Easy Baked Cheddar Cheese Crackers Recipe [Keto & Gluten Free]

Looking for a tasty and healthy snack to munch on while on the keto diet? Look no further than Keto Cheese Crackers! These crunchy, savory cheddar cheese crackers are incredibly easy to make with just 4 ingredients and take only 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for the keto diet, they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and highly customizable – they’re an excellent option for anyone looking for a healthy snack!

I’ve made these keto cheese crackers several times at different temperatures and baking times before finally perfecting the recipe. These have to be the most amazing and crispy keto crackers I’ve made, and they have an excellent savory taste, thanks to the extra seasoning. These Low Carb Cheese Crackers are so simple to make. The only ingredients are cheese slices and seasoning. You can’t go wrong with a recipe this easy.

If you like this low-carb snack idea, check out this Keto Pepperoni Chips Easy Snack Idea {Low Carb} as well. 

Ingredients For Keto Cheddar Cheese Crackers:

• Deli Cheese Slices: You can use any flavor of cheese that you want (I typically use the variety tray from Costco).
• Red Pepper Flakes: Gives a little bit of heat. 
• Paprika: Key ingredient for flavor. 
• Garlic powder Adds flavor – don’t confuse this with garlic salt!

Step-By-Step Instructions:

*** I’ve included a brief step-by-step pictorial below. For the full recipe with a print option, scroll to the bottom of the page.

Step 1: Preheat oven & line pan

Preheat the oven and cover the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay cheese slices flat to fill the cookie sheet. Leave a little bit of room between each slice. I used precut slices, but you can buy larger deli slices and cut them into smaller squares.

Step 2: Arrange cheese slices and Sprinkle with spices

Lay your deli cheese slices evenly across the sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. You want enough room that the melted cheese doesn’t all run together into one giant cracker, but some merging is fine.

Next, sprinkle the spices evenly over the arranged cheese slices. The spices I recommend are red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, and optional salt. Get good coverage across all the cheese slices with the spices. A light, even coating on each slice is what you’re aiming for. The spices will bake right into the melted cheese and provide tons of extra flavor!

Step 4: Bake at 325°F for 23 minutes

Place the cookie sheet with seasoned cheese slices in the preheated 325°F oven. Bake for approximately 23 minutes, keeping an eye on them near the end. Baking time can vary based on the thickness of your cheese and oven calibration.

The cheese crackers are done when the edges are lightly browned and crispy. Centers may still look soft. That’s okay! They’ll firm up while cooling. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving. Cooling allows them to further crisp and makes breaking apart any melted slices easy.

Once cooled, enjoy the gluten-free, crunchy, and savory cheese crackers! Tweak bake time as needed for your desired crispness.

Air Fryer Instructions

Step 1: Cut parchment paper to fit the air fryer basket. I recommend a basket size of at least 5 quarts to allow enough room.

Step 2: Arrange cheese slices in a single layer in the basket, leaving some space in between to prevent sticking as they melt. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 3: Sprinkle a moderate, even layer of your desired spices over the cheese. I suggest red pepper flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the keto cheese crackers at 350°F for 7-8 minutes. Flipping the crackers halfway through is also recommended for even crispness.

Step 5: Check frequently throughout cooking until edges brown and cheese releases easily from parchment. Additional baking time can vary based on the thickness of the cheese and the air fryer model.

Step 6: Transfer finished crisps immediately to a cooling rack to avoid excess cooking and help retain crispiness. Let fully cool before serving or storing.

Working in Smaller Batches: I recommend working in batches for even cooking results, allowing the air fryer to preheat back to temperature fully between each round.

The air fryer cuts down total prep and cook time with delicious crispiness! Adjust time as needed to taste.

Pro Tips For Crispy Cheese Crackers

Allow Sheet to Cool Between Batches

Letting the cookie sheet cool completely before adding more cheese ensures the crackers get crispy instead of sticking. Rotate between 2 pans.

Rotate Sheet Midway

Rotate the sheet 180 degrees halfway through bake time. The back of the oven bakes hotter, so this evens it out.

Freeze Cheese First

Very cold cheese holds its shape better before melting – less chance of slices spreading together.

Track Bake Time

Ovens vary – watch closely near the estimated time and continue baking if needed.

Use Moderate Seasoning

The spices add lots of flavor! Apply an even layer across slices. Too much can make cheese soft.

Cut Uniform Cheese

Use a pizza cutter to get neat, consistent squares of deli cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Cheese Works Best?

Sharp cheddar cheese and other semi-hard cheeses work well. Soft cheeses may not crisp up.

Can I Use Shredded Cheese Instead?

Yes, use shredded cheese in small piles instead of slices.

How Much Space Should I Leave Between Cheese Pieces?

Leave about 1 inch so they can melt without completely merging.

What If My Cheese Slices Merge Together?

They should easily break apart once cooled.

Should The Cookie Sheet Be Greased Or Lined?

Line with parchment paper (not to be confused with wax paper) so the cheese won’t stick.

 How Do I Know When It’s Done Baking?

Look for lightly browned, crispy edges. Soft spots can bake longer.

What if my cheese isn’t crisping up?

Bake in 2-3 minute intervals until crispy.

How To Make Ahead & Store

Let cheese crackers fully cool after baking. For best results preserving crispness, transfer the cooled crackers to a plate or baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil—store at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid sealed containers or bags, as condensation can make them soggy.

Recipe Variations

• Use different cheese slices such as cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.
• Add other spices or herbs like oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Use a preheated stone baking sheet instead of a cookie sheet for crispier results.
• Bake at 300°F for a chewier texture or 350°F for extra crispy.
• Add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning.

More Keto Snack Recipes:

• Cheesy Keto Sausage Balls Recipe
• Keto Buffalo Wings
• Hot Ham Roll Ups With Cheese
• Peanut Butter Balls