Cozy and crunchy, Sourdough Cheez-Its are the perfect treat to elevate your snacking game! Imagine sitting on a comfy couch with a warm blanket, the aroma of freshly baked cheesy crackers wafting through the air, taking you back to carefree moments of your childhood. These delightful little bites bring a homemade twist to the classic cheese cracker, making them the ultimate snack for movie nights, cozy gatherings, or simply indulgent me-time. Thanks to the addition of sourdough discard, they’re not just delicious; they’re a smart way to reduce waste in your kitchen. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade goodness: Make your own crunchy, cheesy snacks with just a handful of ingredients.
- Zero waste: Perfectly utilize your sourdough discard for a wholesome treat.
- Quick bake time: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them an easy last-minute snack idea.
- Family-friendly: Kids will love the cheesy flavor, and they’re fun to eat and share!
- Customizable: Personalize your crackers with different spices or cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
What You’ll Need
- 226 grams cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (8 ounces)
- 100 grams sourdough discard (1/3 cup)
- 42 grams unsalted butter, cold + cubed (3 Tablespoons)
- 140 grams all-purpose flour (1 cup)
- 1 gram garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon)
- 1 gram onion powder (1/4 teaspoon)
- 3 grams salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Flaky salt (if desired)
Let’s Make It Together
To a bowl of a food processor, add all the ingredients except the flaky salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand, sticking together when pressed. It should feel slightly moist but not dry.
Remove the dough from the food processor onto a clean work surface. Gently shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, you can store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days to long-ferment.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, roll the chilled dough into a rectangular shape measuring approximately 9 inches and about 1/16 of an inch thick. Aim for even thickness for the best results.
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, trim the rolled-out dough to create an 8-inch square. Cut into eight 1-inch vertical strips, and then slice perpendicularly to make 64 one-inch square cracker pieces.
Place the cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet, allowing some space between each piece. Use a toothpick to dock a hole in the center of each cracker to prevent puffing during baking. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake the crackers for 18-22 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
While the first batch bakes, continue to re-roll and cut the remaining dough until all crackers are baked, working in batches if needed.
Once done, remove the baked Sourdough Cheez-It crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. They will become crunchier as they cool. Enjoy the delightful crunch!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Cheesy Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an herby kick.
- Spicy Flavor Bomb: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a zesty bite that elevates the cheesy goodness.
- Everything But the Bagel: Sprinkle your shaped crackers with everything bagel seasoning before baking for an addictive twist.
- Sweet and Savory: Swap half the cheddar for crumbled blue cheese and add 2 tablespoons of honey for a richer flavor profile.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days for deeper flavor development.
- Rolling Tip: If the dough is too stiff after chilling, let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Save the Scraps: Any leftover dough pieces can be gathered, re-rolled, and baked as mini crackers too!
- Storage: Keep your homemade Sourdough Cheez-Its in an airtight container for up to a week—if they last that long!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 110mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The dough can be chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap the cheese for your favorite variety or add different spices to create unique flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for the best crunch.
How long does it last?
These crackers are best enjoyed within a week of baking for optimal freshness and crunch.
Wrapping It Up
You can’t beat the warm, cheesy crunch of homemade Sourdough Cheez-Its—they’re truly the embodiment of comfort food! Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo, these little crackers will not only make your cozy evenings brighter but will also keep you snacking in style. Save this Sourdough Cheez Its Recipe to your "Delicious Snacks" board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
