Easy Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers (Dairy-Free Option)
These gluten-free Ritz crackers are a homemade version of the popular Ritz cracker, just without gluten! With a buttery and crisp texture, and a lightly salty flavor, these homemade gluten-free crackers are incredibly easy to make, and are the perfect snack! Easily made dairy-free too.
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Our Favorite Ritz Crackers – Made Gluten-Free!
If your childhood was anything like mine, then Ritz crackers probably were a staple feature in it.
Crispy and incredibly buttery, and just the right amount of salty, a box of Ritz crackers would go fast – between my brother, my sister and I – and almost as soon as it was torn open, we’d be fighting for the last piece, and greedily licking the leftover crumbs and salt off our pudgy little fingers.
Unfortunately, Ritz does not make a gluten-free version of their famous crackers (which is made with wheat flour and hence is not safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances) – which is why today, we’re paying homage to my favorite childhood cracker and turning it gluten-free!
I’m sure you’ll love these too – they’re exactly the way they should be – with a crispy and flaky texture, with a light brushing of butter and just the lightest sprinkle of salt – you’ll be devouring them in no time (which is why this recipe makes plenty!).
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients you’ll need to make these gluten-free homemade ritz crackers are easily accessible at the local grocery stores.
- Easy to Make: Preparing the cracker dough is a matter of mixing the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, before chilling the dough, rolling it out and cutting it into round shapes and baking!
- Totally Gluten-Free with Dairy-Free Option: These Ritz-style crackers are 100% gluten-free, and can easily be made dairy-free with a simple swap. This means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this gluten-free Ritz crackers recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend (a gluten-free 1:1 substitute for regular wheat flour) that is made up of lighter flours or starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using gluten-free flour blends with heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour) as that will result in a denser texture.
- Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the replacement for gluten in gluten-free flours and helps to bind the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not include xanthan gum, make sure you add it in.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is the only leavening agent here that will help the cracker dough rise, so make sure to add it in. If you have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, make sure to use gluten-free baking powder.
- Sugar: I used white sugar, but cane sugar or light brown sugar will work too. The sugar is to balance out the saltiness, but feel free to leave the sugar out if you prefer.
- Ground Paprika: Ground paprika adds the characteristic yellow-orange tinge to these homemade Ritz-style crackers.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is super cold before using it! I used regular unsalted butter. However, if you are lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use unsalted dairy-free butter instead.
- Oil: I used sunflower oil, but you can use any neutral vegetable oil you prefer.
- Ice Water: Make sure to keep the water ice cold (very important!) before using it as the cold water will help the grated butter to maintain solid, and hence result in a flaky texture in the biscuits.
How to Make Gluten-free Ritz Crackers (Step by Step):
Prepare Cracker Dough
Whisk Dry Ingredients: Add gluten free flour, baking powder, sugar, paprika, and salt to a large bowl and whisk ingredients together.
Grate Butter into Flour Mixture: Grate the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a standard size grater and toss until all the butter is well coated in flour.
Add Oil and Ice Water: Pour in the oil, ¼ cup of ice water and mix all ingredients together using a spatula until dough forms.
Shape Dough into Disc and Chill: Using your hands, form dough into a ball. If the dough is too dry, add in more ice water by the drop and continue to work it together until the dough is malleable. Shape into a round disc and cover in plastic wrap, then chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Cut Out Dough Using Cookie Cutter
Roll Dough and Cut out Shapes: Lightly flour your work surface and place dough down sprinkling both sides with gluten-free flour. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 1 ¾ inch scalloped cookie cutter, cut out cracker shapes until there is no more dough left.
Place Dough Circles on Baking Sheets: Place the cracker dough cutouts onto two parchment-lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Poke Holes and Bake
Poke Holes in Dough: Once all the dough is cut out, poke holes into each cutout using a toothpick (or a fork), this will allow crackers to rise.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven at 375F for 10 minutes until the crackers are golden. After baking, melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush the top of each cracker before sprinkle lightly with salt.
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Seasonings: Feel free to add other types of seasonings such as black pepper, onion powder or garlic powder if you want more flavor.
- No Cookie Cutter? If you don’t have the round scalloped cookie cutter that creates the iconic Ritz cracker shape, no worries! You can use any round cookie cutter, or simply use a smooth edged knife to cut the dough into equal-sized small squares.
- Storing: If storing, allow these homemade gluten-free Ritz crackers to completely cool before placing in an airtight container and storing at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Crackers Crisp As they Cool: Crackers can be served immediately while still warm. They will become crisper as they cool.
Eat These Crackers With:
- Easy Charcuterie Board (Gluten-Free)
- French Onion Dip (Gluten-Free)
- Spinach Dip (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Other Gluten-Free Crackers You’ll Love:
- Easy Gluten-Free Crackers (Vegan)
- Almond Flour Graham Crackers (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Savory Almond Flour Crackers (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Easy Gluten-Free Graham Crackers (Dairy-Free)
Gluten-Free Snacks to Enjoy:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
Easy Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers (Dairy-Free Option)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 60 crackers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These gluten-free Ritz crackers are a homemade version of the popular Ritz cracker made without gluten! With a buttery and crisp texture, and a lightly salty flavor, these homemade gluten-free crackers are incredibly easy to make, and are the perfect snack! Easily made dairy-free too.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing crackers
- Salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line Baking Sheets: Prepare two large baking sheets by lining with parchment paper and set aside.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: Add gluten free flour, baking powder, sugar, paprika, and salt to a large bowl and whisk ingredients together.
- Grate Butter into Flour Mixture: Grate the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a standard size grater and toss until all the butter is well coated in gluten-free flour.
- Add Oil and Ice Water: Pour in the oil, ¼ cup of ice water and mix all ingredients together using a spatula until dough forms.
- Shape Dough into Disc and Chill: Using your hands, form dough into a ball. If dough is too dry, add in more water by the drop and continue to work it together until the dough is malleable. Shape into a round disc and cover in plastic wrap, chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: After the dough is done chilling, preheat the oven to 375F and remove dough from fridge.
- Roll Dough and Cut out Shapes: Lightly flour your work surface and place dough down sprinkling both sides with gluten-free flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place Dough Circles on Baking Sheets: Using a 1 ¾ inch scalloped cookie cutter, cut and re roll dough placing each cutout onto prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Poke Holes in Dough: Once all the dough is cut out, poke 5 holes into each cutout using a toothpick, this will allow crackers to rise.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes until the crackers are golden.
- Brush with Butter and Sprinkle with Salt: After baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush each the top of each cracker, before sprinkling lightly with salt.
- Serve and Enjoy: Crackers can be served immediately while still warm. They will become crisper as they cool.
Notes
Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 flour blend (a gluten-free 1:1 substitute for regular wheat flour) that is made up of lighter flours or starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using gluten-free flour blends with heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour) as that will result in a denser texture.
Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the replacement for gluten in gluten-free flours and helps to bind the ingredients together. If your gluten-free flour blend does not include xanthan gum, make sure you add it in.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is the only leavening agent here that will help the cracker dough rise, so make sure to add it in. If you have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, make sure to use gluten-free baking powder.
Sugar: I used white sugar, but cane sugar or light brown sugar will work too. The sugar is to balance out the saltiness, but feel free to leave the sugar out if you prefer.
Ground Paprika: Ground paprika adds the characteristic yellow-orange tinge to these homemade Ritz-style crackers.
Butter: I used regular unsalted butter. However, if you are lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use unsalted dairy-free butter instead.
Oil: I used sunflower oil, but you can use any neutral vegetable oil you prefer.
Ice Water: Make sure to keep the water ice cold before using it as the cold temperature will help the grated butter to maintain solid, and hence result in a flaky texture in the biscuits.
Storing: If storing, allow these homemade gluten-free Ritz crackers to completely cool before placing in an airtight container and storing at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Chilling Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
