These Sourdough Cheese Crackers are perfectly crunchy and packed with cheesy goodness! They’re a tasty snack that you can enjoy any time of day, and they’re homemade!
Making these crackers is a fun twist! I love how they’re so simple—just mix, roll, cut, and bake. Plus, they pair great with dips or on their own for a cheesy treat! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the heart of the recipe. Use unfed discard, as it’s thick and gives the best flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as an alternative, but the texture and taste may differ.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but you can use any cheese you like! Gruyère, Parmesan, or Pepper Jack can provide unique twists. Just make sure it’s shredded for the best mix-in.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but if you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get crunchy crackers!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work nicely instead.
How Do You Roll Out Dough for Even Thickness?
Rolling out dough can be tricky, but it’s key for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Sprinkle a clean surface and your rolling pin with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
- Take a portion of the dough, and flatten it slightly with your hands. This will make rolling easier.
- Keep a rolling pin handy, and roll the dough out evenly to about 1/8-inch thick. Rotate the dough as you roll to keep it even.
- If the dough sticks, add more flour, but be careful not to incorporate too much!
Practicing will help you get perfect, crunchy crackers every time! Enjoy your baking!
Sourdough Cheese Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (about 240g) sourdough starter discard (unfed, thick consistency)
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional for flavor)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
- 1 to 2 tbsp cold water, if needed to bring dough together
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-25 minutes of baking time. Allow some time for cooling after baking before you can enjoy these crunchy snacks. Total time should be around 1 hour, but the result is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispness. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter discard, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder (if you choose to use it). This combination is what gives your crackers that yummy flavor!
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step makes the crackers flaky and delicious!
4. Bring the Dough Together:
If your dough feels too dry, don’t worry! Just add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a firm ball that isn’t sticky. You want it to be smooth and easy to roll out.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface to prevent sticking and roll out your dough evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness. Take your time with this step to ensure uniformity.
6. Cut the Crackers:
Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into small squares, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches each. The size is up to you, but keep them small enough to enjoy as bite-sized snacks!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the cut crackers to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. This helps them bake evenly. Prick each cracker a few times with a fork—this prevents them from puffing up while baking!
8. Add the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle the tops of the crackers with flaky sea salt for that extra touch of flavor.
9. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking!
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing them in an airtight container. They’ll be fresh and ready to snack on!
Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy sourdough crackers as a delightful snack or appetizer! 🧀
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get deliciously crunchy crackers. Just ensure the blend you choose is designed for one-to-one substitution.
How Should I Store Leftover Crackers?
Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose some crispness, you can re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes.
Can I Add Other Seasonings to the Crackers?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick, or even finely chopped nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into crackers.