Grandma’s Gluten-Free Olive Oil & Herb Bites: The Perfect Occasional Treat
Okay, friends, gather ‘round! I’m about to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart – my Grandma Rosa’s secret for delightful, gluten-free olive oil and herb savory bites. These aren't your everyday crackers; they're flaky, flavorful, and utterly addictive. I remember sneaking into Grandma Rosa's kitchen as a little girl, drawn in by the intoxicating aroma of herbs and warm olive oil. She'd always be humming a little Italian tune as she carefully rolled out the dough, and these little bites were her specialty – perfect for gatherings, quick snacks, or just a little something special to brighten the day.
The best part? You absolutely don’t have to be gluten-free to love these! My gluten-loving friends devour them every single time. They're that good. So, whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just looking for a phenomenal, flavorful snack, you've come to the right place. Let’s get baking!
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Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (must contain xanthan gum) – I personally love Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure. If you're using a different blend, make sure it already includes xanthan gum. If not, add 1 teaspoon to the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This gives these bites their lovely, slightly puffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed – Fresh rosemary is amazing too! Just chop it finely. About 1 tablespoon should do the trick.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Again, fresh thyme works beautifully. Use about 1 tablespoon chopped.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a lovely savory depth. Pecorino Romano is also fantastic! For a vegan option, try nutritional yeast.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – This is KEY! Use a good quality olive oil, as the flavor really shines through.
- ¾ cup water, lukewarm – Not too hot, not too cold. Lukewarm is perfect.
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Let’s Bake! (Step-by-Step Instructions):
- Whisk those dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, rosemary, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, leading to a better texture.
- Combine the wet and dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and lukewarm water.
- Mix it Up: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Don't overmix! It will be a little sticky, and that's okay. Overmixing gluten-free dough can lead to a gummy texture.
- Let it Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flour to fully absorb the moisture, resulting in a more pliable dough. This is seriously important in gluten-free baking!
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll it Out: On a lightly floured (using gluten-free flour, of course!) surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. The thinner you roll them, the crispier they will get.
- Cut Out Shapes Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares, diamonds, or any shape you desire! Get creative! Cookie cutters work great here, too.
- Transfer and Season: Carefully transfer the cut-out shapes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. If you're feeling fancy, you can also brush them with a little extra olive oil before sprinkling with salt.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them! Gluten-free baked goods can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
Tips & Tricks for Savory Bite Perfection:
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes would be delicious additions.
- Cheese Please! Try different types of cheese, such as asiago or Gruyere, for a unique flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a clove of minced garlic to the dough for an extra savory kick.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and ensure your olive oil is vegan-friendly. Some olives use animal product in their manufacturing process.
- Serving Suggestions: These bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with dips like hummus, tapenades, or even a simple olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Recipe Card:
Grandma’s Gluten-Free Olive Oil & Herb Bites
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: About 3 dozen bites
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup water, lukewarm
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, rosemary, thyme, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil and lukewarm water to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Cover and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes.
- Transfer to baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Enjoy these little bites of heaven!
Product Recommendations:
Having the right tools makes all the difference! A good [rolling pin](Amazon link) is essential for rolling out the dough evenly. And if you're looking for a great way to bake them, a [non-stick baking sheet](Amazon link) will make clean-up a breeze.
These olive oil herb bites are also delicious with artisan dips and cheese. To keep ingredients at their best, store them in [airtight, glass containers](Amazon link).
Enjoy baking! Have fun with this gluten-free occasional recipe experiment! I know you're going to love them! And don’t forget to share your creations! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! I always love reading your comments, so if you make this recipe, please let me know how it goes! And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to aske. Happy baking!