Sourdough Cheese Crackers (Homemade Cheez-Its)
Sourdough Cheese Crackers (Homemade Cheez-Its) is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 257 calories per serving. Recipe by Grant Bakes on YouTube.
Prep: 34 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min
Cost: $18.04 total, $4.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Can substitute vegetable or canola oil for a neutral flavor)
- 200 grams Sourdough Starter or Discard (Fed about 12 hours before, bubbly and well fermented)
- 0.75 teaspoons Salt (Regular table salt)
- 0.25 teaspoons Unsweetened Paprika (Regular unsmoked paprika)
- 60 grams All-Purpose Flour (Plus extra for dusting the work surface and dough)
- 4 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Medium or sharp cheddar, shredded yourself)
Instructions
Measure and Gather Ingredients
Measure out oil, starter, salt, paprika, flour, and shredded cheddar. Have everything within arm's reach before you start blending.
Time: PT5M
Blend the Dough
Add the oil, sourdough starter, salt, paprika, flour, and shredded cheddar to the blender. Blend on low‑medium speed for about 1–1½ minutes until a smooth yellow‑orange dough forms.
Time: PT2M
Shape, Dust, and Rest
Turn the dough out onto the countertop, shape it into a ball, dust lightly with flour, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Room Temperature
Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a metal sheet pan with a sheet of parchment paper. Slide the parchment out from under the pan so you can later lift the crackers off easily.
Time: PT2M
Roll Out the Dough
Press the dough flat with fingertips, dust the top with more flour, and roll out on the parchment to a thickness of 1/16‑1/8 inch (about 2‑3 mm).
Time: PT10M
Trim and Cut Squares
Use a pizza cutter to trim any over‑hang and cut the rolled sheet into roughly 1 inch × 1 inch squares.
Time: PT5M
Create Dimples
Press a chopstick or small skewer into the center of each square to make a small hole.
Time: PT5M
Bake the Crackers
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 30‑35 minutes, checking at 30 minutes for a light orange color.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Crisp
Remove the pan from the oven, transfer the crackers to a cooling rack, and let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour to become fully crisp.
Time: PT60M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 257
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbohydrates
- 11 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (use 1 tsp), Sea salt
- Instead of Unsweetened Paprika: Smoked paprika (different flavor), Sweet paprika
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour (will change texture), Whole wheat flour (will affect flavor)
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Gouda, Gruyère
Equipment Needed
- Blender or Food Processor
- Kitchen Towel
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment Paper
- Metal Sheet Pan
- Pizza Cutter
- Chopsticks or Small Skewer
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not over‑blend the dough; it can become tough.
- Allow the dough to rest for at least 10 minutes before rolling.
- Roll the dough as thin as possible (1/16‑1/8 inch) for crispness.
- Create a dimple in each cracker to release steam.
- Watch the bake time; over‑baking can make them too dark.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sharp cheddar for the most pronounced cheese flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier note, add a pinch of cayenne with the paprika.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes after the rest if it feels sticky before rolling.
- Line the pan with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Troubleshooting
Crackers are tough instead of flaky.
You likely over‑blended the dough. Mix just until the cheese is incorporated and stop.
Crackers are too soft after cooling.
Bake a few minutes longer or increase oven temperature by 10°F; ensure the dough was rolled thin enough.
Crackers puff up and lose flat shape.
Make sure each square has a dimple in the center to let steam escape.
Dough is dry and crumbly.
Add a teaspoon of water or a little more oil, then knead briefly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 2‑3 days at room temperature in a sealed container.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated; bring to room temperature before rolling.
- Baked crackers freeze well; re‑crisp in a 300°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
- You can pre‑slice and dimple the crackers, then bake them fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sourdough cheese crackers in American snack cuisine?
Sourdough cheese crackers are a modern, home‑cooked take on the classic American cheese snack popularized by brands like Cheez‑It. They blend the tradition of sourdough fermentation—rooted in early American baking—with the convenience of a cheese‑flavored cracker, offering a tangy, artisanal twist on a mass‑produced snack.
What are the traditional regional variations of cheese crackers in the United States?
Across the U.S., cheese crackers range from simple baked cheddar squares in the Midwest to spicy jalapeño‑cheddar crisps in the Southwest and even sweet cheese‑infused biscuits in the South. Each region adds its own flavor twist, but the basic concept of a thin, baked cheese‑flavored wafer remains constant.
How is the authentic traditional way sourdough cheese crackers served in American households?
Traditionally, homemade cheese crackers are served as a snack alongside soups, salads, or dips, and are often packed in lunchboxes. They are presented on a platter or in a bowl, sometimes with a side of mustard or a creamy dip for added flavor.
What occasions or celebrations are sourdough cheese crackers traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cheese crackers are a popular party snack for holidays like Thanksgiving, Fourth of July picnics, and casual gatherings such as game nights. Their easy‑to‑make nature makes them a go‑to for potlucks and family movie evenings.
What other American dishes pair well with sourdough cheese crackers?
These crackers pair beautifully with creamy soups (like tomato bisque), sharp cheddar dips, charcuterie boards, and even as a crunchy topping for casseroles or salads.
What makes sourdough cheese crackers special or unique in American snack cuisine?
The inclusion of a live sourdough starter adds a subtle tang and improves the crumb structure, creating flaky layers that commercial cheese crackers lack. The use of real shredded cheddar also gives a richer, more authentic cheese flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sourdough cheese crackers?
Common errors include over‑blending the dough, which makes it tough; not letting the dough rest, leading to difficult rolling; rolling the dough too thick, resulting in soggy crackers; and forgetting to dimple each cracker, which causes them to puff up.
Why does this sourdough cheese crackers recipe use a blender instead of hand‑kneading?
Blending quickly incorporates the shredded cheese into a uniform orange‑colored dough without over‑working the gluten. Hand‑kneading can generate excess heat and develop too much gluten, making the crackers dense rather than flaky.
Can I make sourdough cheese crackers ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Bake the crackers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and re‑crisp in a hot oven before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making sourdough cheese crackers?
The crackers should be uniformly orange‑golden, thin (1/16‑1/8 inch), and have a slight dimple in the center. After cooling, they should snap cleanly with a delicate, flaky interior and no soggy spots.
How do I know when the sourdough cheese crackers are done cooking?
The edges will turn a light golden brown and the tops will have a matte orange hue. If you prefer a softer color, pull them at 30 minutes; for extra crispness, let them bake the full 35 minutes.
What does the YouTube channel Grant Bakes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Grant Bakes specializes in approachable, quick‑bake recipes that blend classic comfort foods with a modern twist, often featuring breads, pastries, and creative snack ideas.
How does the YouTube channel Grant Bakes' approach to American snack cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Grant Bakes focuses on using everyday pantry ingredients and simple equipment while emphasizing technique—like using a blender for dough—to achieve bakery‑level textures, whereas many channels rely on more complex methods or specialty tools.
What other American snack recipes is the YouTube channel Grant Bakes known for?
Grant Bakes is known for recipes such as homemade pretzel bites, quick cheese straws, and flavored popcorn kernels, all presented with clear step‑by‑step visuals and time‑saving tips.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
