Sourdough Cheese Crackers: Simple, Crunchy, and Delicious

Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they also pack a delicious punch of flavor. These homemade crackers use your sourdough discard, so they’re a great way to avoid wasting that extra starter while creating something truly special. With just a few basic ingredients—flour, cheese, butter, and seasonings—you’ll have a batch of crisp, golden crackers that are irresistible with every bite.

What makes sourdough cheese crackers so great is how easy they are to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a knife to cut the dough. The process is quick: simply mix everything together, roll out the dough, cut it into your desired shapes, and pop them in the oven. In no time, you'll have a tray of warm, cheesy crackers that perfectly balance a slight tang from the sourdough discard and the rich, savory notes of the cheese.

These crackers are not only a tasty snack on their own, but they’re also perfect for pairing with dips, cheeses, or even a glass of wine. The beauty of sourdough cheese crackers is that they’re customizable—you can tweak the flavors with your favorite seasonings or add extra cheese for a more intense flavor. Whether you're looking for an easy way to use up sourdough discard or simply craving something crunchy and cheesy, these crackers will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Here’s a beginner-friendly, step-by-step recipe for Sourdough Cheese Crackers using your sourdough discard. These crackers are crisp, savory, and full of cheesy goodness!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or a blend)

• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, depending on your cheese)

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)

• 2-4 tablespoons cold water

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl

• Food processor or mixing bowl and pastry cutter (optional)

• Rolling pin

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Knife or pizza cutter (for cutting crackers)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine sourdough discard, flour, cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using).

2. Add cold butter cubes to the mixture. If using a food processor, pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like sand with small pea-sized pieces of butter.

3. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. You want it to be firm but not too sticky. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.

2. Roll out the dough:

1. Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your crackers will be.

2. You can sprinkle a little extra flour on top if the dough is too sticky.

3. Cut and prepare for baking:

1. Use a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter to cut the dough into squares or rectangles (or any shape you like for your crackers).

2. Place the cut-out crackers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure the crackers are spaced apart slightly, as they will puff up a bit while baking. Poking a hole in the middle of the cut-out crackers to resemble a Cheez-It is optional.

3. (Optional) Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of each cracker for extra texture and flavor.

4. Bake the crackers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the crackers for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them as baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your crackers. The crackers are done when they’re crispy and have a nice golden color.

3. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy Your Sourdough Cheese Crackers!

These homemade sourdough cheese crackers are perfect for snacking, serving with dips, or enjoying with a glass of wine. They’re a great way to use up your sourdough discard and create a crunchy, flavorful treat. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and the tangy twist from the sourdough starter!