The EASIEST Sourdough Discard Crackers You'll Ever Make

The EASIEST Sourdough Discard Crackers You'll Ever Make is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by The Sourdough Baker | Caitlin Vincent on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min

Cost: $15.07 total, $1.88 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sourdough Discard (unfed starter discard, at room temperature)
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted; can substitute with olive oil for a dairy‑free version)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (fine table salt, mixed into dough)
  • 0.25 tsp Coarse Sea Salt (sprinkled on top for texture; optional)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped; optional topping)
  • 1 tsp Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional topping for extra flavor)
  • 3 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese (part of 1.5 cups total shredded cheese; use sharp cheddar)
  • 3 oz Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese (part of 1.5 cups total shredded cheese; adds mild heat)
  • 0.75 tsp Salt (for cheese version) (increase salt when cheese is added; no top sprinkling needed)

Instructions

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a small mixing bowl, add 1 cup sourdough discard, 2 Tbsp melted butter (or oil), and ½ tsp salt. Whisk until a uniform, slightly sticky dough forms.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Add Optional Seasonings

    If using, stir in 1 tsp chopped rosemary and/or 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning. For the cheese version, skip this step and proceed to adding cheese later.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate Cheese (Cheese Variation Only)

    Fold in 1½ cups (6 oz) shredded cheese blend (cheddar and pepper jack). Increase salt to ¾ tsp and mix until cheese is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Prepare Baking Sheet

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly grease if using parchment.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Spread Dough Thinly

    Transfer the dough onto the prepared sheet. Using a spatula or your hands, spread it out as thinly and evenly as possible (about 1/8‑inch thick).

    Time: PT4M

  6. Add Top Salt (Plain Version)

    Sprinkle the extra ¼ tsp coarse or flake salt over the surface for added crunch. Skip this step for the cheese version.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Bake

    Place the sheet in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 325°F for 45‑50 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 325°F

  8. Score (Optional)

    Ten minutes before the end of baking, use a bench scraper to lightly score the dough into squares or rectangles; this helps the crackers break cleanly after cooling.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Cool and Break

    Remove the sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool on a rack for 10‑15 minutes. Once fully cooled, break them into pieces by hand or with the scraper.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The EASIEST Sourdough Discard Crackers You'll Ever Make

Recipe by The Sourdough Baker | Caitlin Vincent

A quick and easy way to turn sourdough starter discard into crispy crackers. The base recipe can be seasoned with herbs or topped with coarse salt, and a cheesy version adds shredded cheddar and pepper jack for extra flavor. Perfect for snacking, cheese boards, or as a pantry-friendly treat.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
31m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.07
Total cost
$1.88
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whisking the discard with butter and salt until smooth
  • Spreading the dough as thinly as possible
  • Baking until golden brown without over‑browning the edges

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Do not leave the oven unattended during the final browning stage

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sourdough discard crackers in American home baking?

A

Sourdough discard crackers are a practical way for American home bakers to use the excess starter that accumulates during regular feeding. They reflect a tradition of minimizing waste and turning a by‑product into a tasty snack, a practice that grew popular with the recent sourdough resurgence.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sourdough discard crackers in the United States?

A

While there is no single regional standard, many bakers add local herbs—such as rosemary in the Northeast or chili powder in the Southwest. Some variations incorporate cheese, seeds, or whole‑grain flours to reflect regional flavor preferences.

cultural
Q

How are sourdough discard crackers traditionally served in American cuisine?

A

They are often served alongside cheese boards, soups, or salads, and are a popular accompaniment to dips like hummus or spinach artichoke. In casual settings, they are enjoyed straight from the container as a crunchy snack.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are sourdough discard crackers associated with in American culture?

A

These crackers are a favorite for informal gatherings, potlucks, and holiday snack trays because they can be made ahead and customized with festive herbs or spices to match the occasion.

cultural
Q

What makes sourdough discard crackers special or unique in American snack cuisine?

A

They combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with the convenience of a quick‑bake cracker, offering a slightly fermented taste that sets them apart from standard commercial crackers.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sourdough discard crackers?

A

Common errors include spreading the dough too thick, which leads to a soft center, and baking at too high a temperature, which can burn the edges. Also, skipping the scoring step can make the crackers break unevenly.

technical
Q

Why does this sourdough discard cracker recipe use a low oven temperature of 325°F instead of a higher heat?

A

A lower temperature allows the thin dough to dry out evenly without scorching, giving a uniform crispness while preserving the subtle sourdough flavor. Higher heat would brown the edges too quickly and leave the middle soft.

technical
Q

Can I make sourdough discard crackers ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, bake them a day or two in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay crisp for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a zip‑top bag and re‑bake briefly before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sourdough discard crackers are done?

A

The edges should be golden‑brown and the surface lightly speckled with salt or toppings. The crackers will be firm to the touch and should snap cleanly when broken, indicating they are fully dried and crisp.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Sourdough Baker | Caitlin Vincent specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel The Sourdough Baker | Caitlin Vincent focuses on sourdough starter care, beginner‑friendly sourdough recipes, and creative ways to use discard, emphasizing simple techniques and approachable home baking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Sourdough Baker | Caitlin Vincent's approach to sourdough cooking differ from other sourdough channels?

A

Caitlin Vincent emphasizes minimal equipment, quick‑turnaround recipes like discard crackers, and clear step‑by‑step visuals, making sourdough accessible to busy home cooks, whereas many other channels focus on artisan loaves and longer fermentation processes.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Butter Boards
4

Butter Boards

A low‑carb, carnivore‑friendly twist on the viral butter board trend. Creamy Kerrygold butter and goat cheese are surrounded by prosciutto roses, bacon twists, cheese crackers, waffle bites, pork rinds, and a crumble of blue cheese – perfect for a keto appetizer or snack.

55 minServes 4$88
American
Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers: 3 Ingredients, Amazing Flavor!
3

Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers: 3 Ingredients, Amazing Flavor!

A quick, three‑ingredient sourdough discard cracker that turns leftover starter into buttery, crispy snacks. Topped with flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, and everything‑but‑the‑bagel seasoning, these crackers are perfect for dipping and store well at room temperature.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$1
American
Delicious and Easy Sourdough Crackers Made from Discarded Sourdough Starter
11

Delicious and Easy Sourdough Crackers Made from Discarded Sourdough Starter

A quick and easy way to turn sourdough starter discard into crisp, herb‑flavored crackers. Perfect for snacking, cheese boards, or gifting.

1 hr 4 minServes 4$29
American
Easy two ingredient sourdough discard cracker recipe
20

Easy two ingredient sourdough discard cracker recipe

Crispy, buttery crackers made from sourdough starter discard. The recipe uses a simple 100 g discard to 1 Tbsp butter ratio, making it easy to scale up or down. Two trays are baked – one seasoned with everything‑but‑the‑bagel seasoning and the other with flaky Maldon sea salt.

1 hr 24 minServes 4$3
American
Healthy Cheezits At Home! Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers! (So Good!)
14

Healthy Cheezits At Home! Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers! (So Good!)

Homemade cheesy sourdough crackers made with active starter, shredded cheddar and parmesan, butter, and everything bagel seasoning. Crispy, flavorful, and friendly for those with mild gluten sensitivities thanks to a long fermentation process.

1 hrServes 8$6
American
Easy No Roll Sourdough Crackers Recipe Using Sourdough Starter Discard
10

Easy No Roll Sourdough Crackers Recipe Using Sourdough Starter Discard

A quick, no‑roll cracker made from discarded sourdough starter. Olive oil, sea salt and rosemary give these thin, crunchy crackers a savory flavor without any rolling or shaping. Perfect for snacking, charcuterie boards, or as a gluten‑rich accompaniment.

1 hr 30 minServes 8$1
American
Sourdough discard cheese crackers!
2

Sourdough discard cheese crackers!

Crispy, cheesy crackers made from sourdough starter discard, cheddar cheese, and butter. Perfect for a quick snack or to use up leftover starter.

1 hr 17 minServes 4$2
American
Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers
6

Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers

A quick and easy way to use up excess sourdough starter discard. These thin, crispy crackers have a subtle cheesy flavor without any cheese, just butter, sourdough and a pinch of salt. Perfect for snacking, cheese boards, or as a crunchy topping for soups.

1 hrServes 4$0
American