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Sourdough Cheese Crackers are a truly delightful way to repurpose your extra sourdough starter and transform it into a snack that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Picture a batch of golden, crispy crackers fresh from the oven, bursting with savory cheese flavor and a subtle tangy note in every bite.
They’re simple enough for a casual afternoon snack, yet special enough to serve at a gathering with friends. Whether you’re new to sourdough baking or looking for a fresh idea to use up your discard, these crackers fit the bill.
Enjoy them on their own, pair them with your favorite dips, or even layer them with cured meats for a small, flavorful treat. Best of all, they’re made from pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Excellent Use of Discard: Transform leftover sourdough starter into something savory and satisfying.
- Crispy & Cheesy: Each cracker delivers a pleasing crunch and bold cheese flavor.
- Versatile Snack: Serve alongside soups, salads, or as part of a cheese board.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and minimal ingredients.
- Fun to Share: Perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy movie night at home.
What to Serve with Sourdough Cheese Crackers
- Dips & Spreads: Hummus, guacamole, or a creamy artichoke dip.
- Fresh Vegetables: Balance the savory flavor with crisp celery and carrot sticks.
- Charcuterie Board: Pair with cured meats, olives, and pickles for a snack platter.
- Tomato Soup: A comforting bowl of soup and crackers for dipping.
- Wine or Sparkling Water: Complements the tangy cheese flavor without overpowering it.
Ingredient Breakdown
These core ingredients work together to create crackers that are full of character:
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base and provides structure.
- Sourdough Starter/Discard: Adds a hint of tang and helps bind the dough.
- Shredded Cheese: The star of the show—choose your favorite cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend.
- Butter or Oil: Contributes richness and creates a flaky texture.
- Salt & Seasonings: Enhances the savory taste; consider adding garlic or onion powder for extra depth.
Pro Tip Before Starting
Grate your cheese finely, rather than using pre-shredded. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often has added starches that can affect the final texture of your crackers.
Sourdough Cheese Crackers
Crispy, cheesy crackers with a deep, savory flavor from sourdough discard, making them an addictive snack or a perfect pairing.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or a combo)
- 4 tablespoons cold butter (cubed) or 3 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and any optional seasonings.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using oil, stir it in until evenly distributed.
- Add Sourdough & Cheese: Stir in the sourdough discard and shred the cheese. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
- Chill (Optional): For easier rolling, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step can be skipped if you’re short on time, but it helps with shaping and crispness.
- Roll & Cut: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes—squares, rectangles, or fun cookie-cutter shapes.
- Arrange & Bake: Place the cut crackers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with salt if desired. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on thinner edges to prevent over-browning.
- Cool & Enjoy: Transfer crackers to a wire rack. They’ll become crunchier as they cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Keep crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze dough discs or cut shapes for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen with a slight increase in baking time.
- Seasoning Variations: Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spice them up with paprika or chili flakes.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but watch the texture—it may need more or less moisture.
Pro Tip After Preparing
If you prefer an extra-crispy texture, turn off the oven once they’re baked and leave the crackers inside with the door slightly ajar for 5–10 minutes. This allows them to dehydrate just a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Experiment with your favorites—Parmesan, Gouda, or a spicy pepper jack.
Why are my crackers soft?
They might need a bit more baking time, or they might have cooled in a humid environment. Try returning them to a low-temperature oven to crisp up.
Do I have to use sourdough discard?
You can use an active starter or skip the sourdough if needed, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Wrapping it up
Sourdough Cheese Crackers are a savory, crunchy snack that highlights the tang of sourdough and the flavor of your preferred cheese.
Whether you’re enjoying them straight out of the oven, pairing them with dips, or setting them out for guests, these crackers offer a homemade alternative to store-bought options.
Whip up a batch whenever you need a quick appetizer or an afternoon pick-me-up—you’ll find they’re gone before you know it!
