Sourdough Discard Crackers – A Crunchy, Cheesy Way to Use Your Starter

Savory Sourdough Sonata Crackers – A Crispy Overture of Cheddar & Spice Delight! 🎼🧀🔥

A buttery, crunchy snack that hits all the right notes—these sourdough cheddar crackers are your new favorite way to use up discard.

Whether you’re deep in your sourdough era or just love a homemade cracker with character, these Savory Sourdough Sonata Crackers sing with every bite. Made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of paprika, they’re buttery, crumbly, and perfectly addictive. Bonus: they’re an excellent use for sourdough discard you might otherwise toss.


Why I Love This Recipe

  • ✅ Uses up sourdough discard with zero waste
  • ✅ Cheesy, savory, and packed with umami flavor
  • ✅ Easy to mix and roll—no fancy tools required
  • ✅ Stores well and perfect for snacking or parties
  • ✅ Fun to cut into any shape you like!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tablespoons cold water, as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Add cubed butter and cut in using a fork or pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix in the cheddar and Parmesan. Add the sourdough discard and stir until a dough forms. If dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time.

2️⃣ Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough relax and roll out smoothly.

3️⃣ Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into squares, triangles, or fun shapes. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Poke each cracker with a fork to prevent puffing.

4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Watch closely near the end—every oven is different!

5️⃣ Cool & Enjoy

Cool completely on a wire rack. Want to jazz them up? Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt or extra cheese.


Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the chill time—it makes the dough easier to roll
  • Roll thin for maximum crispiness
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
  • Use extra-sharp cheddar for bolder flavor
  • Try a combo of herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for variation

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These crackers are made for snacking but they shine next to dips and drinks:


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Final Thoughts

These Savory Sourdough Sonata Crackers are an irresistible snack symphony—cheesy, buttery, crispy, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for more. They’re the kind of treat you proudly serve at a party but secretly hoard for solo movie nights.

If you bake them, let me know how you riff on the melody! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more creative ways to make your kitchen sing.