Name: Cheddar Sourdough Discard Crackers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling); Optional: 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed for consistency)

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Ultra-crispy and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, these Cheddar Sourdough Discard Crackers are my go-to solution for using up sourdough starter. They’re thin, crunchy, and addictive—the kind of snack I keep reaching for whether I’m hosting friends or just craving something savory. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe transforms kitchen leftovers into a homemade treat that’s better than anything store-bought.

Cheddar Sourdough Discard Crackers

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

Optional: 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed for consistency)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, I stir together the sourdough discard and melted butter until smooth.

Then I mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. I stir until a sticky dough forms.

If the dough feels too thick to spread, I add water one tablespoon at a time until it loosens up slightly.

I use a spatula or offset knife to spread the dough thinly and evenly on the prepared baking sheet, aiming for about ⅛ inch or thinner.

Using a knife or pizza cutter, I score the dough into squares or rectangles.

I sprinkle a little sea salt over the top for extra flavor.

I bake the crackers for 50–60 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden and crisp. If the edges start to brown too fast, I rotate the pan halfway through.

Once they’re out of the oven, I let them cool completely before breaking them into crackers along the scored lines.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories per serving: 120 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap in different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a fun twist.

For added flavor, I’ve mixed in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.

A sprinkle of paprika or chili flakes on top before baking gives these crackers a spicy kick.

I’ve also tried whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nuttier, more rustic taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store these crackers in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to a week. To bring back their crispness, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. Just make sure they cool again before storing.

FAQs

How thin should I spread the dough?

I aim for ⅛ inch or thinner—thinner dough leads to crispier crackers.

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, I can use active starter, but the flavor might be a bit milder and less tangy than discard.

What’s the best way to shred the cheese?

I always shred cheese by hand from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Can I freeze these crackers?

I don’t recommend freezing them after baking, but I can freeze the dough before baking if needed.

Why did my crackers turn out soft?

If they’re soft, they likely needed to bake longer or be spread thinner. I always make sure they’re deeply golden before removing them from the oven.

Conclusion

These Cheddar Sourdough Discard Crackers are my favorite kind of homemade snack—easy, tasty, and no waste. Whether I make them for a party or to have on hand during the week, they always disappear fast. Once I started making these, I never looked at sourdough discard the same way again.

📖 Recipe:

Cheddar Sourdough Discard Crackers

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: About 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ultra-crispy and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, these cheddar sourdough discard crackers are a savory, addictive snack that makes perfect use of leftover sourdough starter.