Can I make these oat and herb crackers gluten-free?

Yes. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, then add water slowly until the dough is firm but rollable.

Why are my crackers not crisp?

The dough may have been rolled too thick or the crackers may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before judging the final texture.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Yes, but chop them very finely and use a little more than dried herbs because fresh herbs are milder. Pat them dry first so they do not add extra moisture to the dough.

Can I freeze these crackers?

You can freeze baked crackers, but they are best freshly crisp. Re-crisp thawed crackers in a 300 degrees F oven for a few minutes before serving.

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Healthy Baking

Classic British Oat and Herb Crackers with Nut-Free Sesame Seeds Recipe

Name: Classic British Oat and Herb Crackers with Nut-Free Sesame Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed); 1 cup whole wheat flour; 2 tablespoons nut-free sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2/3 cup water (plus a little extra if needed)

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 2, 2026 · Updated Jun 27, 2026

British 35 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepwhole-grainsavory-bakesminimal-ingredientspartysnacklow-caloriekid-friendlynut-freecomfort-food

Make these classic British oat and herb crackers featuring whole-grain oats, fragrant dried herbs, and nut-free sesame seeds. This easy, low-calorie, and kid-friendly recipe is perfect for healthy snacking, party platters, or anytime craving for a crunchy savory bite. Beginner bakers will appreciate the simple steps and wholesome ingredients.

Classic British Oat and Herb Crackers with Nut-Free Sesame Seeds Recipe

Prep 15 min

Cook 20 min

Total 35 min

Servings 24

Difficulty easy

Cuisine British

Ingredients

Servings 24

1 and 1/2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons nut-free sesame seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2/3 cup water (plus a little extra if needed)

Measured ingredients for BeginnerBakes oat and herb crackers with sesame seeds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, sesame seeds, baking powder, salt, and dried herbs until evenly combined.
Drizzle in the olive oil and rub or stir it through the dry ingredients until the mixture looks lightly crumbly.
Add the water gradually while stirring, stopping when the dough comes together into a firm ball. If it feels dry, add extra water 1 teaspoon at a time; if it feels sticky, dust with a little flour.
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it evenly to about 1/8 inch thick.
Peel away the top parchment sheet and score the dough into 2-inch squares or rectangles with a knife or pizza cutter.
Slide the scored dough, still on the bottom parchment, onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks dry and set.
Cool completely on the baking sheet so the crackers crisp up, then break them apart along the scored lines.
Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

BeginnerBakes oat and herb cracker dough rolled thin and scored on parchment

Tips

Equipment Needed

You need a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a knife or pizza cutter for scoring. A ruler is helpful for even crackers, but the recipe still works if the shapes are slightly rustic.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Use rolled oats rather than instant oats so the crackers have better texture and a wholesome bite. Stir the herbs, salt, baking powder, and seeds through the dry ingredients before adding water so the flavor is evenly spread.

Oven Note

Preheat fully to 350 degrees F and roll the dough as evenly as possible so the crackers crisp at the same rate. Start checking at 18 minutes, and let them cool completely on the sheet because they finish crisping as they cool.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cracked black pepper for a deeper savory flavor. For serving, pair the crackers with hummus, soft cheese, or a yogurt herb dip while keeping the base recipe simple and nut-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these oat and herb crackers gluten-free?: Yes. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, then add water slowly until the dough is firm but rollable.
Why are my crackers not crisp?: The dough may have been rolled too thick or the crackers may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before judging the final texture.
Can I use fresh herbs?: Yes, but chop them very finely and use a little more than dried herbs because fresh herbs are milder. Pat them dry first so they do not add extra moisture to the dough.
Can I freeze these crackers?: You can freeze baked crackers, but they are best freshly crisp. Re-crisp thawed crackers in a 300 degrees F oven for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Replacements

Use certified gluten-free oats and a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend if you need gluten-free crackers. Spelt flour or whole wheat pastry flour can replace the whole wheat flour for a lighter texture while keeping the nutty flavor.

Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or poppy seeds can replace sesame seeds if sesame is not suitable. For herbs, use rosemary, thyme, oregano, or a mixed dried herb blend, keeping the pieces small so the crackers roll thinly.

Avocado oil or another neutral oil can replace olive oil if you want a milder flavor. Add the water slowly because different oats and flours absorb moisture differently.

Storage and Reheating

Cool the crackers completely before storing so steam does not soften them. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

If they lose crispness, place them on a baking sheet in a 300 degrees F oven for 3 to 5 minutes, then cool again before serving. Freeze only if needed, because room-temperature storage gives the best texture.

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Classic British Oat and Herb Crackers with Nut-Free Sesame Seeds Recipe

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions