Crunchy Perfection: How to Turn Sourdough Discard into Crackers

In our home, crackers are a beloved snack staple, but store-bought options can be surprisingly expensive and often come loaded with preservatives we'd rather avoid. On top of that, as avid sourdough bakers, we found ourselves with an overload of sourdough discard and hated the thought of wasting all that flour. That's when we discovered the magic of turning that discard into delicious homemade crackers! While these do require a bit of effort, the process is fun, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Plus, knowing exactly what's in them makes each crunchy bite all the more satisfying.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unfed/discard sourdough starter
• 1 cup flour (we use whole wheat, but you can also use all-purpose)
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 Tsp flaky sea salt, plus more to sprinkle on top
• Olive or Avocado oil for brushing
• Optional: 1 Tbsp dried herbs for flavor (rosemary, basil, oregano, sage or thyme are all great choices)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix together the discard sourdough starter, flour, salt, butter and herbs. Combine to make a thick, smooth dough. Should not be overly hydrated or sticky - add a little flour if it is.

2. Divide the dough in half. Flatten into 2 rectangles approximately 3/4 inch tall. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 350℉. 

4. Cut two sheets of parchment paper to match the size of your cookie sheets. Lightly flour the parchment and your rolling pin.

5. Place dough on parchment and roll to 1/16" thick. When you think it's thin enough - roll it thinner!

6. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 1" squares.

7. Brush on oil. Sprinkle salt on top. 

8. Using a fork, dock each cracker a couple times to prevent large bubbles in the crackers. Plus it's pretty!

9. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. You may need to remove some of the edge pieces around 15-20 minutes, as they often brown quicker.

10. Remove from oven and allow them to cool 20 minutes before storing. Feel free to eat some warm!

Store in an airtight bag or plastic storage bin. Our reusable bread bags would be a perfect grab-n-go storage solution!

These homemade sourdough discard crackers have become a favorite in our family. Not only do we love snacking on them, but making them has also turned into a fun family activity. I usually take the lead on mixing the dough, while my husband, with his steady hand, rolls it out perfectly every time. It's a great way for us to spend time together in the kitchen, and we always end up with a batch of delicious crackers that everyone enjoys. We hope your family loves them as much as we do!