Healthy Cheezits At Home! Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers! (So Good!)
Healthy Cheezits At Home! Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers! (So Good!) is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Sourdough Made Easy on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $5.60 total, $0.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Sourdough Starter (active starter fed last night, mild flavor)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp preferred)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Everything Bagel Seasoning (store‑bought blend of garlic, onion, poppy and sesame seeds)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Ingredients
Measure 200 g of active sourdough starter, shred the cheddar and grate the parmesan, and melt the butter.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dough Base
In the mixing bowl combine the starter, melted butter, shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning. Stir until a uniform, slightly sticky dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Spread on Baking Sheet
Line the half‑sheet pan with parchment paper. Transfer the dough onto the parchment and spread it with a spatula to about 1/8‑inch thickness, smoothing out holes as best as possible.
Time: PT5M
First Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Cut Into Crackers
Remove the pan, and while the sheet is still warm, use a pizza cutter to cut the sheet into individual crackers of your desired size.
Time: PT5M
Final Bake
Return the cut crackers to the oven and bake for an additional 20‑25 minutes, or until they are golden‑brown and crisp throughout.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Transfer the baked crackers to a cooling rack and let them cool for 10 minutes before serving. Store once completely cooled.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Milk, Cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sourdough Starter: sourdough discard, active sourdough starter
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: colby cheese, sharp gouda
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: pecorino romano, grana padano
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Everything Bagel Seasoning: garlic powder + onion powder + poppy seeds + sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Kitchen Scale
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula
- Parchment Paper
- Half Sheet Baking Pan
- Oven
- Pizza Cutter
- Oven Mitts
- Cooling Rack
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the starter with butter and cheeses to a uniform dough
- Spreading the dough evenly to the correct thickness
- Cutting the crackers while the sheet is still warm
- Final bake until golden and crisp
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt on top before the final bake.
- Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- If you have a pizza stone, bake the crackers on it for an even crisper bottom.
Troubleshooting
Crackers are soggy after cooling.
Increase the final bake time by 5‑10 minutes and ensure the dough is spread thinly (≈1/8 inch). Let them cool on a wire rack for proper airflow.
Crackers are too hard or burnt.
Reduce the final bake time to 18‑20 minutes and lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Keep an eye on color during the last minutes.
Crackers lack cheese flavor.
Add an extra ¼ cup of shredded cheddar or sprinkle additional grated parmesan on top before the final bake.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months; reheat at 300°F for 5‑7 minutes.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed tin or jar for up to 5 days in a cool, dry place.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the crackers fully, let them cool, then store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Re‑crisp leftovers by heating at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sourdough crackers in American home cooking?
Sourdough crackers trace back to early American frontier cooking, where long‑fermented starter was used to stretch limited flour supplies. Over time, they became a beloved snack for families who appreciate the tangy flavor and the ability to use leftover starter without waste.
How do traditional sourdough crackers differ from the Cheesy Sourdough Crackers made by the YouTube channel Sourdough Made Easy?
Traditional sourdough crackers are usually plain, thin, and lightly salted, relying solely on the starter for flavor. The Sourdough Made Easy version adds shredded cheddar, parmesan, butter, and everything bagel seasoning, creating a richer, cheese‑forward snack while still using the starter as the base.
What occasions or celebrations are sourdough crackers like these traditionally associated with in American cuisine?
Homemade crackers are often served at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and as a snack for movie nights. Their portability and ability to be made ahead make them popular for New Year's Eve parties, picnics, and as a kid‑friendly treat during school breaks.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional sourdough crackers, and what are acceptable substitutes used in this recipe?
The authentic base is a mature sourdough starter and plain flour. In this recipe, the starter is kept, while cheese, butter, and everything bagel seasoning are modern additions. Acceptable substitutes include using other hard cheeses, olive oil instead of butter, or a homemade blend of garlic, onion, poppy and sesame seeds.
What other American dishes pair well with Cheesy Sourdough Crackers from Sourdough Made Easy?
These crackers pair nicely with creamy dips like spinach‑artichoke dip, sharp cheddar cheese spreads, or a simple hummus. They also complement hearty soups such as clam chowder or tomato bisque, and work as a crunchy side for salads.
How does the Cheesy Sourdough Crackers recipe fit into the broader sourdough tradition promoted by the YouTube channel Sourdough Made Easy?
Sourdough Made Easy focuses on low‑maintenance, no‑stretch‑and‑fold methods that let home bakers use starter daily. This cracker recipe showcases the versatility of starter, turning it into a quick snack without the need for long proofing, aligning with the channel’s philosophy of easy, everyday sourdough.
What makes Cheesy Sourdough Crackers special or unique in American snack cuisine?
The combination of a fermented sourdough base with generous cheese and seasoned topping creates a tangy‑cheesy flavor profile not found in typical store‑bought crackers. The long fermentation also reduces gluten intensity, making them more tolerable for those with mild sensitivities.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Sourdough Crackers from Sourdough Made Easy?
Common errors include spreading the dough too thick, which leads to a soft center, and cutting the crackers after they have fully cooled, which can cause ragged edges. Also, skipping the first 10‑minute bake can result in a doughy texture.
Why does this Cheesy Sourdough Crackers recipe use a two‑stage baking process instead of a single bake?
The initial 10‑minute bake firms the dough enough to hold shape when cut, preventing the crackers from falling apart. The second longer bake then fully dries and crisps the pieces, achieving the desired crunch without burning the cheese.
What does the YouTube channel Sourdough Made Easy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sourdough Made Easy specializes in simple, low‑maintenance sourdough techniques, offering recipes that avoid complex stretch‑and‑fold steps, long proofing, and heavy equipment, making sourdough accessible to everyday home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Sourdough Made Easy's approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Sourdough Made Easy emphasizes using a living starter in everyday snacks like crackers, whereas many other channels focus on conventional flour‑only recipes. Their videos highlight quick, no‑waste methods and encourage flavor experimentation with minimal ingredients.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
