Name: Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Sourdough Starter Discard (unfed); 1 cup Whole Spelt Flour or Whole Wheat Flour; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; to taste Flaky or Coarse Salt (for topping)

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Are you looking for a delicious way to use up that extra sourdough starter sitting in your fridge? Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers. These delightful little snacks are not only easy to make but are also packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or simply snacking on their own, these crackers are a fantastic way to reduce waste and elevate your appetizer game. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip them up in no time!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

The charm of Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers lies in their simplicity and versatility. First, they’re a fantastic way to utilize leftover sourdough starter, turning what would be waste into something utterly delicious. Second, the combination of whole spelt flour (or whole wheat) and the sourdough starter lends a unique flavor profile that you won’t find in store-bought crackers. Not to mention, the satisfaction of knowing you made something from scratch is unbeatable. Finally, these crackers can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings or toppings, ensuring you’ll never get bored!

Ingredient Notes

Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of the show! Use unfed sourdough starter for the best results.
Whole Spelt Flour or Whole Wheat Flour: Both options provide a nutty flavor and add fiber to your crackers. Whole spelt flour can give a slightly lighter texture.
Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt: Enhances the flavor of the crackers. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture. Use a good quality oil for the best flavor.
Flaky or Coarse Salt: For topping your crackers, this adds a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.

Prep & Cook Tools

Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking the crackers.
Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the dough into cracker shapes.
Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.

Directions: Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crackers will bake evenly and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (227g) of unfed sourdough starter discard, 1 cup (113g) of whole spelt flour or whole wheat flour, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Pour in 1/4 cup (59mL) of extra virgin olive oil. Stir with a spatula or your hands until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface with additional whole spelt flour. Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and roll it out as thinly as possible, ideally about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crunchier your crackers will be!

Step 4: Cut and Transfer

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Carefully transfer the crackers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil and Add Toppings

Brush the tops of the crackers lightly with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky or coarse salt for added flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the crackers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers with dips, spreads, or as a standalone snack!

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole spelt or whole wheat flour.
Substitute the extra virgin olive oil with melted coconut oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Add herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano, to enhance the flavor.
For a cheesy twist, incorporate nutritional yeast into the dough for a savory, cheesy flavor.

Mistakes That Ruin Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers

Rolling the dough too thick—this will lead to softer crackers instead of crunchy ones.
Not preheating the oven sufficiently—make sure it’s hot enough for optimal baking.
Overbaking or underbaking—keep an eye on the crackers to achieve the perfect golden brown color.
Skipping the olive oil on top—this helps with flavor and creates a nice texture.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

Once your Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes.

Common Qs About Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers

Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?

While it’s best to use unfed sourdough starter discard for these crackers, you can use fed starter in a pinch. Just note that the flavor might be slightly different.

How can I make these crackers more flavorful?

Experiment with adding spices, herbs, or even seeds like sesame or poppy seeds to the dough for added flavor and texture.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, add a little more flour while kneading or rolling it out. Just be careful not to add too much, as it may affect the final texture.

Can I make these crackers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out.

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See You at the Table

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy the satisfying crunch of Crunchy Sourdough Discard Crackers while reducing waste and indulging in a tasty snack. These crackers are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or needing a quick lunch. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!