7 Delicious Reasons to Try These Crispy Sourdough Discard Crackers with Herbs & Cheese

Got a fridge full of sourdough discard? Don’t toss it — turn it into something bold, cheesy, and delightfully crunchy! These Crispy Sourdough Discard Crackers are loaded with Italian herbs, parmesan cheese, and that irresistible tang only sourdough can give.

Perfect for charcuterie boards, snack boxes, or your next appetizer spread, this cheesy sourdough discard crackers recipe is one of the best zero waste sourdough recipes out there. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have golden, herb-speckled crackers ready to impress.

Ingredients and Preparation Steps

This herb sourdough discard crackers recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. Here’s how to turn your discard into a savory, cheesy masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (active starter works too)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground sage
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking — this is essential for perfect release and crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Next, in a medium bowl, stir together sourdough discard, olive oil, parmesan, salt, sage, and Italian seasoning until fully combined. The batter should be smooth, thick, and slightly glossy from the oil and cheese.

Step 3: Spread the Mixture

After that, pour the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer across the entire pan. The thinner you go, the crispier the crackers — this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Pre-Cut for Clean Cracks

Then, bake for 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven, and use a pizza cutter or knife to score the partially baked dough into cracker-sized squares. This step makes snapping them apart later clean and easy.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Finally, return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and crisp. Let them cool for 10 minutes before snapping into pieces and enjoying your parmesan sourdough discard crackers!

Sourdough Discard Crackers: Peak Enjoyment Moment

These sourdough starter snack ideas are a crispy, tangy revelation. The bold flavor of parmesan combined with Italian herbs makes them perfect on their own or alongside soft cheeses, dips, and jams like our Peach Jam or Raspberry Jam.

They also shine as part of an appetizer spread with Smoked Salmon Spread or served with olives and roasted nuts. Looking for sweet and savory combo ideas? Don’t miss our Blueberry Muffins or Dr. Pepper Brownies.

Sourdough Discard Crackers FAQs

Can I use active starter instead of discard?

Yes, both work great! Active starter will give a slightly puffier texture, while discard offers a crispier finish — both equally delicious.

How thin should I spread the batter?

As thin as possible! Aim for about 1/8 inch for the crunchiest texture. The thinner the layer, the crispier your homemade sourdough discard crackers will turn out.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

Parchment is ideal for releasing these crackers cleanly. If you don’t have it, grease your pan lightly and keep an eye on the edges during baking.

Can I change up the herbs?

Definitely. Feel free to swap in thyme, rosemary, oregano, or dried chives — this is one of the most flexible savory sourdough recipes out there.

How long do sourdough discard crackers stay crispy?

Stored in an airtight container, these crispy sourdough discard crackers will stay fresh for up to a week — if they last that long!

Pro Tips

1. Use a silicone spatula: It helps spread the batter thinly and evenly, especially in corners.
2. Score before the second bake: Pre-cutting after the initial bake ensures clean edges without crumbling.
3. Don’t skip the herbs: Italian seasoning adds depth and aroma that makes these crackers irresistible.
4. For extra crisp: Bake a few extra minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent overbrowning.
5. Let them cool completely: Cooling allows the crackers to crisp up even more and develop their final texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container: Keeps the crackers fresh and crisp for up to 1 week.
• Add a silica gel packet: This helps maintain crispness in humid climates.
• Refresh if needed: Pop in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp if they soften.
• Do not refrigerate: This adds moisture and will make the crackers soggy.

Perfect Pairings

• Smoked Salmon Spread – A savory, creamy dip that pairs perfectly with herb crackers.
• Peach Jam – Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the cheese and herbs.
• Raspberry Jam – A fruity, tart companion for balance.
• Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges – Matches the cheesy flavor profile for a hearty snack combo.
• Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds a punch of sweet heat as a dipping sauce.

Final Crunch: Your Next Favorite Sourdough Discard Snack

Ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor lab? These Crispy Sourdough Discard Crackers are the perfect balance of tangy, cheesy, and herbaceous. From casual snacking to charcuterie centerpieces, they prove that your sourdough discard is anything but waste.

Looking for more creative sourdough discard snack recipes? Pair these crackers with our Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges or Pistachio Bundt Cake for a savory-meets-sweet spread that impresses every time.

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