Looking for a snack that’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor? Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers are the perfect homemade treat that combines the tangy taste of sourdough with the satisfying crunch of Cheez-It-style crackers. These sourdough crackers are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to use up your sourdough discard. Ready in under an hour, they make an excellent snack for the whole family. Let’s dive into how you can make your own batch of these delicious crackers!
Introduction to Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
The classic Cheez-It cracker has been a beloved snack for decades, but homemade versions, like sourdough Cheez-It crackers, offer a wholesome twist. The unique flavor of sourdough enhances the cheesy taste, making these crackers irresistible. Sourdough discard, which is typically left over from sourdough starter maintenance, adds a depth of flavor and helps reduce waste. For fans of sourdough and cheese-flavored snacks, these crackers are a must-try. Pair them with your favorite dip or enjoy them on their own for a quick snack!
Ingredients for Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 125 sourdough Cheez-It crackers:
- 8 oz cheddar cheese – shredded for easy blending.
- ⅓ cup sourdough discard (88g) – for the perfect tangy flavor. Avoid bubbly starter as it will cause more rise than desired.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter – chopped into small cubes.
- ½ Tbsp ranch seasoning (5g) – optional but adds extra flavor.
- 1 tsp salt (5g) – or reduce if you prefer a less salty cracker.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (65g) – to bind the dough.
- Flaky sea salt – optional for sprinkling on top.
Substitutions:
- If you’re dairy-free, opt for a vegan cheddar cheese and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to Make Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers – Step by Step
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, blend the cheddar cheese, sourdough discard, butter, ranch seasoning, salt, and flour. Blend until the mixture forms a dough. Tip: If you prefer a less salty cracker, halve the salt amount.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This chilling time helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, divide the dough in half. Place one half between two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out as thin as possible – about ⅛ inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
Step 5: Cut and Poke
Using a pasta cutter or bench scraper, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch squares. Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each cracker. This step gives them that classic Cheez-It look!
Step 6: Add Sea Salt
For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the dough before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Crackers
Place the entire sheet of cut crackers (don’t separate them yet) onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool before separating them. Enjoy your fresh batch of sourdough Cheez-It crackers!
Helpful Tips for Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
- Chill the dough: This step is crucial for making it easier to roll out the dough thinly.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Adding flaky sea salt on top of the crackers before baking enhances the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Even thickness: Roll out the dough as evenly as possible to ensure uniform baking.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
- Avoid overbaking: Check the crackers after 15 minutes. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Use a pasta cutter: A pasta cutter makes it easy to cut uniform crackers, but you can also use a knife or pizza cutter.
- Customize flavors: You can mix in other seasonings such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
These sourdough Cheez-It crackers are versatile and can be paired with:
- Dips: Serve them with ranch dip, hummus, or a spicy jalapeno cheese dip.
- Cheese board: Add them to a charcuterie board for a crunchy, cheesy element.
- Soup: They make a great accompaniment to tomato soup or chili.
For a complete snack spread, try pairing them with homemade chicken nuggets or a sourdough dip for a flavorful combination.
Nutritional Information
Healthy Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers: Each serving of these crackers is relatively low in calories, making them a guilt-free snack option. They’re packed with calcium from the cheese and offer some fiber from the flour.
Nutritional info for Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers (per 20 crackers):
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 11g
- Protein: 4g
- Calcium: 150mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Storage and Leftovers for Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
To keep your sourdough Cheez-It crackers fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the crackers in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crunch.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers
1. Can I make these crackers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. How do I prevent the crackers from getting too brown?
Keep a close eye on the crackers during the last few minutes of baking. You can also rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
3. Can I use fresh sourdough starter instead of discard?
It’s better to use discard as it provides the right texture. Fresh starter may cause the crackers to rise more, altering their texture.
4. How do I make the crackers extra crispy?
Ensure you roll out the dough as thin as possible and bake them for a longer time (closer to 18 minutes) until they’re golden.
2 Related Recipes for Sourdough Cheez-It Cracker Lovers
- Homemade Sourdough Soft Pretzels Recipe: A chewy, soft pretzel recipe perfect for pairing with mustard or cheese dips.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe with a Sourdough Twist: A melty, cheesy sandwich made with freshly baked sourdough.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make your own sourdough Cheez-It crackers, it’s time to get baking! With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious homemade snack that’s sure to impress. We’d love to hear how your crackers turned out, so feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts or any creative variations you tried. Enjoy your cheesy, crispy treat!
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Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers Recipe
Description
Looking for a snack that’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor? Sourdough Cheez-It Crackers are the perfect homemade treat that combines the tangy taste of sourdough with the satisfying crunch of Cheez-It-style crackers. These sourdough crackers are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to use up your sourdough discard. Ready in under an hour, they make an excellent snack for the whole family. Let’s dive into how you can make your own batch of these delicious crackers!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cheddar cheese – shredded for easy blending.
- ⅓ cup sourdough discard (88g) – for the perfect tangy flavor. Avoid bubbly starter as it will cause more rise than desired.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter – chopped into small cubes.
- ½ Tbsp ranch seasoning (5g) – optional but adds extra flavor.
- 1 tsp salt (5g) – or reduce if you prefer a less salty cracker.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (65g) – to bind the dough.
- Flaky sea salt – optional for sprinkling on top.
Substitutions:
- If you’re dairy-free, opt for a vegan cheddar cheese and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, blend the cheddar cheese, sourdough discard, butter, ranch seasoning, salt, and flour. Blend until the mixture forms a dough. Tip: If you prefer a less salty cracker, halve the salt amount.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough onto plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This chilling time helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, divide the dough in half. Place one half between two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out as thin as possible – about ⅛ inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier the crackers will be.
Step 5: Cut and Poke
Using a pasta cutter or bench scraper, cut the rolled dough into 1-inch squares. Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the center of each cracker. This step gives them that classic Cheez-It look!
Step 6: Add Sea Salt
For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the dough before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Crackers
Place the entire sheet of cut crackers (don’t separate them yet) onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and allow the crackers to cool before separating them. Enjoy your fresh batch of sourdough Cheez-It crackers!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Chill the dough: This step is crucial for making it easier to roll out the dough thinly.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Adding flaky sea salt on top of the crackers before baking enhances the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Even thickness: Roll out the dough as evenly as possible to ensure uniform baking.
