Sunflower Seed Crackers

Name: Sunflower Seed Crackers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups rolled oats; 1 cup raw sunflower seeds; ¼ cup whole flaxseeds; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup water

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These crunchy, flavourful sunflower seed crackers are a nutritious, gluten-free snack made with rolled oats, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and simple seasonings. Perfect for snacking, dipping, or adding to a cheese board.

Oatmeal sunflower seed crackers in a bowl with salted butter in a dish.

Healthy store-bought crackers are crazy expensive, so I decided to learn how to make my own. These gluten-free sunflower seed crackers are super easy to make and perfect for snacking or entertaining with friends.

While homemade crackers might sound intimidating, they are actually super easy to make and require no food processor or mixer! Just stir, rest, spread, and bake. Packed with crunchy sunflower seeds and infused with subtle garlic and herbs, these wholesome crackers come together in one simple bowl. Rolled oats add a hearty texture, while whole flaxseeds naturally bind the mixture as they absorb water. Whether you enjoy them with hummus, cheese, or on their own, they’re always a delicious upgrade from store-bought snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These sunflower seed crackers come together with just a few simple, wholesome pantry staples:

Rolled oats: Add body and structure to the crackers, giving them a hearty texture and satisfying crunch. They also help balance the richness of the seeds.
Sunflower seeds: The star of the show! Use raw, unsalted seeds for the best flavour and crunch—they give these crackers their signature nuttiness and crisp bite.
Whole flaxseeds: When soaked, these tiny powerhouses swell and act as a natural binder, helping the crackers hold together without any eggs or flour.
Seasonings: A savoury mix of garlic powder, dried thyme, and sea salt adds depth, aroma, and just the right herby kick.
Water: Brings all the ingredients together and activates the flaxseeds to do their binding magic.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Sunflower Seed Crackers

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, almond meal, garlic powder, thyme, and salt. Pour over the water and stir well.

Rest the mixture for 10 minutes to let the flaxseeds soak and thicken everything into a sticky dough.

Spread the dough into a thin, even layer on the lined tray—use the back of a spoon or a silicone spatula.

Seed mixture spread on baking tray with spatula.

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the crackers are dry, firm, and lightly golden.

Seed mixture spread on baking tray in even flat layer.

Cool completely before breaking into pieces or cutting into squares.

Seasoning Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these flavourful additions:

Everything Seasoning – Add 1–2 tablespoon of your favorite mix for extra flavor.
Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkle lightly with Maldon salt before baking for a crunchy finish.
Seed Mix – Combine fennel, sesame, and poppy seeds for an aromatic blend. Try: 2 teaspoon fennel seeds, 2 teaspoon sesame seeds and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Serving Suggestions

These crackers are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

As a snack with hummus, guacamole, or cream cheese
Paired with cheese on a grazing board
Crumbled over salads or soups for extra crunch
Packed in a lunchbox with fruit and veggies

How to Store

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.
Freeze: Yes! These crackers freeze well. Place in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Refresh in the oven if needed.

Side shot of oatmeal sunflower seed crackers in a bowl dipped in salted butter.

Tips for Success

Spread evenly: A thin, even layer ensures they bake and crisp up properly.
Let them cool: Crackers firm up as they cool—don’t rush it!
Customize the seasoning: Keep the base the same and mix up the herbs and spices based on your tastes.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use ground flaxseed instead of whole?

Whole flaxseeds are better here as they create a nice texture and bind the mix when soaked. Ground flax might make the dough too dense or sticky.

Can I use a different seed?

Yes! You can swap the sunflower seeds for others like sesame seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), or even chia seeds. Just make sure to use equal amounts for the best results.

Do I need to rest the mixture first?

Yes. Letting the mixture rest allows the flaxseeds to absorb moisture and form a gel-like coating, which helps bind the dough naturally. This improves the texture and ensures the crackers hold together without needing eggs or flour.

How thin should I roll the dough?

For crispy crackers, roll the dough out as thin as possible—about 2–3 mm. The thinner you roll, the crispier the final result will be.

Oatmeal sunflower seed crackers in a bowl with salted butter.

Pair These Crackers With

Incredible Kidney Bean Hummus

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Paprika Feta Dip

Dill Pickle Hummus

If you try this sunflower seed crackers recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.