Homemade
Sourdough Cheese Crackers are a delicious way to use your sourdough discard. These savory crackers are made with sourdough discard, butter, cheese, and a sprinkle of salt, and are a crispy snack, perfect for munching.
They taste like the store-bought ‘cheese-it’ versions that everyone loves but are a healthier alternative.
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Sourdough Cheese Crackers RecipeMy original Sourdough Discard Crackers were such a hit, and many of you asked if you could add cheese. These crunchy sourdough discard cheese crackers have become a favorite in our household. We love them, and the kids adore them too.
They’re perfect for casual lunch snacks at school or camp, yet versatile enough to serve as a sophisticated appetizer with dip. I might need to start doubling the recipe because they disappear so quickly around here!
Making homemade crackers might sound complicated, but I promise, they take just 2 minutes to stir together (plus spreading and baking time), and the flavor payoff is so worth it. They taste like storebought Cheese-It crackers, but I feel much better serving my homemade version to my family knowing they’re made with real cheese and without any additives or preservatives.
Also, baking them with a fermented sourdough starter makes them easier to digest (according to Healthline).
Ingredients for Sourdough Cheese CrackersThe key to making great sourdough cheese crackers is using strong, flavorful cheese to really taste the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sourdough discard – this can be active and stirred down or just plain inactive discard that you would normally throw away (unless it’s really old or has changed color).Cheddar cheese – You can use medium or sharp cheddar cheese. Finely shredded cheese blends into the batter easier for a uniformly cheesy cracker. Butter -adds great buttery crunch to the crackers and helps bind ingredients together. Salt – a little goes a long way, especially since cheese adds to the saltiness of the recipe. VariationsThe type and amount of cheese you choose significantly influence both the flavor— try a sharp cheddar to enhance the taste and the texture of the crackers. Consider experimenting with different cheeses like:
- White cheddar
- Parmesean (use 1/2 cup or the crackers will be too salty)
- Monterey Jack
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Crackers
Preheat – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Melt and Combine – Melt the butter in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl and cool until just lukewarm. Add the sourdough starter discard, and salt and stir until well combined. Add cheese and stir until well incorporated.Spread – spread your batter over your parchment-lined baking sheet (an offset spatula makes it easy to spread into an even, very thin layer that is almost transparent (my rectangle measured 14×11 inches).Season – Lightly sprinkle the top with flaky salt (don’t use too much or the crackers will be too salty).Bake and Score – Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and score with a pizza cutter into 1-inch squares. Optional: use the back of a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each cracker. Fun Fact: The holes poked in store-bought crackers actually serve an important purpose. “Docking” doughs that are higher in fat, such as pie crusts, cheese crackers, and thin cookies, provide a vent to release steam. This prevents the baked goods from puffing up and cracking during baking.
Final Bake – Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and hardened throughout. Note: thicker crackers will take longer to bake so bake until they are firm to the tap.Cool and Serve – Allow the crackers to fully cool on the baking sheet, then store them in an airtight container or zip bag. What to Serve with Sourdough Cheese CrackersThese crackers are incredibly delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments. You can even score them to different sizes depending on how you serve them. Here are some excellent options to serve with these sourdough discard crackers:
- Dips: Serve with creamy dips such as queso, spinach and artichoke dip, hummus, ranch, or guacamole
- Soup: Sprinkle on top of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup, tomato soup, or chili for a comforting combination
- Sandwich: Serve alongside your favorite sandwich— whether it’s chicken bacon avocado sandwich, grilled cheese, or a BLT— for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Charcuterie: Combine with an assortment of cured meats and cheeses, nuts, fruits, and fresh vegetables for a savory charcuterie platter.
- Spreads: Enjoy with spreads such as pimento cheese or a cheese ball.
- Salad: Instead of croutons, crumble these up and toss over a cobb salad, Caesar salad, or garden salad for extra crunch.
How to Store Sourdough Cheese CrackersOnce the crackers are cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container, glass jar with a lid, or zip bag. These are best enjoyed within a few days of making them.
Also note: if you try storing crackers that aren’t fully crisp and baked through, they will not crisp up with storage.
If you’re on your
sourdough journey, you likely have plenty of sourdough discard baking loaves of Sourdough Bread. Instead of literally discarding it, why not transform it into fantastic treats Sourdough Pancakes or waffles? With just a few common kitchen ingredients, you can quickly whip up these simple and delicious discard recipes. If you are a fan of sourdough, these
Sourdough Cheese Crackers are a must-try!
More Easy Snack RecipesIf are a fan of snacks and easy finger food recipes, then you won’t want to miss these crowd favorites:
- Homemade Pita Chips
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Baked Potato Wedges
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Candied Pecans
- Cheese Ball Recipe
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