Sourdough Discard Crackers with Herbs, Cheese, and Seeds Recipe
Introduction
Sourdough discard crackers are a delicious and resourceful way to use up your sourdough starter. Crispy, flavorful, and customizable with cheese or herbs, these crackers make a perfect snack or appetizer that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (1/2 cup whole wheat + 1/2 cup unbleached bread flour preferred)
- 1 cup sourdough starter, active or discard
- 1/4 cup softened coconut oil, butter, or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Olive oil for brushing
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs of choice (e.g. rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano) or 2 tbsp dried herbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated firm cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan (optional)
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 to 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder (optional)
- A sprinkle of paprika for topping, added after baking or near the end
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, sea salt, and softened coconut oil or butter. Add any optional herbs, cheese, or seasonings you like at this stage. Mix thoroughly and form into a solid dough ball.
- Step 2: Divide the dough ball into two equal portions.
- Step 3: Shape each portion into a flattened rectangular shape about the size of your hand and roughly half an inch thick.
- Step 4: Cover or wrap each dough piece and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for better flavor and texture.
- Step 5: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 6: If refrigerated for several hours, let the dough warm slightly (15-30 minutes) before rolling.
- Step 7: Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, lightly dusted with flour.
- Step 8: Place one dough piece onto the parchment paper. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour, then roll it out thinly to about 1/16th of an inch thickness using a floured rolling pin.
- Step 9: Brush the rolled-out dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle coarse salt over the surface.
- Step 10: Cut the dough into 1 to 2-inch squares or your preferred shapes with a pastry cutter or pizza wheel. Use a fork to poke each cracker several times to prevent puffing during baking.
- Step 11: Transfer the parchment with crackers to a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking.
- Step 12: Once baked, remove crackers to a cooling rack immediately to crisp up.
- Step 13: When cool, sprinkle with paprika if desired and enjoy immediately or store for later.
Tips & Variations
- Try mixing in different herbs, seeds, or cheeses to customize flavors.
- If you prefer gluten-free crackers, experiment with appropriate flour blends but note the texture may vary.
- Using olive oil for brushing enhances flavor, but melted butter or coconut oil can provide a different richness.
- Adjust thickness depending on how crispy or chewy you like your crackers—thinner for crunchier results.
Storage
Store these crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, avoid sealing them while still warm. Reheat briefly in a low oven if they soften over time.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any sourdough starter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either active or discard sourdough starter. This recipe is a great way to use starter that might otherwise be discarded.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs or cheese?
You can skip them or substitute with dried herbs and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The crackers will still be tasty without these additions.
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Sourdough Discard Crackers with Herbs, Cheese, and Seeds Recipe
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy sourdough discard crackers are a perfect way to use up leftover sourdough starter. They are easy to make, flavorful, and customizable with optional cheese, herbs, seeds, and seasonings. The crackers are thin, crunchy, and delicious as a snack or appetizer, and can be stored in an airtight container to enjoy over several days.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (1/2 cup whole wheat + 1/2 cup unbleached bread flour)
- 1 cup sourdough starter, active or discard
- 1/4 cup softened coconut oil, butter, or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Olive oil for brushing
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs of choice (rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano) or 2 Tbsp dried herbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated firm cheese such as cheddar or parmesan
- 2 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 1 to 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder
- A sprinkle of paprika for topping (added after baking or near the end)
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the sourdough starter, flour, sea salt, and softened coconut oil or butter. Add any optional herbs, cheese, or other seasonings at this time. Mix well to form a solid dough ball.
- Divide the dough: Split the large dough ball into two equal portions.
- Shape the dough: Flatten each dough ball into a rectangular shape roughly the size of your hand and about half an inch thick.
- Chill the dough: Cover or wrap each dough piece and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. This helps firm the dough for rolling.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Warm dough (if needed): If the dough was refrigerated for several hours or overnight, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to soften slightly before rolling.
- Prepare baking sheet: Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit a cookie sheet or use a silicone baking mat. Lightly dust the parchment with flour to prevent sticking.
- Roll out dough: Place one piece of dough on the floured parchment, dust the top with flour, and gently roll it out with a floured rolling pin to about 1/16 inch thickness for crisp crackers.
- Brush and season: Use a basting brush to lightly coat the rolled dough with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle coarse salt evenly over the surface.
- Cut crackers: Using a pastry cutter or pizza wheel, slice the dough into 1 to 2 inch squares or desired shapes. Use a fork to prick each cracker several times to prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake: Transfer the parchment and cut crackers to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Rotate baking sheet: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheet to ensure even cooking and coloring of the crackers.
- Cool: Remove the crackers promptly once baked and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve or store: Enjoy the crackers right away or store them in an airtight container for several days to maintain crispness.
Notes
- Using sourdough discard is a great way to reduce waste and create tasty snacks.
- Feel free to customize the crackers with your favorite herbs, seeds, cheese, and seasonings.
- If you omit cheese and use olive oil or coconut oil, the crackers can be vegan.
- Make sure to roll the dough very thinly for the best crisp texture.
- Adding the paprika after baking keeps its flavor vibrant and prevents burning.
- Store crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sourdough discard, crackers, homemade crackers, sourdough snack, baking, easy snack recipe, herbs and cheese crackers

