Andy Montoya
Cheese and bacon are two popular food items that can be found in a variety of dishes. While both are naturally gluten-free, the manufacturing process and additives can introduce gluten. Pure cheese, for example, is gluten-free, but processed cheese products may contain gluten. Similarly, bacon is usually gluten-free, but additives or flavourings used in the curing process may introduce gluten. This makes it crucial to scrutinize ingredient labels and opt for products labelled certified gluten-free to ensure a gluten-free diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Product | Easy Cheese Cheddar and Bacon |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar |
| Flavour | Bold |
| Texture | Crispy and flaky |
| Dairy-Free | Yes |
| Lactose-Free | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Pure cheese is gluten-free
However, the manufacturing process and additives can introduce gluten. Gluten-containing ingredients are often used as thickeners or stabilizers to increase the shelf life of cheese. For example, shredded cheese often has gluten, usually in the form of wheat starch, to prevent shreds from sticking together. Some cheese products could include gluten-based ingredients such as wheat starch or modified food starch made from wheat. Therefore, it is important to read the labels of packaged or processed cheese before consumption.
Cheeses that are plain and full-fat are most likely to be gluten-free, while low-fat, low-salt, and fat-free cheeses are more likely to contain gluten. Blue cheese and brie are usually gluten-free. Other gluten-free cheese options include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and ricotta.
When buying plain cheese from a trusted brand, it is generally safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, fancy-flavoured cheese, vegan cheese, processed cheese, and cheese-flavoured products may have wheat or wheat starch in the ingredients and pose a risk of cross-contamination. It is recommended to only purchase these products if they are labelled gluten-free.
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Flavoured and processed cheese may contain gluten
While dairy products made with all-natural ingredients generally don't contain gluten, gluten is sometimes added during the manufacturing process for certain types of cheeses and dairy products. Flavoured and processed cheese may contain gluten. This is because gluten-containing ingredients are often used as thickeners or as a stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the product.
Some ingredients that may indicate gluten on a food label include hydrolyzed wheat protein, malt, food starch, powdered cellulose, artificial flavour, fillers, emulsifiers, and spice blends. Gluten can also be introduced through cross-contamination if the same tools or equipment are used to process gluten-containing products.
When it comes to flavoured cheese, the flavouring process may allow for cross-contamination or the use of ingredients that contain gluten. It is always wise to read labels when following a gluten-free diet. Cheese spreads or dips may have gluten as an ingredient to help provide a smooth texture, so these would be on the “don’t” list for a gluten-free diet.
Additionally, shredded cheese is often made with dustings and additives that contain gluten. However, if you grate or shred the cheese yourself, or choose a brand like Cello, you can find gluten-free options.
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Gluten-free bacon cheddar chive scones
While cheese is typically made from milk, which is gluten-free, some cheeses may not be safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity due to added ingredients. However, Kraft Easy Cheese Cheddar and Bacon is labelled as gluten-free.
Now, here is a recipe for delicious gluten-free bacon-cheddar-chive scones that you can make at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 generous cup (127g) of gluten-free flour (King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour or a blend of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 pound (227g) of bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 1/3 cup (about 14g) of snipped fresh chives or 1/3 cup (21g) of finely diced scallion tops (the green part)
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (198g) of heavy or whipping cream, or enough to make the dough cohesive
- 1 egg
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Work butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly, with some larger pieces of butter remaining.
Next, mix in the cheese, chives, and bacon until evenly distributed. Add the cream and stir to combine. If the dough is too crumbly, add more cream, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat it into a smooth 7" disk about 3/4" thick. Cut the disk into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the scones with cream to help them brown.
Bake the scones for 20-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You can also bake mini-scones by dividing the dough, rolling it into 5" rounds, and cutting each round into 8 wedges, baking for about 15 minutes.
Serve these savoury treats warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the crunchy outside and soft, buttery inside!
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Gluten-free cheese crackers
To make gluten-free cheese crackers, you will need a gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum, salt, butter, water, and, of course, a lot of cheese. It is recommended to use extra mature (extra sharp) cheddar cheese for the best flavour and texture, but mature (sharp) cheddar will also work. You can also experiment with other flavourings, such as pepper, smoked paprika, or garlic powder, to enhance the taste of your crackers.
The first step in making the crackers is to add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend them until the cheese is cut into fine pieces. You can also mix the ingredients by hand, but using a food processor ensures a more even consistency. The dough should be smooth and easy to roll out, but not too soft or sticky. If your dough is too dry, you can add a little extra water.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to your desired thickness. Then, cut the dough into your desired cracker shape and size. Finally, bake the crackers in the oven at 350ºF (180ºC) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown with slightly darker edges.
These gluten-free cheese crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool, dry place for up to a week. They are a perfect crispy and flaky snack option and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether or not they follow a gluten-free diet.
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Gluten-free cheese sauces
Cheese is usually gluten-free, as it is made from milk, which is gluten-free. However, some cheeses may contain gluten due to the cultures used and any additives. Gluten-containing ingredients are often used as thickeners or stabilizers to increase the shelf life of cheese.
If you want to make a gluten-free cheese sauce, you can use cornstarch, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour as a thickening agent instead of flour. You can also use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. It is recommended to use low heat and cook slowly to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Additionally, warmed milk should be used to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling.
Ingredients:
- Milk (whole or 2%, or a dairy-free alternative)
- Cornstarch
- Dry mustard powder
- Salt
- Cheddar cheese (or another variety), freshly shredded
Instructions:
- Whisk together the milk, cornstarch, dry mustard, and salt in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer to thicken, stirring often.
- Reduce the heat and gradually add in your shredded cheese, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Serve immediately as a plain cheese sauce, or add salsa to make queso.
This sauce can be used as a dip for bread slices, chips, pretzel bites, or vegetables. It can also be poured over roasted vegetables, meat dishes, French fries, or baked potatoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pure cheese is gluten-free, but flavored and processed cheese products may contain gluten. Always check the label carefully and look for the "`certified gluten-free`" label to be sure.
Bacon on its own is gluten-free. However, when bacon is used as an ingredient in other products, there is a risk of cross-contamination or the inclusion of gluten-containing ingredients.
Yes, there is a recipe for gluten-free bacon cheddar chive scones. These scones are made with gluten-free flour and include grated cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.
