If you ever find yourself wondering what to do with sourdough discard, I have the perfect answer for you: this Sourdough Cheese Crackers Recipe is a game changer! It transforms that humble discard into irresistibly crispy, cheesy little bites that are just bursting with flavor. These crackers are delightfully crunchy with the slightest tang from the sourdough and a rich cheddar punch that makes them completely addictive. Whether you’re snacking during a movie, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a homemade treat, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and a wonderful way to reduce waste in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting a fantastic batch of these crackers starts with a handful of simple, quality ingredients that create amazing taste and texture. Each one plays a special role to make these crackers perfectly crispy and flavorful.
- Sourdough discard: Using 1 cup of unfed sourdough starter adds a subtle tang and a fantastic base without the hassle of fresh dough.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter provides richness and helps achieve that crisp texture with no overpowering saltiness.
- Fine sea salt: Just a little bit enhances the flavors without making the crackers too salty.
- Medium cheddar cheese: A cup of finely shredded cheddar brings that sharp, cheesy flavor essential for classic cheese crackers.
- Seasonings to taste: Think flaky sea salt, everything bagel seasoning, or sesame seeds to add a delightful finishing touch.
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, turn your oven on to 350℉ so it’s nice and ready to bake these crackers to golden perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which ensures your crackers won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly until lukewarm; this step helps when combining the ingredients so nothing cooks prematurely. In a large bowl or measuring cup, mix in the sourdough discard and fine sea salt. Stir until everything is beautifully blended, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly so that every bit of dough has cheesy goodness evenly distributed.
Step 3: Spread the Dough Thinly
Pour your cheese-infused sourdough mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Take an offset spatula and spread it out as thinly as you can—aim for something almost transparent, approximately an 11-by-14-inch rectangle. Spreading it thin is key here; it guarantees that delightfully crisp texture that makes these crackers irresistible.
Step 4: Season the Surface
Just before baking, lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt or your chosen seasoning on top. A gentle hand is best here since you want these flavors to enhance, not overwhelm. This final seasoning layer will add a beautiful finishing crunch and flavor boost.
Step 5: Start Baking and Score the Crackers
Bake the dough for 10 minutes initially, which firms it up just enough to score. Take your baking sheet out and carefully use a pizza cutter to divide the dough into bite-size squares. For a charming, classic look, poke a tiny hole in the center of each cracker with the back of a wooden skewer. It’s a little extra effort but really elevates the presentation!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Return your tray to the oven and allow the crackers to bake for another 20 minutes or until they turn golden and feel firm. If they’re not quite crisp, don’t worry. It usually means the dough wasn’t spread thin enough, so simply keep baking a bit longer until they’re beautifully crunchy when tapped.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once perfectly baked, remove the crackers and let them cool on the baking sheet. Cooling helps them dry out completely, locking in crispness. When cool, transfer to an airtight container or zip bag to keep their crunchy perfection for days.
How to Serve Sourdough Cheese Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking adds that extra pop of flavor, but you can wait until serving for even fresher taste. For a special touch, consider topping with finely chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a subtle, grassy note that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar.
Side Dishes
These crackers shine as a perfect partner to cheese boards loaded with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit. They also work incredibly well alongside creamy dips like hummus, caramelized onion dip, or even a tangy tomato chutney for a contrast in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your crackers in small piles or fan them out on a platter, layered with slices of sharp cheese, cured meats, and pickles. They also make fun mini vessels for spreads or pâtés—just break a cracker gently instead of the usual square. The variety in size and shape makes your snack table look inviting and creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These crackers stay crispy when stored properly! Keep them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature, away from moisture. They’ll remain fresh and crunchy for up to a week, perfect if you want to enjoy some daily without baking a fresh batch each time.
Freezing
While these crackers are best fresh, you can freeze them to extend shelf life. Place cooled crackers in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. They hold up well and stay flavorful after freezing.
Reheating
If your crackers lose a bit of their crispness or have softened, a quick reheat in a 325℉ oven for about 5 minutes will bring them back to life. Watch carefully so they don’t burn but regain that satisfying crunch — perfect just like when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?
While this recipe specifically calls for sourdough discard to help reduce waste, using fed starter could work but might affect texture and flavor. The discard provides a mild tang without leavening action, which is ideal for crisp crackers.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but sharper or milder cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a smoked cheese can create delicious variations. Just ensure they’re finely shredded for even incorporation and baking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
This particular recipe relies on sourdough discard, which contains gluten. For gluten-free options, you’d need a different base, but you could experiment with gluten-free sourdough starters or alternative flours if you’re up for some culinary adventure.
How thin should I spread the dough?
Ideally, spread the dough until it’s almost transparent — roughly an 11-by-14-inch rectangle on your baking sheet. Thin spreading is essential for achieving crisp, crackly crackers rather than chewy ones.
Why didn’t my crackers turn crispy?
Usually, the dough wasn’t spread thin enough or not baked long enough. Make sure to bake until golden and firm, and if needed, extend baking time to fully dry out the crackers for that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Cheese Crackers Recipe is a brilliant, simple way to turn what might be kitchen discard into a snack everyone will rave about. The blend of sourdough tang and sharp cheddar, along with the crispy texture, makes these crackers so satisfying. I promise once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your snack repertoire. Don’t hesitate—grab your sourdough discard and get baking these delightful crackers today!
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Sourdough Cheese Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 50 crackers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sourdough Cheese Crackers are a delightful and easy-to-make snack using sourdough discard and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly crispy and lightly salted, these crackers showcase a unique way to reduce waste while enjoying a tasty cheese-flavored treat that is perfect for parties, snacks, or pairing with dips.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 200 grams sourdough discard (1 cup stirred and unfed starter)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup finely shredded medium cheddar cheese (loosely packed or 60 grams)
Toppings
- Seasonings to taste – flaky sea salt, everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: Melt the butter in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl and allow it to cool until just lukewarm. Add the sourdough discard and fine sea salt, then stir well with a spatula until fully combined. Fold in the finely shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is uniform.
- Spread Mixture: Pour the cheese and sourdough mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using an offset spatula, spread it into a thin, even layer that is nearly transparent, approximately an 11 by 14 inch rectangle for reference.
- Add Seasonings: Lightly sprinkle the top of the spread mixture with flaky sea salt or your choice of seasonings such as everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds. Avoid overseasoning to keep balance.
- Bake and Score: Bake the mixture for 10 minutes until it starts to set. Remove from oven and use a pizza cutter to carefully score the crackers into bite-sized squares. For a classic look, optionally poke a hole in the center of each cracker using the back of a wooden skewer.
- Final Bake: Return the scored crackers to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and become firm and hardened. If the crackers are still soft, continue baking until firm when tapped.
- Cool and Store: Remove from oven and let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet to dry out fully. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag to maintain crispness.
Notes
- Ensure the cheese is shredded finely for even melting and integration in the dough.
- Spreading the mixture thinly is critical to achieving crisp crackers; a thicker layer will result in softer crackers.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Allow crackers to cool completely before storing to maintain their texture.
- Season with your favorite toppings for personalized flavor.
- These crackers are a great way to use up sourdough discard, reducing waste.
