First off, thank you so much for being here—whether you’re just beginning your sourdough journey or you’ve been nurturing your starter like a beloved pet for years, I’m thrilled to share this with you. These Sourdough Discard Garlic Herb Crackers are more than just a way to avoid waste—they’re an incredibly flavorful, delightfully crispy snack you’ll want to make again and again. Right after the H1 title, here’s that key phrase for search: Sourdough Discard Garlic Herb Crackers are the ultimate zero-waste snack—crisp, savory, and infused with rosemary, garlic, and Parmesan.
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What Are Sourdough Discard Crackers?
These crackers are made using the portion of sourdough starter you’d normally discard during feedings—so instead of tossing it, you transform it into a crispy, savory snack. The base is simple: sourdough discard, flour, olive oil, and seasonings. What comes out of the oven? Ultra-thin, golden crackers with a deep umami flavor and a crisp snap in every bite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Crackers
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Zero-waste delight – We’re putting sourdough discard to delicious use.
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Deep savory flavor – Thanks to Parmesan, garlic powder, and rosemary.
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Crispy perfection – So thin, they practically shatter (in the best way).
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Snack, dipper, or cheese board MVP – Endless ways to enjoy.
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Quick and easy – Less than 45 minutes start to finish.
What Do They Taste Like?
Picture this: A rustic, golden cracker with a nutty Parmesan undertone, fragrant hits of garlic and rosemary, and the unmistakable tang of sourdough baked right in. They’re earthy, aromatic, and irresistibly munchable. The kind of thing that makes you say, “Wait, I made these?!” Yep, they’re that good.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Reduces sourdough waste.
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Packed with flavor, not preservatives.
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Easy pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Customizable to your taste (you’ll see!).
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Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for snack time.
Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Garlic Herb Crackers
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1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
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½ teaspoon salt (plus extra for topping)
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1–2 tablespoons water (only if needed)
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Extra olive oil for brushing
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowl
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Rolling pin
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Parchment paper
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Baking sheets
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Pizza cutter or sharp knife
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Pastry brush
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
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Cheese swap: Use Asiago, Pecorino, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free punch.
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Herb variations: Try thyme, oregano, or dill instead of rosemary.
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Add-ins: Cracked pepper, sesame seeds, or a pinch of chili flakes take these next-level.
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Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend—just add a bit more water as needed.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Garlic Herb Crackers
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix sourdough discard, flour, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, rosemary, and salt. Stir until a stiff, pliable dough forms. If it’s too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Roll It Thin
Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out one half until it’s as thin as you can manage—about 1/16 inch is perfect.
Step 4: Brush & Score
Transfer the rolled dough to a lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with flaky salt, and score into crackers using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway through. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes—thin edges can brown fast!
Step 6: Cool & Crack
Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then gently break apart. Repeat with the other half of the dough.
What to Serve With These Crackers
These are the kind of crackers that shine solo and play well with others. Some pairing ideas:
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Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
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Charcuterie and olives
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Hummus or white bean dip
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Tomato jam or fig preserves
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Creamy soups (dip, crunch, repeat)
Tips for the Crispest Crackers
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Roll as thin as humanly possible—thinner = crispier.
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Don’t skip the olive oil brush; it helps with browning and texture.
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Keep a close eye in the final minutes of baking.
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Cool completely before storing to preserve the crunch.
How to Store These Crackers
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or jar. They’ll stay crisp for up to a week—though let’s be real, they rarely last that long! If they do soften, pop them back in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes! You can, but discard is ideal here—it adds tang without extra rise. If using active starter, you may need slightly less flour.
Can I freeze the dough?
You can. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and adjust the water as needed. They may be slightly more delicate, but still delicious.
How thin should I roll the dough?
As thin as you can without tearing it! Around 1/16 inch or the thickness of a playing card is ideal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about turning what’s often tossed into something totally craveable. These Sourdough Discard Garlic Herb Crackers are crunchy, flavorful, and a total pantry hero. Whether you’re serving them with cheese, soups, or just snacking straight from the jar, you’ll love how easy and impressive they are.
If you’re loving these, don’t miss my Sourdough Discard Cheddar Biscuits or Crispy Rosemary Flatbread—they’re perfect partners for your discard, too.
Share Your Crackers!
Made these? I’d love to see! Drop a comment, leave a rating, or tag your cracker masterpiece on Pinterest. Let’s inspire more zero-waste cooking together.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~110
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Carbohydrates: 13g
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Fat: 6g
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Protein: 3g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: <1g
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Servings: About 6
Thanks for baking along with me! Let me know what herb-cheese combos you come up with—I’m always looking for new flavor twists!