These sourdough discard crackers are the perfect solution for using up extra starter while creating a crispy, tangy snack you’ll reach for all week. With a satisfying crunch and endless possibilities for herbs, seeds, and spices, these crackers turn your kitchen into a cozy, practical space where nothing goes to waste. Whether you’re new to sourdough or looking to expand your discard recipes, these crackers are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and add something special to your snack board or lunchbox. Let’s turn your discard into something golden, crisp, and impossible to stop munching on.
Table of Contents
Sourdough Discard Crackers
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 40 crackers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, tangy sourdough discard crackers that transform your starter discard into a crunchy, low-waste snack you’ll love.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough discard (100% hydration)
1 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
Optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, herbs, flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, mix discard, flour, olive oil, and salt until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/16–1/8 inch thickness.
4. Transfer to the baking sheet and cut into squares with a pizza cutter.
5. Prick each cracker with a fork to prevent bubbling.
6. Sprinkle seeds, herbs, or flaky salt if desired.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway, until golden and crisp.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze for longer storage and re-crisp in the oven.
Add grated cheese or spices for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 crackers
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: sourdough discard crackers, discard recipes, crunchy snack
The Story & Intro
Baking Sourdough Discard Crackers in My Kitchen
On a quiet afternoon in West Lafayette, I found myself with a jar of sourdough discard on the counter and a craving for something crunchy. Instead of tossing the discard, I decided to experiment with a simple recipe, rolling out the dough thinly, adding flaky salt, and baking until crisp. The scent of the crackers baking filled my kitchen, reminding me of how a small, mindful recipe can transform leftovers into something comforting and delicious.
These crackers quickly became a staple in our kitchen, much like sourdough discard cinnamon sugar pretzel bites and sourdough discard lemon blueberry muffins. There’s something satisfying about watching your discard turn into something you can proudly serve with cheese, dips, or simply enjoy on their own for a quick snack.
Why You’ll Love These Crackers
These sourdough discard crackers are crisp, tangy, and endlessly customizable. Add sesame seeds for nutty depth, sprinkle herbs like rosemary for a fragrant twist, or top with flaky salt for a classic finish. They’re quick to prepare, easy to bake, and store well for days, making them a practical, nourishing snack. These crackers will inspire you to look forward to feeding your starter, knowing there’s a golden, crunchy reward waiting.
Benefits and Ingredients
Are Sourdough Discard Crackers Good for You?
Many readers ask, are sourdough discard crackers good for you? These crackers can be a wholesome, lower-waste snack option. The sourdough discard brings a gentle tang and slight acidity, which helps break down some gluten in the flour, making the crackers easier on digestion for some. When made with whole grains, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil, they offer fiber, nutrients, and satisfying crunch without unnecessary additives.
Because you’re using discard that would otherwise be thrown out, you’re also reducing food waste while creating a snack that aligns with your home baking values. Just like when you make sourdough discard pancakes or sourdough discard waffles, these crackers help turn your discard into something nourishing and delicious.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Crackers
To make these sourdough discard crackers, you only need a few pantry staples:
- Sourdough discard (100% hydration discard works best for consistency).
- Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or a mix for added nutrition).
- Olive oil for richness and crispness.
- Salt for flavor.
- Optional add-ins: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, or herbs like rosemary and thyme for variety.
You can also sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for extra crunch or add a bit of grated cheese to create a savory cheese cracker version. These crackers can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences while using what you have in your kitchen, turning your discard into a crisp, satisfying snack.
By incorporating these simple ingredients, you can feel confident that your homemade crackers will be delicious, versatile, and rewarding to bake.
Baking and Nutritional Questions
What Temperature to Cook Sourdough Discard Crackers?
You might wonder, what temperature should you cook sourdough discard crackers? For perfectly crisp crackers, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for an even bake that allows moisture to escape without burning the edges. Roll your dough thin, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch, for an even bake and extra crunch. Use parchment-lined baking sheets and prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway, until the crackers are golden and crisp. Let them cool fully on a wire rack to firm up before storing.
If you’ve enjoyed prepping sourdough discard cinnamon sugar pretzel bites or sourdough discard apple fritters, you will appreciate how these crackers transform your discard into a savory snack that’s simple and rewarding to bake.
How Many Carbs Are in Sourdough Discard Crackers?
How many carbs are in sourdough discard crackers? On average, a serving of 5–7 small crackers contains 12–15 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flour and add-ins you choose. Using whole wheat flour or adding seeds can increase the fiber content, which helps slow down the absorption of carbs, making these crackers a satisfying, snack-friendly option.
These crackers offer a balanced, crunchy snack without unnecessary processed ingredients while fitting seamlessly into your kitchen’s low-waste routine. Paired with hummus, cheese, or enjoyed plain, they satisfy snack cravings while allowing you to use your starter discard creatively and practically.
By understanding the baking process and nutritional profile, you can confidently add these sourdough discard crackers to your weekly snack rotation while maintaining mindful, home-based nourishment.
Gut Health and Storage Tips
Is Sourdough Discard Still Gut Healthy?
A common question is, is sourdough discard still gut healthy? While baking kills the live cultures in discard, the organic acids produced during fermentation remain, which may support digestion by making nutrients more available and reducing phytic acid in the flour. Although you won’t get probiotics from baked crackers, you will still benefit from using discard as part of a balanced, lower-waste kitchen routine, allowing you to enjoy nourishing snacks while keeping your sourdough practice sustainable.
Using discard in recipes like these crackers, sourdough discard raspberry cream cheese danishes, or sourdough discard coffee cake ensures your starter continues to nourish your kitchen creatively while reducing waste.
Storage, Serving, and Flavor Variations
After baking, allow your sourdough discard crackers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay crisp at room temperature for up to two weeks, but are often enjoyed long before then! For long-term storage, freeze them in a sealed bag and re-crisp in the oven if needed.
Flavor variations:
- Add rosemary, thyme, or Italian herbs for a savory touch.
- Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds for texture.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Top with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy cracker variation.
Serve your crackers with cheese boards, hummus, or soups, or simply enjoy them as a crunchy snack throughout your day. This recipe allows you to transform your discard into a satisfying, crisp treat that you’ll be proud to share and snack on any time.
FAQS
VIEW ALL
Are sourdough discard crackers good for you?
Yes, sourdough discard crackers can be a wholesome snack. They offer fiber, a gentle tang, and nutrients, especially when made with whole grains and seeds. They also help reduce food waste while creating a crisp, satisfying treat.
What temperature to cook sourdough discard crackers?
Bake your sourdough discard crackers at 325°F (163°C) for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway for even crispness. This ensures your crackers become golden and crunchy without burning.
Is sourdough discard still gut healthy?
While baking kills live probiotics, the organic acids from fermentation remain in the discard, supporting digestion. Using discard in crackers provides gentle tang and may make nutrients more bioavailable.
How many carbs are in sourdough discard crackers?
A serving of 5–7 crackers typically contains 12–15 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flour and add-ins used, making them a satisfying, crunchy snack.
Conclusion
Turning your sourdough discard into crispy, flavorful crackers is a beautiful way to reduce waste while filling your kitchen with warmth and practicality. These crackers are tangy, customizable, and perfect for snacking, adding to cheese boards, or pairing with dips. Let your starter work for you while creating something nourishing and delightful for your table. More recipes? Follow me: Facebook – Pinterest.
