The Joy of Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers

There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning leftover sourdough discard into a crunchy, cheesy snack. Let me tell you, these Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers are a delightful blend of rich flavors and satisfying crispiness that will leave you wanting more. I first made this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon, experimenting with ingredients I had on hand. The result was a huge hit with family and friends, and I couldn’t resist sharing this simple yet delicious recipe.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you consider whipping up a batch of these delightful crackers? Well, for starters, they’re remarkably easy to make and use up that sourdough discard you might usually throw away. They’re incredibly budget-friendly, too—definitely cheaper and tastier than store-bought snacks. Whether you need a fun addition to a cheese board, a snack for movie night, or something to munch on during a weekend chat, these cheese crackers fit the bill perfectly.

“I made these for a get-together, and everyone raved about how delicious they were. They disappeared within minutes!” – A satisfied home cook.

How This Recipe Comes Together

You’ll be surprised at how effortlessly these cheese crackers come together. Start by grating your cheddar cheese and mixing it with softened butter and sourdough discard in a food processor. After blending, you’ll simply add in a combination of dry ingredients. In no time, you’ll have a dough that you can chill and roll out. The baking process is equally straightforward, with just a short wait for your kitchen to fill with the aroma of freshly baked cheese crackers. Let’s break down the steps you’ll need to take!

Gather These Items

Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese (preferably finely grated)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 100 g sourdough discard (about 1⁄2 cup)
• 80 g all-purpose flour (around 2⁄3 cup)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (or paprika)
• Flaky salt for topping

Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese or add herbs for a personalized touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grate the Cheese: Use a box grater to finely grate the cheddar cheese.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the grated cheese, softened butter, and sourdough discard. Pulse until well-mixed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and turmeric (or paprika), then add to the food processor.
4. Form the Dough: Pulse the mixture until a ball of dough forms.
5. Chill: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to two days).
6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C).
7. Roll the Dough: Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s less than 1/8" thick.
8. Cut and Prepare for Baking: Cut the dough into 1" squares, place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, and poke a hole in each square with a toothpick. Sprinkle flaky salt on top.
9. Bake: Bake for 15–17 minutes until the crackers are crispy and achieve a lovely dark orange-brown color.
10. Cool: Let the crackers cool on a wire rack.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers shine on their own, but they can also be served with an array of sides. Pair them with your favorite dips like hummus, guacamole, or a creamy cheese spread for an elevated snacking experience. They also make for a delightful addition to a charcuterie board, adding not just flavor but texture. Imagine enjoying them with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storing these crackers is simple! Place them in an airtight container at room temperature; they should stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cooled crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to revive that crunch!

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Chill the dough well: Allowing the dough to chill not only makes it easier to roll out, but it also helps the flavors meld perfectly.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to play with different seasonings. Garlic powder, black pepper, or even fresh herbs can add an exciting mix to your cheese crackers.
• Uniform size for even baking: Aim for even 1" square pieces so your crackers bake consistently.

Creative Twists

Think outside the box! Try swapping cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some finely chopped nuts or seeds to the dough before baking. For a twist on the topping, experiment with different flavored salts, like garlic salt or smoked sea salt.

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare these cheese crackers?

From start to finish, you can have these crackers on your table in about 45 minutes, including baking time, excluding chill time.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.

How can I make these crackers gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It should yield similar results, although you may need to adjust the amount slightly based on the flour blend you choose.

These Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers are not just delicious; they make excellent use of your sourdough starter and provide a fantastic addition to any snack table. Give them a try, and you might find they become a regular staple in your home!