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Pregnancy cravings are something I take very seriously. And this week’s cravings?? Cheez its! Or really just anything with cheese – ha! (I’ve also been obsessed with my 3-ingredient gluten free bagel bites slathered with tons of cream cheese – YUM!) Though because classic Cheeze-Its are not gluten-free, I decided to make this entirely gluten-free version with just 3 ingredients. They’re crispy, salty, extra cheesy, and honestly much better than the real thing.

overhead image of a bowl of gluten free cheez its crackers.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Cheez-Its

  • Simple Ingredients: Only three main ingredients needed!
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, or looking for a healthier version of their favorite cracker.
  • Deliciously Cheesy: These gluten free cheez its are packed with REAL cheddar cheese, for even better flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cheez-Its gluten-free?

Traditional Cheez-Its contain wheat and are not gluten-free. This homemade version uses gluten-free flour, making them suitable for those avoiding gluten.​

Do I need to use a food processor?

While a food processor makes the process easier, you can also use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to combine the ingredients.​

How do I store these gluten-free crackers?

Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.​

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use plant-based butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.​

gluten free cheez its on a table with flaky sea salt.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best flavor and texture.
  • Rolling the Dough: Rolling the dough between parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup!
  • Uniform Size: Cutting the crackers into uniform sizes ensures even baking. You can cut these crackers into whatever shape you’d like though.
overhead image of a bowl of gluten free cheez its crackers.
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3-Ingredient Gluten Free Cheez-Its

These homemade gluten free cheez its are crispy, cheesy, and made with just 3 simple ingredients. They're the perfect easy snack that’s gluten-free, kid-friendly, and way better than store-bought. Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes for a satisfying, cheesy crunch everyone will love!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor
  • 2 sheets parchment paper
  • 1 large baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour
  • 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into cubes
  • 4-5 tablespoons cold water
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add the all purpose gluten-free flour, shredded cheddar cheese, cold butter, and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Pulse until a dry and crumbly mixture comes together (it should resemble breadcrumbs).
  • Pour in 3 tablespoons of cold water, then pulse a few more times until the dough comes together in the ball. If the dough still seems too dry, add in the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of cold water.
  • Transfer the dough to a large sheet of parchment paper and place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the dough. Roll out the dough between the parchment paper until it’s about 1/8-inch thick.
  • Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and cut the dough into 1-inch crackers. Poke a small hole into the center of each cracker and sprinkled the crackers with crackers with flaky sea salt.
  • Then, transfer the dough (still on top of the parchment paper) to a large baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden brown. Allow the crackers to cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g

I’m the self-proclaimed salad QUEEN, and am thrilled to add this big mac salad to my resume. File it right under my Jennifer Aniston salad, buffalo chicken salad, and Kardashian salad. I have a high criteria when it comes to salads, they must be three things – filling, easy, and DELICIOUS. And this big mac salad checks all of those boxes!

And I can’t forget my favorite part – it’s perfect for meal prep. Because if there’s one thing I don’t have time for as a busy work from home mom, it’s making lunch. So I make this big mac on Sunday, portion it into 4 containers and store the big mac sauce dressing separately. Then, when I need a quick ready-to-go lunch, I simply add the dressing and dive in!

overhead image of healthy big mac salad in a bowl.

Healthy Big Mac Salad Ingredients

Ground Beef: Ground beef serves as the hearty base of this salad, providing protein and savory flavor. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.

Dill Pickles: Tangy and crisp dill pickles add a burst of flavor and texture to the salad, reminiscent of the classic Big Mac sandwich.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and creaminess to the salad, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.

Mayo: Mayo is the key ingredient in the Big Mac sauce salad dressing, bringing the whole dish together!

Tips and Tricks

  • Adjust the ingredients in the Big Mac sauce dressing to suit your taste preferences. Add more ketchup for sweetness, extra relish for tanginess, or a dash of vinegar for acidity.
  • Save time by preparing the dressing and cooking the ground beef in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.
  • Feel free to customize your Big Mac salad with additional toppings like diced onions, crumbled bacon, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
healthy big mac salad in a bowl with big mac sauce salad dressing on the side.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. I used the Violife vegan cheddar shreds in my salad!

Make it Keto/Low-Carb: For a keto big mac salad, swap out the ketchup in the big mac sauce salad dressing with a sugar-free alternative and adjust the quantity of tomatoes to reduce carb content while still enjoying the classic flavors.

big mac salad in a bowl with sesame seeds on top.
5 from 2 votes

Healthy Big Mac Salad

This big mac salad tastes just like a big mac, without the bun! Ground beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy cheddar cheese are tossed together with a homemade big mac sauce dressing for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the iconic taste of a big mac in a lighter, healthier salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 red or white onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup tomatoes (any kind), chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles

For the big mac sauce salad dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon relish, or finely minced pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar, or apple sider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Make the dressing but adding all big mac sauce salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together to combine. Taste and adjust any seasoning as desired.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once pan is hot, add in the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Break meat up into small pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove cooked ground beef from the heat and set aside while you assemble your salad.
  • Add the chopped lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped dill pickles, and cooked ground beef to a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine, then enjoy immediately.