Bushra Griffith
Traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour. However, gluten-free alternatives are available, and gluten-free recipes for homemade Cheez-Its can be found online. Some people have praised these alternatives for their taste, while others have found that they do not taste the same as the original.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Ingredients | Cheese, salt, gluten-free flour, butter, xanthan gum, garlic powder |
| Recipe | Cut sliced cheese into squares, make a hole in the centre with a toothpick, sprinkle with salt, bake in the oven at 275F for 25-40 minutes |
| Notes | Use cold butter and water when mixing the ingredients, grate your own cheese, roll the dough out evenly, remove from the oven when the crackers still look undercooked |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free
Gluten-free Cheez-Its can also be made at home, with recipes available online. These recipes typically use gluten-free flour and sharp cheddar cheese, as well as butter, salt, and garlic powder. The dough is then rolled out and cut into crackers, before being baked in the oven. This allows those who are gluten-free to enjoy a similar snack with the same cheesy, buttery flavour and flaky, crispy texture.
Some recipes suggest chilling the dough before baking, while others recommend adding it straight to the oven. It is important to note that gluten-free flour blends can absorb different amounts of moisture, so the dough may need to be adjusted to achieve the right consistency. The crackers should be baked until they are a dark golden colour and should be handled carefully as they are thin and can burn easily.
Overall, while traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free, there are now several alternatives available for those who are gluten-intolerant, including store-bought options and homemade recipes that offer a similar flavour and texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Gluten-Free Option at H-E-B?
You may want to see also
Gluten-free alternatives to Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its are a popular snack, but unfortunately, they contain wheat flour, making them unsuitable for gluten-free diets. However, there are several gluten-free alternatives available that can satisfy your craving for a cheesy, crunchy snack. Here are some options to consider:
Gluten-Free Crackers
If you're looking for a similar product to Cheez-Its, there are a few gluten-free crackers on the market that might fit the bill. Van's brand offers a range of gluten-free crackers, including their Say Cheese! variety, which are made with oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and amaranth. These crackers have cheese baked right in, resulting in a delightfully crispy, salty, and cheddary snack.
Lance also offers gluten-free sandwich crackers with a cheese filling. While these are a tasty option, they may not be as healthy as some other choices.
For a paleo-friendly option, there are crackers made from almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flax. These crackers are said to be tasty and free from artificial flavors or fillers.
Homemade Gluten-Free Cheez-Its
If you enjoy baking and want to try making your own gluten-free Cheez-Its, there are several recipes available online. Most recipes call for shredded sharp cheddar cheese, gluten-free all-purpose flour, butter or coconut oil, and salt. Some recipes also include water to help bind the dough.
To make the crackers, you'll typically grate the cheese, mix it with the other ingredients, and then form a dough. After chilling the dough, you can cut it into the desired shape and bake it until crispy. This method allows you to control the ingredients and create a snack that is free from additives.
Cheese Bites from Schar
For a ready-made option, Cheese Bites from Schar are 100% gluten-free and can satisfy your cheesy cracker cravings.
So, while Cheez-Its may not be gluten-free, there are plenty of alternatives available, whether you're looking for a store-bought option or a fun homemade project.
Buffalo Cheese: Lactose-Free Superfood?
You may want to see also
Gluten-free Cheez-Its recipe
Most Cheez-Its crackers contain wheat flour, which means they are not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available on the market, and you can also make your own at home. Here is a recipe for gluten-free Cheez-Its that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 120g (1 cup) plain gluten-free flour blend (you can use a blend without xanthan gum and add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum separately, or use a blend that already contains it)
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already contains xanthan gum)
- 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 180g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for the most authentic Cheez-It flavour, although you can use mild cheddar if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons of water
Method:
- Place the shredded cheese, flour, salt, garlic powder, and butter into a large bowl. Mix lightly with a fork, then use a pastry blender or your hands to cut all the ingredients together, breaking the butter into small chunks throughout.
- Work quickly to ensure the dough stays cold. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together to form a ball. Divide the dough into two discs and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour. You can chill it for 30 minutes if you are short on time, but the longer you chill it, the better the texture of your crackers will be.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
- Flour a counter or board and use a rolling pin to roll out one half of the dough, adding more flour if anything sticks. Roll the dough out as thinly as possible (approximately 1/4 inch or 0.5 cm) to guarantee a crispy cracker.
- Cut the dough into small 1-inch (2.5 cm) squares. You should get around 150-160 crackers in total.
- Transfer the crackers to a lined baking sheet, placing them about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) apart.
- Use the flat end of a skewer to poke a hole in the centre of each cracker. This prevents them from puffing up too much during baking.
- Bake the crackers, one baking sheet at a time, at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 12-15 minutes or until they are evenly golden brown with slightly darker edges.
- Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Your gluten-free Cheez-Its are now ready to eat! They will keep well in a closed container at room temperature for about one week. Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Locatelli Cheese: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gluten-free flour blends
Most Cheez-It crackers are made with wheat flour and are therefore not gluten-free. However, gluten-free alternatives do exist, and some can be made at home.
A blend of brown rice flour, white rice flour, and starches like potato starch, tapioca starch, and cornstarch can be used to mimic wheat flour. Dry milk powder can also be added to provide milk protein, which behaves similarly to gluten in baking.
Several brands offer gluten-free flour blends, including Nicole's Best, Better Batter, Cup4Cup, Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur, and gfJules. When choosing a blend, it is important to consider the specific recipe and dietary needs, as some blends may be better suited for certain types of baked goods or individuals with food allergies.
Making your own gluten-free flour blend at home is also an option, but it may require specialty ingredients and more time and effort than purchasing a pre-made blend. Some sources recommend using a combination of starches, gums, and proteins to mimic the effects of gluten, while others suggest specific blends tailored to different dietary needs, such as the low-allergen Aki's Blend, which is free from xanthan gum, guar gum, dairy, and soy.
Overall, whether purchasing a pre-made blend or creating your own, choosing the right gluten-free flour blend is crucial for successful gluten-free baking, ensuring that your baked goods turn out delicious and comparable to their glutenous counterparts.
Gluten-Free 3-Cheese Vinaigrette: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Where to buy gluten-free Cheez-Its
Traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives at some retailers, or even make your own at home.
If you're looking to buy gluten-free Cheez-Its, you have a few options:
- Lance's Gluten-Free Cheez-Its: These can usually be found at Publix and Walmart, according to a 2018 Reddit post.
- Amazon: A simple search for "gluten-free Cheez-Its" on Amazon will yield results, though it's important to read the product descriptions and reviews to ensure they meet your specific needs.
- Schar Cheese Bites: While not Cheez-Its specifically, these crackers are a gluten-free alternative recommended by a source.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Cheez-Its
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make your own gluten-free Cheez-Its at home. Several sources have provided recipes and tips for creating gluten-free Cheez-Its from scratch. Here are some key points to consider:
- Ingredients: The base ingredients for gluten-free Cheez-Its include gluten-free flour, sharp cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and garlic powder. Xanthan gum is also recommended if your gluten-free flour blend doesn't already contain it.
- Equipment: A food processor or high-powered blender is ideal for combining the ingredients and breaking down the cheese evenly. A handheld pastry blender or a hand-held mixer can also be used.
- Technique: It's important to chill the dough before rolling it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into 1-inch squares, and don't forget to crimp the edges for that classic Cheez-It look.
- Baking: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Be careful not to overbake the crackers, as they can burn easily. Bake one tray at a time to ensure even heat distribution.
Parmesan Cheese: Member's Mark Gluten-Free Option
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, traditional Cheez-Its are not gluten-free as they contain wheat flour. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available, such as Lance's Cheez-Its, or you can make your own at home.
Gluten-free Cheez-Its can be purchased at Publix and Walmart.
To make gluten-free Cheez-Its at home, you will need the following ingredients: sharp cheddar cheese, butter, salt, garlic powder, and gluten-free flour. You will also need a high-powered blender or food processor. First, blend all the ingredients until they form a dry crumble. Then, add cold water and blend again until a dough forms. Form the dough into a ball and flatten it to the desired thickness. Finally, bake the crackers until they are golden brown.
It is recommended to use a block of sharp or extra-mature cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well and can sometimes contain additives that are not gluten-free.
Yes, there are other gluten-free cheese crackers available that are similar to Cheez-Its. For example, Van's brand offers cheddar crackers, and Cheese Bites from Schar are also 100% gluten-free.
