a delightful snack that captures the buttery, flaky goodness of the classic cracker but without gluten, this Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers Recipe will become your new favorite. These crisp, golden crackers bring together just the right balance of savory paprika, salt, and a hint of sweetness, delivering a satisfying crunch that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re gluten conscious or simply love freshly baked crackers with a homemade touch, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy that iconic Ritz cracker experience right from your own oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a recipe this simple and delicious, the ingredients are straightforward yet essential for achieving the perfect taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role in mimicking the tender flakiness and buttery flavor that make Ritz crackers so beloved.
- 1 cup all purpose gluten free flour blend: This forms the base and structure of the crackers; choose a quality blend for best results.
- 5/8 teaspoon xanthan gum: Adds elasticity to the dough unless your flour blend already contains it.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps create the light, airy texture in each cracker.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to balance savory notes and enhance browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for sprinkling: Essential for seasoning both inside the dough and on top for that classic salty finish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (chilled): Grated into the dough for flaky richness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness throughout the cracker.
- 1/4 cup cold water with ice, plus more if needed: Binds everything together without melting the butter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Brushed on after baking for that irresistible buttery sheen and flavor.
How to Make Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for those perfectly golden crackers.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, sugar, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. This blend creates the foundation, infusing flavor and structure into the dough.
Step 3: Integrate the Butter
Grate the chilled butter directly into the dry ingredients using a standard grater. Toss well, lightly dusting grated butter with flour to keep pieces separate. This technique helps develop the flaky texture critical to Ritz-style crackers.
Step 4: Add Oil and Water
Pour in the vegetable oil and start with about 1/4 cup of cold iced water. Stir to begin combining the dough. Add drop by drop more water if needed, pressing the dough down to moisten. Stop as soon as the dough flakes hold together in clumps without being sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disk, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up the butter and improve dough handling.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Remove the chilled dough onto a floured surface. Lightly flour both sides to prevent sticking, then roll it out to just over 1/8-inch thickness, turning and flouring as necessary for smooth rolling.
Step 7: Cut Out Crackers
Use a scalloped-edge 1 3/4-inch round cookie cutter to cut shapes. Arrange them about 1 inch apart on your prepared sheets. Poke each cracker with a toothpick 4 to 6 times near the center to allow steam to escape, ensuring an even bake.
Step 8: Bake the Crackers
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the crackers turn a light golden brown. This timing delivers that signature crispness without overbaking.
Step 9: Butter and Salt Finish
Remove crackers from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter. Sprinkle with a bit more kosher salt to amplify flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
Step 10: Cool and Crisp
Let the crackers cool on the baking sheets. As they cool, they will crisp up wonderfully, achieving the perfect texture reminiscent of classic Ritz crackers.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
These crackers are delicious simply on their own, but try topping them with a thin slice of sharp cheddar or a dab of cream cheese and smoked salmon for elegant hors d’oeuvres. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can elevate them further.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside soups, salads, or cheese boards. Their neutral yet savory flavor and crispy texture beautifully complement creamy dips, fresh veggie platters, and flavorful spreads like hummus or tapenade.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange crackers in a vibrant stack or fan shape on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation. Use them as individual canapé bases topped with colorful toppings, or create mini cracker sandwiches stuffed with your favorite fillings for a playful snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked gluten-free Ritz crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. Stored properly, they retain their crisp texture for at least five days, perfect for snacking over the course of a week.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a big batch ahead, freeze the unbaked dough disk wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator, then roll out and cut as usual for fresh crackers anytime.
Reheating
For crackers that may have softened over time, a quick 3-5 minute warm-up in a 300°F oven will refresh their crispness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your blend is suitable for baking and doesn’t already contain xanthan gum, or adjust accordingly. Experimenting can tailor the crackers to your preference.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika—can I skip it?
You can omit smoked paprika but know it contributes a subtle smoky note and lovely color. Substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick if you like.
How can I make these crackers dairy-free?
Swap the butter with a high-quality dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, but note that flavor and texture may slightly vary.
Why are toothpick holes important in this recipe?
The holes allow steam to escape during baking, preventing puffing and helping the crackers stay flat and evenly crispy, just like the original Ritz crackers.
Will these crackers stay crispy longer than store-bought?
Homemade crackers like these can stay fresh and crispy for several days if stored properly, though they typically don’t have preservatives and may soften faster than commercial options.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers Recipe is a rewarding and tasty way to enjoy a classic snack without gluten. The effortless blend of smoky, buttery flavors and crisp texture will have you reaching for seconds, whether as a quick bite or part of a delightful appetizer spread. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to homemade cracker!
PrintGluten-Free Ritz Crackers Recipe
This recipe for Gluten Free Ritz Crackers offers a delightful, crispy snack using a gluten free flour blend, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. With a subtle smoky paprika flavor and the classic buttery taste, these homemade crackers are baked to perfection and ideal for pairing with your favorite dips or cheeses. The recipe yields 60 crackers and requires 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 60 crackers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose gluten free flour blend (plus more for sprinkling)
- 5/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (chilled)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cold water with ice (plus more as needed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum, baking powder, sugar, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Using a standard grater, grate the chilled unsalted butter into the dry ingredients. Occasionally sprinkle flour on the butter to keep it separate. Toss to coat the butter thoroughly in the dry mixture.
- Add Oil and Water: Pour in the vegetable oil and approximately 1/4 cup of the ice-cold water. Stir to combine ingredients.
- Form Dough: Add additional cold water by the drop as needed to bring the dough together. Use the back of a mixing spoon to press and moisten the dry ingredients. Stop adding water as soon as the dough forms clumps.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 20 minutes until firm.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, sprinkle the chilled dough with more flour and roll it out to a thickness slightly more than 1/8 inch. Move and turn the dough, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Cut Crackers: Use a scalloped-edge 1 3/4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cracker shapes from the dough.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the cut crackers about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Poke four to six holes near the center of each cracker with a toothpick to aid rising.
- Reroll Scraps: Gather any leftover dough scraps, reroll, and cut out additional crackers until all dough is used.
- Bake Crackers: Bake the crackers in the center of the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they just start to brown.
- Butter and Salt: Remove the crackers from the oven, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle lightly with extra kosher salt.
- Cool: Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
- Storage: Store cooled crackers in a sealed glass container at room temperature to maintain texture for at least 5 days.
Notes
- If your gluten free flour blend already contains xanthan gum, omit the added xanthan gum from the recipe.
- Adding holes to the crackers helps them bake evenly and develop a traditional Ritz cracker texture.
- The thickness and rolling technique are key to achieving a crispy cracker, so avoid rolling the dough too thick.
- Use melted butter and sprinkle additional kosher salt after baking to enhance flavor and provide the classic buttery finish.
- These crackers pair well with cheeses, dips, or as a crunchy snack on their own.
