For those avoiding gluten, finding a replacement for Ritz crackers can be challenging. Ritz crackers are a pantry staple for many, but traditional Ritz contain wheat, making them off-limits for gluten-free diets. The good news is that with some creativity, you can find or make gluten-free cracker substitutes that are just as crunchy, salty, and satisfying as the original. This article will explore some of the best store-bought and homemade alternatives to Ritz that are gluten-free.
Why Find Gluten-Free Substitutes?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, headache and more. The only treatment is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet.
Ritz crackers contain wheat flour, making them incompatible for a gluten-free diet. Finding substitutes allows you to still enjoy the familiar crunch and flavor of crackers without the adverse health effects of gluten. Substitutes also help with feelings of restriction or deprivation that can come with eliminating gluten.
Store-Bought Gluten-Free Crackers
Several brands now offer gluten-free versions of classic cracker flavors:
1. Glutino
Glutino is one of the top gluten-free brands. They offer gluten-free Ritz-style crackers in a few varieties:
– Gluten Free Original Crackers: These are closest to regular Ritz in texture and taste. They have a hearty, flaky texture and mild salty flavor.
– Gluten Free Vegetable Crackers: Made with potato starch, these have hints of parsley, onion and garlic.
– Gluten Free Multi-Grain Crackers: With quinoa, millet and amaranth flours, these have a nutty, seedy taste.
2. Schar
Schar makes gluten-free crackers that have a very similar look and taste to Ritz. Choices include:
– Original Crackers: Traditional square crackers with a crispy texture.
– 7 Ancient Grains Crackers: Made with gluten-free whole grains like millet, sorghum and quinoa. Hearty crunch and flavor.
– Selects Multi-Grain Crackers: Blend of seeds like flax, sesame and poppy for added texture and nutrition.
3. Kinnikinnick
This brand offers gluten-free crackers in many classic styles:
– Original Style Crackers: Most similar to regular Ritz with a flaky, crispy bite.
– Multi-Grain Crackers: Blend of gluten-free grains like brown rice, quinoa, amaranth and teff.
– Vegetable Crackers: Made with potato flour and spices like parsley and chives.
4. Mary’s Gone Crackers
Mary’s Gone Crackers makes gluten-free crackers from whole food ingredients. Options include:
– Original Crackers: Made from brown rice, sesame seeds, quinoa and flax. Nutty taste and crispy texture.
– Black Pepper Crackers: Rice, seed and cassava flour crackers with cracked black pepper.
– Super Seed Crackers: Flax, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds provide fiber and crunch.
5. Simple Mills
Simple Mills’ gluten-free crackers are made from almond and cassava flours:
– Fine Ground Sea Salt Crackers: Light and crisp with a touch of sea salt.
– Everything Cracker: Poppy, sesame, garlic and onion for an “everything bagel” flavor.
– Cracked Pepper Cracker: Almond flour crackers with cracked black pepper.
6. Blue Diamond Nut-Thins
The popular Nut-Thins now have a certified gluten-free variety:
– Nut-Thins in Cheddar: Thin, crispy crackers made with almond and rice flour.
– Nut-Thins in Multi-Grain: Brown rice flour and sesame seeds for whole grain crunch.
7. Snack Factory
Snack Factory is known for Pretzel Crisps but also makes gluten-free Minis:
– Original Minis: Thin and crispy crackers with salted top.
– Cheddar Minis: Rice flour crackers with cheddar cheese and salt.
– Everything Minis: Poppy, sesame, dried onion and salt.
8. Against the Grain Gourmet
Against the Grain makes gluten-free crackers in exciting flavors:
– Original Crackers: Similar in taste and texture to Ritz.
– Pesto Crackers: Almond flour crackers with homemade basil pesto topping.
– Spinach Artichoke Crackers: With homemade spinach artichoke dip topping.
9. Good Thins
Good Thins are rice and potato flour crackers. Flavors include:
– The Original: Thin and crispy with sea salt.
– The Veggie: With spinach and tomato.
– The Spicy: With a kick of red pepper flakes.
10. Free2B Foods
Free2B Foods offers sunflower seed crackers:
– Original Flavor: Lightly salted, crisp sunflower crackers.
– Everything Flavor: Poppy, sesame, onion and garlic.
Homemade Gluten-Free Crackers
For 100% control over ingredients, you can make your own gluten-free crackers at home:
Gluten-Free Cheese Crackers
These mimic the taste of Cheez-Its.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, salt, and paprika.
2. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. Add cheddar cheese and pulse 2-3 times to incorporate.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, mustard, garlic powder and onion powder.
5. Pour wet ingredients into food processor. Pulse until a shaggy dough forms.
6. Turn out onto a surface and knead gently until a smooth ball forms. Wrap in plastic and chill 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Roll dough to 1/8″ thickness. Cut into cracker shapes using a knife or cutters.
9. Arrange crackers 1″ apart on baking sheets. Prick tops with a fork 2-3 times.
10. Bake 12-14 minutes until lightly golden on edges. Cool completely before serving.
Flaky Gluten-Free Crackers
These have layers like traditional Ritz crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups finely milled brown rice flour
– 1/2 cup sweet rice flour
– 1/2 cup potato starch
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 3/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
– 1/3 cup ice cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, potato starch, sugar and salt.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the cold water 1 tbsp at a time until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic and chill 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll dough to 1/8″ thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into cracker shapes with a knife or cutter.
7. Arrange crackers 1″ apart on prepared baking sheets. Prick tops several times with a fork.
8. Bake 10-12 minutes until lightly golden brown. Cool before serving.
Gluten-Free Thin Crispy Crackers
These crisp crackers are great for dipping and topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup finely milled brown rice flour
– 2 tbsp tapioca starch
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion/garlic
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, tapioca starch, sugar and salt.
2. Add the olive oil and water. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Turn out dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll into a very thin, even layer, about 1/16″ thick. Remove top layer of parchment.
4. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into cracker sized squares or rectangles.
5. If using toppings, lightly sprinkle onto the crackers and gently press down with your fingers to adhere.
6. Slide parchment with crackers onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. Cool before serving.
Tips for Gluten-Free Crackers
Here are some helpful tips for enjoying gluten-free crackers:
– Read labels carefully and only choose certified gluten-free products that are made in dedicated facilities. Look for crackers made with gluten-free whole grains like rice, sorghum, millet or quinoa for added nutrition.
– Store opened packages of gluten-free crackers in airtight containers to prevent staleness. Gluten-free crackers tend to dry out faster than regular crackers.
– For variety, use gluten-free crackers as a base for mini pizzas, nachos or as a crust for mini quiches or tarts.
– Make your own cracker blend by mixing 2-3 different types of gluten-free crackers together.
– Gluten-free crackers pair perfectly with dips, cheeses, peanut butter or to accompany soups and salads.
– For kids’ lunches, pack gluten-free crackers in small containers to prevent breakage.
– Gluten-free cracker manufacturers often change their facilities and ingredients, so always check each time before purchasing.
The Best Substitutes for Ritz Crackers
When looking for a gluten-free alternative to Ritz crackers, some of the best options include:
– Glutino Gluten Free Original Crackers: The most similar in taste and texture. Light, crisp and salty.
– Schar Original Gluten Free Crackers: Also very close to regular Ritz in terms of flavor and crunch.
– Kinnikinnick Original Style Gluten Free Crackers: A top choice that mimics the flaky layers of traditional Ritz.
– Mary’s Gone Crackers Original: A whole food option made with simple, gluten-free ingredients.
– Snack Factory Original Gluten Free Minis: Thin and crispy mini crackers that satisfy when you want just a bite or two.
– Homemade cheese crackers: Allows you to control the ingredients plus add fun flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rice crackers gluten-free?
Rice crackers are naturally gluten-free since they are made solely from rice. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free and free from cross-contamination. Some flavored varieties may contain gluten.
Are Ritz crackers dairy-free?
No, traditional Ritz crackers contain milk and cheese ingredients. However, there are several dairy-free, gluten-free cracker options available such as those made from nuts, seeds or legumes. Always check labels carefully for milk-derived ingredients.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for recipes?
For recipes like crusts, breading or crackers toppers, you can substitute gluten-free crackers crumbs. Use your food processor to crush or grind gluten-free crackers into fine crumbs to replace Ritz cracker crumbs.
Are Cheez-Its gluten-free?
No, original Cheez-Its contain wheat-based ingredients. But there are several gluten-free, dairy-free alternatives that mimic the taste and crunch of Cheez-Its such as homemade cheese crackers made with gluten-free flour and dairy-free cheese.
Can you make homemade gluten-free crackers in big batches?
Yes, homemade gluten-free cracker dough can easily be made in large batches then portioned out and frozen for later use. Let dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking into crackers. This saves time!
Conclusion
With so many tasty options now available, living gluten-free does not mean giving up the crunch and flavor of crackers. Both store-bought and homemade alternatives provide the salty, crunchy satisfaction people love from traditional crackers like Ritz. Try out a variety of gluten-free crackers to find your new favorites, then enjoy them paired with dips, cheeses, spreads and more. Thanks to these clever substitutes, crackers can still be a part of your gluten-free diet.
