Sourdough cheese crackers are crispy little bites packed with cheesy goodness. They’re made with tangy sourdough and sharp cheese, making them perfect for snacking!
They’re super fun to bake, and the smell of cheese in the oven is simply amazing! I love enjoying them with a dip or just munching on them while watching a movie. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: You can use either active or unfed sourdough starter. If you don’t have one, a store-bought sourdough mix or starter can work as a substitute, but keep the texture in mind.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Gruyère, gouda, or any favorite cheese can add a different twist. Vegan cheese is also an option for a dairy-free version.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends will work too. Just note that it might change the texture a little.
Dried Herbs: If you don’t like rosemary or thyme, try other herbs like oregano or garlic powder. Fresh herbs can also work well; just chop them finely!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispiness?
To achieve the right texture for your cheese crackers, rolling out the dough evenly is crucial. Thin dough, about 1/8 inch thick, results in a crisp cracker.
- Make sure your butter is cold. It helps create that flaky texture when baked.
- Don’t skip the step of pricking the crackers with a fork. It allows steam to escape and prevents puffing.
- Watch the baking time closely! You want them golden brown – too little time can leave them soft.
Cooling the crackers on a wire rack is also key—they get crunchier as they cool! Enjoy your homemade treats!
How to Make Sourdough Cheese Crackers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (about 227g) sourdough starter (discard or active, unfed)
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (about 170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), optional
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Additional cheese or herbs for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 15-20 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the crackers cool completely, and you’re ready to enjoy them! Overall, you’re looking at around 45 minutes for delicious sourdough cheese crackers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure your crackers bake evenly. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the salt and leavening agent in your mixture.
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will help create a flaky texture in your crackers.
4. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, any dried herbs you might want to use, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together so that the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Form the Dough:
Pour the sourdough starter into the bowl. Mix until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out thinly, to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Make sure the thickness is even to achieve uniform baking.
7. Cut the Crackers:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares or any other shape you prefer (about 1.5 – 2 inch pieces). Carefully transfer the cut dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. Optional Toppings:
If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese and dried herbs on top of the crackers before baking. It’s a nice touch!
9. Prick the Crackers:
Using a fork, gently prick each cracker several times. This helps prevent them from puffing up too much while baking.
10. Bake Them:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crisp around the edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.
11. Cool Before Storing:
Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures they crisp up nicely.
12. Enjoy & Store:
Store your sourdough cheese crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re perfect for snacking by themselves, or you can serve them with your favorite dips!
These sourdough cheese crackers combine tangy sourdough flavor and sharp cheese for a deliciously crispy treat. Perfect for parties, snacking, or enjoying with drinks! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Any Type of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a great choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary depending on the cheese you choose.
What Should I Do if My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can affect the texture of the crackers!
How Should I Store Leftover Crackers?
Store any leftover crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crispy for up to a week. If they start to lose their crunch, you can pop them back into a low oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I Make These Crackers Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure the blend has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture in your crackers.
