Sourdough Discard Crackers

A simple, flexible recipe to turn leftover starter into the crispiest, tangiest crackers.

A Delicious Way to Use Up Extra Discard

If you bake sourdough, you’ve probably found yourself with a jar of discard piling up in the fridge. Instead of tossing it, try these easy sourdough discard crackers. They’re crisp,  flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you're snacking solo or putting together a cheese board, this is one of the tastiest ways to give your discard new life.

Ingredients

  • 240g sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge is fine)
  • 50mL melted butter, cooled (or olive oil)
  • 120g all-purpose flour
  • 3g fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Make the dough: In a bowl, stir together the discard, olive oil, flour, salt, and any additional seasonings. 
  3. Roll it out: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing. 
  4. Score and season: Use a sharp knife, bench scraper, or pizza cutter to score the dough into squares or rectangles. Sprinkle on any toppings (see below) and gently press them in.
  5. Bake until crisp: Transfer the parchment and dough to the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway through. Crackers should be golden brown and feel firm. If the crackers are thicker, they may need more time. Let cool completely on the pan.
  6. Store and snack: Once cool, break into pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Topping Ideas

Customize the flavor with your favorite pantry staples before baking:

  • Italian Herb & Parmesan: Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, and shredded Parmesan.
  • Cheddar Crackers: Add 30g shredded sharp cheddar into the dough and top with flaky salt.
  • Everything Bagel: Press in everything bagel seasoning for that classic crunch.
  • Rosemary & Sea Salt: Finely chop fresh rosemary and press into the surface with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  • Za’atar: Add Middle Eastern flair with a sprinkle of za’atar before baking.

Want to take it further? Try pairing these with hummus, a soft goat cheese, or a swipe of sour cream with hot honey. They disappear fast.