Description
These Sourdough Cheese Crackers are a deliciously crispy and cheesy snack made from sourdough discard, cheddar cheese, and simple seasonings. Baked to golden perfection, they serve as a perfect crunchy treat that’s great for snacking or entertaining. The recipe transforms leftover sourdough starter into a delightful savory snack with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Cracker Dough
- 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)
Seasonings
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Optional: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: Melt the butter in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl and let it cool until just lukewarm. Add the sourdough discard and salt, stirring together with a spatula until well combined. Then incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
- Spread Mixture: Pour the cheese and sourdough mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to spread it as thin and even as possible, nearly transparent. For reference, the dough rectangle should measure about 11 by 14 inches.
- Add Seasoning: Lightly sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt, or your choice of seasoning like everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds. Avoid overseasoning to keep flavors balanced.
- Initial Bake and Score: Bake the sheet for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven. Use a pizza cutter to score the crackers into bite-sized squares. For a classic look, poke a hole in the center of each cracker using the back of a wooden skewer. This step adds charm and helps with even baking.
- Final Bake: Return the scored crackers to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until they turn golden and harden. If they are not firm after this time, continue baking until they feel crisp when tapped. This ensures a perfect crunch.
- Cool and Store: Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet to dry out fully. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or zip bag to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Make sure to spread the dough very thin for the crispiest crackers; thicker layers might remain soft.
- If you don’t have an offset spatula, a regular spatula or the back of a spoon can work for spreading.
- You can customize the seasoning on top with your favorites such as smoked paprika or chili flakes for a flavor twist.
- Store the crackers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for up to 1 week.
- If crackers soften over time, re-crisp them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
