Deliciously Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers: A Recipe Worth Saving

If you’re a sourdough baker, you’re probably familiar with the ongoing process of feeding and discarding your sourdough starter. But did you know that you can turn that discarded sourdough into a delightful snack? Sourdough discard crackers are the perfect way to reduce waste while indulging in a crispy, flavorful treat. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple and versatile recipe for making homemade sourdough discard crackers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any other neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried herbs, or spices

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready when you’re done preparing the cracker dough.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt. Stir well until the ingredients come together to form a cohesive dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten in the dough, resulting in a better texture for the crackers.
4. Roll out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). If the dough starts sticking to the rolling pin, lightly dust it with flour.
5. Cut the crackers: Now, it’s time to cut the crackers into your desired shape and size. You can use a sharp knife, a pizza cutter, or even cookie cutters for fun shapes. Transfer the cut crackers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small gap between them to ensure even baking.
6. Add optional toppings: If you want to add an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle your favorite toppings on the crackers. Try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried herbs, or a sprinkle of your favorite spices.
7. Bake the crackers: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the crackers for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
8. Cool and store: Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, they will become even crispier. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness.
9. Enjoy and experiment: Your homemade sourdough discard crackers are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a standalone snack, pair them with your favorite cheese or dip, or use them as a crunchy base for canapés. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Transforming your sourdough discard into crispy crackers is a win-win situation. Not only do you reduce food waste, but you also get to savor a delicious homemade snack. With this simple recipe, you can elevate your sourdough journey to new heights while savoring the satisfaction of using every last bit of your sourdough starter. So, the next time you find yourself with sourdough discard, turn it into these delectable crackers and enjoy the rewards of your resourcefulness.

Happy baking!