Crispy Homemade Sourdough Crackers You’ll Want to Make
Homemade sourdough crackers are one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to use up extra sourdough starter. They bake up thin, crisp, and full of that signature tangy flavor that makes sourdough so loved. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a snack that feels special yet fits effortlessly into everyday cooking.
There’s no kneading, no resting time, and no complicated shaping involved. The batter comes together quickly, spreads easily, and transforms in the oven into golden, crunchy crackers that pair well with almost anything, including creamy spreads like Blue Cheese Coleslaw served alongside.
If you enjoy baking with sourdough or are simply looking for a wholesome homemade snack, this is a recipe you’ll come back to often.
Why These Sourdough Crackers Are Worth Making
Sourdough crackers strike the perfect balance between convenience and homemade quality. They’re thin enough to be crisp, sturdy enough for dips, and flavorful without needing heavy seasoning, making them a great companion for dishes like Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers at dinner.
Some reasons they stand out:
- They’re an excellent way to reduce sourdough waste
- The fermented flour adds depth of flavor
- You control the ingredients and seasoning
- They store well and stay crisp for days
Once you try them, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.
What Is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter that’s removed before feeding. This keeps the starter balanced and prevents it from growing too large.
Although discard isn’t active enough to raise bread on its own, it still contains fermented flour, natural yeast, and beneficial bacteria. That makes it ideal for recipes like crackers, pancakes, waffles, and even savory bakes such as Sourdough Discard Cheese Cracker variations where flavor matters more than rise.
You can use discard straight from the fridge or at room temperature, as long as it’s well mixed.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sourdough Crackers
This recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together to create crisp, flavorful crackers.
- Sourdough discard – Provides structure, tang, and all the flour needed for the recipe
- Butter or olive oil – Adds richness and helps the crackers bake up crisp
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sour notes
- Optional seasonings – Used to customize the crackers to your taste
That’s the base. Everything else is up to you.
How to Make Sourdough Crackers Step by Step
- Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Combine the ingredients
Melt the butter and allow it to cool until just warm. Stir in the sourdough discard and salt until smooth and fully combined, similar to the prep used in savory snacks like a Grilled Chicken Sandwich where balance matters. - Spread the batter
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to spread it as thinly and evenly as possible. The thinner the layer, the crispier the crackers. - Season the surface
Sprinkle your chosen toppings evenly over the batter. Light pressure helps them adhere. - Bake and score
Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the pan. While the surface is set but still soft, score the crackers into squares or rectangles using a pizza cutter or knife. - Finish baking
Return the pan to the oven and bake until the crackers are fully dry, golden, and crisp. This usually takes another 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness. - Cool completely
Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
Seasoning and Flavor Variations
One of the best things about sourdough crackers is how easily they can be customized. You can keep them simple or dress them up depending on how you plan to serve them, whether as a snack or alongside comfort foods like BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich Everyone Loves.
Popular options include:
- Sesame, sunflower, flax, or poppy seeds
- Cracked black pepper or flaky sea salt
- Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano
- Finely grated hard cheese
- Garlic powder or smoked paprika
You can also divide the batter and season each portion differently for variety.
Helpful Tip Before You Start
Mixing the batter in a large measuring cup makes the process faster and cleaner. Melt the butter directly in the cup, let it cool slightly, then add the sourdough discard and salt. This reduces dishes and helps with easy pouring onto the baking sheet.
Pro Baking Tip
Make sure the oven is fully preheated before the crackers go in. If the batter sits too long before baking, it’s more likely to stick to the parchment and bake unevenly, especially if you’re planning to serve them with hearty meals like Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Best Tools for Cutting Crackers
Scoring helps the crackers bake evenly and makes them easy to portion later. Any of the following tools work well:
- Pizza cutter for fast, straight cuts
- Sharp knife for clean edges
- Pastry wheel for decorative borders
If you prefer a rustic look, you can skip scoring altogether and break the crackers into pieces after baking.
How to Serve Sourdough Crackers
These crackers are versatile enough to work in many settings, from casual snacking to entertaining.
They pair especially well with:
- Cheese boards and charcuterie spreads
- Hummus, whipped feta, or yogurt-based dips
- Olive tapenade or soft herb butter
- Soups and salads as a crunchy topping
Their sturdy texture makes them ideal for scooping and layering.
Sourdough Crackers
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano – optional)
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, olive oil, salt, and optional seasonings until smooth.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the batter very thin using a spatula (the thinner, the crispier).
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt or extra herbs on top if desired.
- Let the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and score the crackers with a knife.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool completely, then break into pieces and serve.
Notes
- Spread the batter evenly and as thin as possible for extra crunch.
- Baking time may vary depending on thickness.
- Store crackers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If crackers soften, re-bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
How to Store Homemade Sourdough Crackers
Once completely cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature. They stay crisp for several days.
If they soften slightly, a few minutes in a warm oven will refresh their texture.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough crackers are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. They’re crisp, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, making them a smart addition to any sourdough routine.
Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, improve your snacking options, or simply enjoy more homemade food, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Once you make them, you’ll likely find yourself keeping sourdough discard just for this purpose.
