Lactose-Free Cheese Crackers

Sounds funny doesn't it, lactose-free cheese crackers? A friend told me that the aged Cabot cheeses were naturally lactose free and my jaw dropped. Why weren't they shouting this fact from the rooftops? This recipe works for those who are lactose-intolerant, but not those with milk allergies. Crunchy, salty and cheesy, these are a great way to start a meal with a glass of bubbly. To me, they're like a cross between a Cheez-it and a cheese straw. 

lactose free cheese crackers

Lactose-Free Cheese Crackers

adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz.) block of aged Cabot Cheddar, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup room temperature coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons lactose-free milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake

Directions

lactose free cheese crackers

Pulse the shredded cheddar, flour, coconut oil, salt, cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and process about 10 seconds until dough forms a ball. If the mixture is too dry, add 1/2 tablespoon more of milk until dough forms a ball. You should need no more than 3 tablespoons total of milk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface until it is approximately 1/8 inch thick. Using a dough scraper, pizza cutter, or knife cut the dough into squares or rectangles. Transfer shapes to parchment lined baking sheet, and prick surface with a fork. Bake 16-18 minutes until lightly browned. Cool 15 minutes on the sheet pan, then serve or place in airtight container for up to a week.

Cheese cracker ingredients

Cheese cracker ingredients

See? Cabot's cheese is lactose free naturally!

See? Cabot's cheese is lactose free naturally!

Mix up your Thanksgiving Menu

Smoked Turkey

Smoked Turkey

In my opinion, Thanksgiving should offer the classics of turkey (smoked), stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes. And, I don't let anyone mess with my homemade green bean casserole. To me, it's not Thanksgiving without it. But, I do like to play around with Thanksgiving appetizers, sides and desserts. There's no reason you can't serve something new for one of these dinner supporting roles. Here are a few options for you to consider this Thanksgiving!

Appetizers

Creamed Spinach Filo Cups

Crunchy filo cups stuffed with traditional creamed spinach.

Butternut Squash Hummus

All the traditional elements of chickpea hummus but with a fall twist.

Sundried Tomato Pinwheels

Flaky, easy to prepare, and impressive for guests. Try subbing ground turkey for pork and it's Thanksgiving ready.

Sides

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

These garlicky bundles of asparagus are deliciously wrapped in bacon. 

Farro Salad

The perfect make-ahead dish, this nutty farro gets crunch from bell pepper and a creamy dressing. 

Roasted Cauliflower with Dates and Pine Nuts

This delicious roasted cauliflower dish holds well, so you can make it ahead of time and serve it room temperature or reheat it right before serving.

Desserts

Apple Brown Betty

A vegan dessert for your guests, apples are baked with a crunchy sweet brown betty topping.

Blueberry Tartlets

I LOVE individual desserts. These darling blueberry tarlets would be perfect for your dessert buffet.

Lemon Budino

Full of lemon flavor, these light desserts will provide a sweet ending to your Thanksgiving meal.