These Sourdough Cheese Crackers are crispy and full of cheesy goodness. They are perfect for snacking, dipping, or munching on during movie night!
Making them is super fun—just mix sourdough starter with cheese and bake. I can’t resist the smell wafting through my kitchen! 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Using an active, unfed sourdough starter is key here. If you don’t have one, you can make a simple dough with equal parts flour and water mixed together. Just be mindful that it won’t have that sour flavor.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these crackers a great taste, but feel free to mix it up! You can substitute with other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for a kick.
Butter: Unsalted butter brings richness, but you can swap it for olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just use a bit less—about 1.5 tablespoons should do.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.
How Do You Ensure Your Crackers Are Crispy?
Getting those crackers to the perfect crispness is all about the thickness and baking time. Here’s how you can achieve crunchy crackers every time:
- Roll Thin: Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. The thinner, the crispier! Use a rolling pin and keep a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
- Even Baking: Space the squares a bit apart on your baking sheet. This ensures even heat circulation, which helps them crisp up.
- Keep an Eye on Color: Bake until they are golden brown. If they look too light, give them a minute or two more, but check often!
- Cool Completely: After baking, let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them firm up as they cool.
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (unfed)
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary, optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking, giving you a total time of about 30-35 minutes. Quick and simple to enjoy those delicious crunchy crackers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is heating up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the crackers from sticking during baking.
2. Mixing the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, garlic powder, dried herbs (if using), and a sprinkle of black pepper. Stir everything together until you form a cohesive dough. If the dough is too sticky, just add a bit more flour until it becomes manageable.
3. Rolling It Out:
Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out very thinly; aim for about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in thickness. The thinner the dough, the crispier your crackers will be!
4. Cutting the Crackers:
Take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the rolled-out dough into small squares, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in size. Place the squares onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
5. Baking:
If you like, you can prick each cracker with a fork to stop them from puffing up while they bake. Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly.
6. Cool and Store:
Once they’re done, remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help them crisp up even more. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for fresh snacking. Enjoy your tasty sourdough cheese crackers!
Can I Use Discarded Sourdough Starter for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up discarded sourdough starter. Just make sure your starter is active and bubbly for the best flavor and texture in your crackers.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If cheddar isn’t your favorite, you can swap it for any cheese you like! Try Parmesan for a nuttier taste, or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. Just remember to shred the cheese for even mixing.
How Should I Store Leftover Crackers?
Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you notice them getting soft, just pop them back in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again!
Can I Make These Crackers Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the texture and structure of your crackers.