There’s something truly magical about the crackle when you bite into homemade sourdough cheese crackers fresh from the oven. I still remember the first time I made sourdough cheese crackers—my kitchen smelled like toasted herbs and cheese, and my kids couldn’t get enough of those crispy cheese snacks. We had plenty of sourdough starter discard sitting in the fridge, so I decided to turn it into something special rather than tossing it out. That’s when sourdough cheese crackers became an instant family favorite.
If you’ve ever juggled cooking with a household full of busy kids, you know how important snacks that are both tasty and a little bit special can be. Sourdough cheese crackers fit that bill perfectly. They’re not just any crackers; they’re packed with that tangy, fermented dough flavor from the sourdough discard, mixed with sharp cheese that makes each bite savory and crisp. I’ve made sourdough cheese crackers countless times, and every batch brings a little burst of joy to our snack table.
One thing I learned early on in my sourdough cheese crackers adventure is that patience really pays off. I accidentally baked my very first batch too long—think crunchy-to-burnt edges—and my family was polite but unimpressed. Now, with every batch of sourdough cheese crackers, I keep a sharp eye on baking time and toss in herbs or spices to keep things exciting. These crackers always invite me to chat with my kids around the kitchen table, sharing stories and snacks, making kitchen chaos feel oh-so-worth-it.
If you’re sitting there wondering if sourdough cheese crackers might become your next go-to snack, I promise you’re in for a treat. These are easy enough for weeknight baking, smart for using up extra sourdough discard, and a crowd-pleaser for sure. Let’s jump in together and make some crispy cheese snacks that your family will love as much as mine does! For some extra inspiration, you can peek at this sourdough cheese crackers recipe from NatashasKitchen.com, which helped me get started on my own twist.
Ingredients:
Gathering ingredients for your sourdough cheese crackers is almost as fun as making them. I always keep my sourdough discard handy—it’s the heart of these crispy cheese snacks. Here’s the list I rely on for my sourdough cheese crackers recipe:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed, about 100% hydration)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for that perfect crunch and structure)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (the sharpness really brings these sourdough cheese crackers to life)
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (because even sourdough cheese crackers love a little seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (my go-to for a subtle savory twist)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional, but adds that homemade touch)
I prefer to use leftover sourdough starter discard for this recipe since it’s a great way to reduce waste. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of thrifty cooking, using the discard in these sourdough cheese crackers saves money and time. My family occasionally swaps out cheddar for parmesan to change the flavor up. And if you can’t make it to a store easily, frozen shredded cheese works just fine for my sourdough cheese crackers, even with a busy schedule.
A tip I picked up from other sourdough bakers is to lightly chill the dough before rolling it out. This little shortcut helps the dough behave better when making sourdough cheese crackers and keeps the cheese in place. If you’re curious about some different takes, check out this sourdough discard cheese crackers recipe needed that some sourdough fans swear by for theirs.
How to Make – Step by Step
Let’s make these sourdough cheese crackers together—you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe. Make sure you have your ingredients ready because these fermented dough crackers come together pretty quickly.
- Mix flour, salt, and seasonings: Start by whisking your flour, salt, and garlic powder or your choice of herbs in a bowl. This base is where your sourdough cheese crackers really begin to build flavor.
- Cut in cold butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work that cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks crumbly—a little like coarse breadcrumbs. This step helps give your sourdough cheese crackers that tender, flaky texture.
- Add shredded cheese and sourdough discard: Toss in the shredded sharp cheddar and sourdough discard. Mix gently but thoroughly. The dough might seem a bit sticky—that’s okay. This is the magic moment for your sourdough cheese crackers, where savory meets tangy.
- Put the dough in the fridge to rest: Wrap your dough ball and chill it for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out your sourdough cheese crackers later. I usually sneak in a cup of coffee or start tidying my kitchen during this wait.
- Roll out and cut: Once chilled, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Then, use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to shape your sourdough cheese crackers. I learned the hard way that too thin makes them fragile while too thick means they aren’t as crispy—1/8 inch is the sweet spot.
- Bake until golden: Arrange your sourdough cheese crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes. Keep a close eye toward the end; the edges should be a beautiful golden brown. That toasted aroma is your signal that these sourdough cheese crackers are ready to shine.
- Cool and enjoy: Let your sourdough cheese crackers cool completely before sampling—they’ll crisp up so beautifully. Serve them right away or store in an airtight container for snacking later.
For extra tips on rolling dough and getting that perfect crunch, you can peek at Love and Olive Oil’s guide for sourdough crackers with olive oil and herbs, which gave me some great ideas on variations.
Serving & Enjoying:
Sourdough cheese crackers have become a beloved snack in my household, and I catch my kids sneaking multiple handfuls whenever they see them. My youngest loves dunking these savory sourdough crackers into homemade soups, while my husband prefers them with a simple slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top.
These sourdough cheese crackers are perfect for casual family snacks as well as party platters. I’ve brought them to picnics, and guests always ask for the recipe after trying these crispy cheese snacks. The tangy sourdough flavor paired with the rich cheese makes a savory sourdough crackers experience that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Little presentation touches have made a difference too. Lining a serving plate with parchment and stacking sourdough cheese crackers in a small pyramid gets lots of smiles. We sometimes pair them with a fresh veggie platter or a sharp dijon mustard dip for an easy appetizer everyone can love.
Leftover sourdough cheese crackers don’t last long in my house, but I’ve stored some in airtight containers for lunches or mid-afternoon snacks. If you’re looking for inspiration on other ways to enjoy your sourdough cheese crackers, Natasha’s Kitchen has some great ideas in her sourdough cheese crackers recipe you might find handy.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use my sourdough starter discard right from the fridge for sourdough cheese crackers?
A: Absolutely! I often use my refrigerated discard straight into the dough. Just give it a quick stir before measuring. Using sourdough discard in sourdough cheese crackers helps reduce waste and adds that lovely tang.
Q: What if my sourdough cheese crackers dough feels too sticky to roll out?
A: Chill it longer! If your dough is too sticky when making sourdough cheese crackers, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. I learned that rushing this step leads to frustration and uneven crackers.
Q: Can I substitute cheese types in sourdough cheese crackers?
A: For sure! Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but parmesan, gouda, or even a bit of feta can add new flavor layers to your sourdough cheese crackers. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently and may affect cracker texture.
Q: How thin should I roll out sourdough cheese crackers dough?
A: About 1/8 inch thick works best. Rolling thinner makes the crackers fragile, while thicker dough bakes softer—my family prefers that crisp snap in sourdough cheese crackers.
Q: How long do sourdough cheese crackers keep once baked?
A: When stored airtight at room temperature, they last about a week. I always recommend eating sourdough cheese crackers sooner for the best crunch and flavor.
Q: Can I add herbs or spices to sourdough cheese crackers?
A: Definitely, adding dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika elevates sourdough cheese crackers nicely. Experiment and find your family’s favorites!
Q: What tips do you have for making sourdough cheese crackers with kids?
A: Let them help with mixing and cutting shapes. My kids love choosing cookie cutter shapes and sprinkling extra cheese or herbs on their sourdough cheese crackers before baking, which makes snack time extra special.
If you want to dive deeper into sourdough baking and discard recipes, check out my favorite sourdough sandwich bread recipe for using extra starter or learn about cottage cheese as a baking ingredient to play with textures as well.
Closing:
My sourdough cheese crackers recipe is more than just a snack; it’s a slice of my kitchen story. From the first slightly burnt batch to the perfect golden crispy cheese snacks my family now loves, these sourdough cheese crackers have brought so many smiles and happy moments. They’ve even become the go-to treat I make for friends because I know they’ll appreciate the balance of savory cheese and tangy fermented dough crackers.
My Personal Sourdough Cheese Crackers Tips:
1. Use cold butter for that perfect flaky texture every time.
2. Chill your dough before rolling to make cutting thin crackers easier.
3. Don’t skip the salt—it highlights all those layers of flavor in your sourdough cheese crackers.
I’ve tried variations like adding cayenne for a little heat, swapping out cheddar for parmesan, and even sprinkling sesame seeds on top—all crowd-pleasers in their own right. My husband loves the classic cheddar sourdough cheese crackers, while my kids go wild for the herb-infused versions.
If you’ve enjoyed this sourdough cheese crackers recipe, take a peek at my cottage cheese bread recipe for more homemade goodness that’s perfect with these crackers. Making sourdough cheese crackers is a simple pleasure I hope you’ll make your own. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the warm smell of crispy cheese snacks and laughter!
Sourdough Cheese Crackers
Enjoy these crispy, tangy sourdough cheese crackers that perfectly blend the natural flavor of fermented sourdough starter with sharp cheese for a delightful snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 40 crackers
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, all-purpose flour, salt, and garlic powder.
- Cut the cold butter into the mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the grated cheddar cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
- Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together but isn’t sticky.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes (squares or triangles) using a knife or cookie cutter and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Prick each cracker lightly with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Allow crackers to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or paprika on top before baking. These crackers pair wonderfully with your favorite cheese or dips.