Cheesy Cracker – Dairy-Free

Cheesy cracker is a way to describe golden-baked cheese crackers. Taste is in the spices and dry ingredients. They remind me of the cheese crackers from the store. But these are Not-Cheddar-Its. And they are dairy-free.

Because these have no cheddar or cheese in them. They do have nutritional yeast that has a umami, cheesy flavor.  It’s a good cheddar cheese substitute.

Nutritional yeast is also surprisingly a complete protein. And has B vitamins, minerals, and fiber that’s also low in fat. It’s a pantry ingredient weapon to have on hand when you get the cheesy cravings (and have no cheese or are dairy-free).

And makes these a healthier cracker all-around.

But it gets even more healthy… this is a turmeric cheesy cracker recipe where the unique turmeric taste gives a smoky note.

We know turmeric is one of the healthiest spices out there for so many anti-inflammatory reasons. Plus, it adds to the inviting golden cheese orange-y color.

The cheesy cracker ingredient list is:

Turmeric – 1 Tbsp or 1-1/2 tsp with plus 1-1/2 tsp paprika.

Celery Seed (or Old Bay spice blend that has celery seed) – is a seasoning you may not know much about.

You may be familiar with it from the Old Bay spice blend that gives celery seed  a distinct slight bitter, unique savory flavor that pairs well with salt.

It’s an antioxidant, like most plant-based foods.

And it’s used like most savory spices in the kitchen.

And like most seeds it has minerals and vitamins and is a healthy add.

But is actually a fruit from wild celery. (Lots of interesting surprises in this recipe).

Garlic Powder – this is one powder you want to make sure is fresh so you get the tastes. A fresh one has a pungent garlic aroma when you open the spice.

And if you’re not sure, then add a little more.

To make a cheese cracker snack plate:

Combine spices with 1 cup whole wheat flour (or regular flour) and 1/2 cup water until the dough comes together. It should be a sticky dough.

Whole wheat flour offers additional B-vitamin and fiber nutrition than all purpose flour. It’s in the “whole” name because the bran and germ parts are not stripped, so it’s minimally processed vs white flours.

Gluten-free flours would work too! An ancient wheat like einkorn is my favorite. But whole wheat or all purpose flour is usually more on hand.

Be sure to prep the baking sheet with oil, or use a non-stick baking mat as the cracker will stick if prepared directly on a baking sheet.

Then roll out the dough to about 1/4″ thick. Tip: add plastic wrap on top of the sticky dough before rolling out.

Use a bread knife to cut out or roll out with a pizza roller to make cracker shapes (square, rectangles, etc.). They do not need to be transferred on the sheet (like cookies).

You can leave the crackers where they are placed.

And then make a dimple in each cheesy cracker with a toothpick.

This should make anywhere from 50-100 small crackers (depending on your exact thickness and cut size of the crackers).

And the scrabble looking crackers will be good for a game of soup and snacking!

Crackers like these can be a reminder to take a break when you need one (or when things get tough)…

Creating new recipes like a cheesy cracker has taught me to be food resilient. I know I can make my own healthier and low-sugar sweets, salty foods, and even milk. And that’s what I hope others will do. Not only do you save grocery money but you know how to make healthier foods in a pinch even when you can’t get to the grocery store.

And crackers can teach us how to be creative. With crackers, you also have the option to change spice ingredients or make a more crunchy style cracker vs. bread-ish style cracker (…that this is).

To make a crunchier cracker version, you’ll want to make two adjustments:

1)Add more water

2)Add less flour

This will make more of a gloppy, wet paste before baking. You can smear the paste on your non-stick baking sheet with a spatula.

Bake them to golden brown… and they’re as delicious as any cracker out there! Now get crackin’! 😊

And if you this cracker, you may like an artisinal cracker or a za’atar cracker recipe.