Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers

There’s something truly special about homemade crackers—their crisp, flaky texture, the rich, cheesy flavor, and the satisfying crunch that store-bought versions just can’t match. These Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers are the perfect way to use up your leftover sourdough discard while creating a snack that’s both delicious and wholesome.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a tasty addition to your cheese board, or a fun baking project, these crackers are a fantastic choice. They’re buttery, tangy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Plus, they have that irresistible homemade touch—crisp on the outside, slightly tender on the inside, and full of complex flavors from the sourdough.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who hates wasting their sourdough discard but loves finding creative ways to use it. The natural fermentation in the discard adds depth to the crackers, giving them a more nuanced, slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with sharp cheese. And the best part? You can make these crackers in under an hour!

Let’s dive into how you can turn your sourdough discard into a crunchy, cheesy treat that will disappear as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect use for sourdough discard – No more guilt about throwing away that extra starter!
• Simple ingredients – You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
• Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – These crackers are light, flaky, and absolutely delicious.
• Quick and easy – With minimal prep time and a straightforward process, they’re great for any skill level.
• Customizable – Add herbs, spices, or even different cheeses to make them your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a slight smokiness)
• 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120g) sourdough discard
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

How to Make Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and any optional spices you’re using, like garlic powder or smoked paprika. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the crackers but are completely optional.

Next, add the shredded cheese to the flour mixture and toss it lightly to coat the cheese. This helps distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dough.

Now, add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until you get a crumbly, coarse texture. The butter should still be in small, pea-sized pieces—this is what will make your crackers flaky!

Pour in the sourdough discard and mix everything together until a dough starts to form. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, a little at a time, until it comes together smoothly. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up again, which will give the crackers their crisp texture when baked.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Crackers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner you roll it, the crispier your crackers will be!

Use a knife, pizza cutter, or small cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired cracker shapes. For a classic look, cut the dough into small squares. If you want them to look extra polished, use a fork to poke holes in the center of each cracker—this helps them bake evenly and prevents them from puffing up too much.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the cut crackers onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. The baking time may vary slightly depending on how thin you rolled the dough, so keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Helpful Tips

• Use very cold butter – Just like with pie dough, cold butter creates a flaky texture.
• Roll the dough thin – The thinner you roll it, the crunchier your crackers will be. If they’re too thick, they may turn out more like a soft biscuit.
• Experiment with flavors – Try adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a slight kick!
• Cheese matters – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix it up with Parmesan, Gouda, or even a bit of pepper jack for spice.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: About 50 crackers
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. This is great for when you want fresh crackers but don’t have time to make the dough on the same day.
• Chilling is Important: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the butter firm up, which creates the best flaky texture.
• Rolling Evenly: Try to roll the dough as evenly as possible to ensure all crackers bake at the same rate. Uneven thickness may cause some to burn while others remain soft.
• Re-roll Scraps: If you have leftover dough after cutting out your crackers, gather the scraps, re-roll them, and cut out more crackers. Just be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the crackers tough.
• Crispier Crackers: If your crackers soften after storing, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
• Season to Taste: Feel free to sprinkle extra salt, garlic powder, or even a little cracked black pepper on top before baking for added flavor.
• Custom Shapes: Have fun with this recipe! Use mini cookie cutters to make fun shapes for kids or themed crackers for holidays and parties.

Storage Instructions

These crackers store well at room temperature for up to one week in an airtight container. If you want to keep them extra crisp, store them with a paper towel inside the container to absorb any excess moisture.

For longer storage, freeze the crackers in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in a low oven (300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to refresh their crispiness before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without sourdough discard?
Yes! If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can replace it with an equal amount of buttermilk or yogurt to maintain the slight tanginess.

Why are my crackers not crispy?
If your crackers turn out soft instead of crisp, they may have been rolled too thick or not baked long enough. Try rolling the dough thinner and baking for a few extra minutes.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While cheddar works great, you can experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a mix of your favorites.

Related Recipes

If you loved these sourdough discard cheese crackers, here are a few other snack ideas you might enjoy:

• Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) – A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion
• High-Protein Breakfast Biscuits
• German Potato Pancakes (Reibekuchen) – An Easy and Comforting
• Aebleskiver(Danish Pancake Balls)

Conclusion

Making homemade Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers is a fun and rewarding way to turn your extra sourdough starter into something incredibly delicious. Whether you’re snacking on them straight from the jar, serving them with dips, or adding them to a charcuterie board, these crackers will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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