Sourdough Discard Crackers
These homemade Sourdough Discard Crackers are a simple and delicious way to use up leftover sourdough starter. With just three ingredients, they come together quickly and require no complicated prep or refrigeration. Perfect for snacking, these crispy crackers are great for dipping into hummus, cheese spreads, or enjoying on their own. Their unique texture and flavor make them an irresistible addition to any gathering or as a healthy treat for everyday munching.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients and minimal steps, you can whip up these crackers in no time.
- Waste Not, Want Not: Use up your sourdough discard instead of tossing it, making this recipe sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite seasonings like everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds to personalize your crackers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a party platter, these crackers fit right in.
- Crispy Texture: The method ensures perfectly crispy crackers that are satisfying to crunch.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Sourdough Discard Crackers, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Pizza cutter
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the crackers, ensuring they cook properly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without mess.
- Spatula: Helps in spreading the dough evenly on the baking sheet for uniform cooking.
Ingredients
These homemade Sourdough Discard Crackers need just 3 ingredients: sourdough discard, butter, and salt. No prep, refrigeration, or rolling. Crispy, perfect for dipping!
- 200 grams sourdough discard (1 cup stirred and unfed starter)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- Seasonings to taste – flaky sea salt (everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, etc.)
How to Make Sourdough Discard Crackers
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
- Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl until lukewarm.
- Add the sourdough discard and salt to the bowl.
- Stir everything together using a spatula until well combined.
Step 3: Spread on Baking Sheet
Pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to spread it out into a thin layer that is almost transparent. Aim for about 13×11 inches in size.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt and any additional seasonings you prefer over the top of the mixture. Be careful not to over-salt.
Step 5: Bake Initial Layer
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven immediately to avoid sticking. Bake for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Score the Crackers
After 10 minutes, remove from the oven and score your crackers into bite-size squares with a pizza cutter.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and hardened. If they aren’t firm yet, continue baking until they feel crisp when tapped.
Step 8: Cool Down
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet completely before storing in an airtight container or zip bag.
How to Serve Sourdough Discard Crackers
Sourdough Discard Crackers are versatile snacks that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your snacking experience.
With Dips
- Hummus: A creamy chickpea dip that complements the crispiness of the crackers.
- Guacamole: Fresh avocado blended with lime and spices makes for a refreshing dip.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: A warm, cheesy dip that pairs perfectly with the crunchy texture.
As a Cheese Board Component
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor that balances well with the crackers.
- Brie: This soft cheese offers a creamy contrast, making each bite delightful.
- Pepper Jack: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, pepper jack brings heat and flavor.
Topped with Spreads
- Cream Cheese: Spreadable and smooth, cream cheese can be topped with herbs or jam for added flavor.
- Pesto: This basil-based sauce provides a burst of freshness to each cracker.
- Olive Tapenade: A savory spread made from olives that adds depth to the crackery crunch.
How to Perfect Sourdough Discard Crackers
Creating the ultimate Sourdough Discard Crackers is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Sourdough Discard: Fresh discard yields better flavor and texture compared to older starter.
- Spread Thinly: Aim for an even layer that is almost transparent; this ensures crispiness throughout.
- Bake Until Firm: Make sure the crackers are firm when tapped. If needed, bake longer for extra crunch.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try different toppings like garlic powder or dried herbs to customize your flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Crackers
Sourdough Discard Crackers are great on their own but pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some suggestions to complement your snack.
- Charcuterie Board: Include meats like salami or prosciutto alongside cheeses for a gourmet touch.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers add crunch and color to your snack spread.
- Fruit Salad: Sweet fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the crackers.
- Soup: Pairing with tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup makes for a comforting meal.
- Salad: A light salad can balance out the richness of dips while adding freshness.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as an exciting addition, offering unique flavors and textures alongside crackers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Sourdough Discard Crackers can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Too Thick Layer: Spreading the mixture too thick will result in soft crackers. Aim for a thin, even layer almost transparent before baking.
- Skipping Seasonings: Not adding seasonings can make your crackers bland. Experiment with flaky sea salt or everything bagel seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Overbaking: Leaving the crackers in the oven for too long can burn them. Keep an eye on them after the initial bake and only return to the oven until they are golden and firm.
- Using Cold Butter: Adding cold butter may not combine well with the sourdough discard. Always melt butter and let it cool slightly before mixing for better incorporation.
- Not Scoring Properly: Forgetting to score the crackers can lead to uneven breaking. Use a pizza cutter to score them into squares for easy serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or zip bag.
- These crackers will stay fresh for about one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sourdough Discard Crackers
- Place cooled crackers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Sourdough Discard Crackers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating as it may make them chewy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Sourdough Discard Crackers that might help you along your baking journey.
How do I use leftover sourdough discard?
Leftover sourdough discard is perfect for making these delicious Sourdough Discard Crackers, giving them great flavor while reducing waste.
Can I add cheese to my Sourdough Discard Crackers?
Yes! Adding cheese like grated parmesan can enhance the flavor and give your crackers a rich taste. Just sprinkle it on top before baking.
What seasonings work best with Sourdough Discard Crackers?
You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de Provence, or even crushed red pepper flakes for added spice.
How should I store my Sourdough Discard Crackers?
Store your crackers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Discard Crackers are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various seasonings or toppings based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy them alone or paired with dips, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a go and savor the delightful crunch!
Sourdough Discard Crackers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 crackers 1x
Description
Sourdough Discard Crackers are a delightful and eco-friendly way to make use of leftover sourdough starter. With just three ingredients—sourdough discard, melted butter, and salt—these crispy crackers come together effortlessly without any complicated techniques or lengthy prep times. They are perfect for snacking, dipping into your favorite hummus or cheese spreads, or enjoying on their own. The unique texture and flavor of these homemade snacks will elevate any gathering or serve as a wholesome everyday treat. Customize them with your choice of seasonings to create a flavor profile that suits your palate!
Ingredients
- 200 grams sourdough discard (1 cup stirred and unfed starter)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: additional seasonings such as flaky sea salt, everything bagel seasoning, or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, melt the butter until lukewarm.
- Add the sourdough discard and salt; mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a thin layer.
- Sprinkle any desired seasonings over the top and bake for 10 minutes.
- Score the crackers into squares using a pizza cutter, then return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
