If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your bubbly sourdough starter into a crave-worthy snack, these sourdough crackers are the answer. Crisp, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, sourdough crackers capture the tangy depth of the starter while delivering a perfectly crunchy bite that’s ideal for snacking, entertaining, or pairing with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re a sourdough aficionado or a curious kitchen explorer, these crackers bring that signature sourdough taste to a delightful new form you’ll want to make again and again.

sourdough crackers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me when I say you don’t need an arsenal of fancy ingredients to make incredible sourdough crackers. Each simple component here plays an essential role—adding moisture, tang, texture, or flavor to create those crisp crackers that melt in your mouth.

1 cup sourdough starter: This active, bubbly starter is the heart of the recipe, bringing natural tang and helping with dough structure.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the crackers their body and crunch; feel free to use a high-quality, unbleached variety for best results.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and crispness while keeping the crackers tender.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all those underlying flavors and balances the tang from the starter.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Offers a mild savory kick, great if you love a little extra flavor complexity.
1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme, optional): Brings fragrant notes and makes your crackers feel gourmet.
Additional salt for sprinkling: Just a pinch on top before baking intensifies that crave-worthy salty crunch.

How to Make sourdough crackers

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures your crackers bake evenly with a gorgeous golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your lively sourdough starter, flour, olive oil, salt, and any optional garlic powder or herbs you’re using. Stir everything together until a cohesive dough forms. It should hold together well but not be too sticky, setting the foundation for crisp crackers.

Step 3: Roll It Out

Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin, then transfer the dough onto this floured area. Roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness—the thinner, the crispier your crackers will turn out. This step is crucial for that perfect crunch!

Step 4: Shape the Crackers

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into your favorite shapes—squares, rectangles, or triangles all work beautifully. Remember, consistent thickness helps them bake evenly.

Step 5: Season and Bake

Arrange your cut crackers on the parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each. Sprinkle lightly with salt to add a spark of flavor during baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—they’ll firm up even more as they cool. Then transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling before diving in or storing.

How to Serve sourdough crackers

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your sourdough crackers in delightful ways. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a grind of fresh black pepper, or a brush of extra virgin olive oil right after baking enhances texture and flavor. For a pop of color and zest, try lemon zest or finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.

Side Dishes

These crackers are perfect as a vessel for dips like creamy hummus, rich cheese spreads, or tangy tapenades. They also shine alongside charcuterie, fresh cheeses, sliced fruits, or even a bowl of hearty soup. Think of them as a crunchy companion that brings out the best in your favorite snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your sourdough crackers into an eye-catching centerpiece by arranging them around a flavorful cheese ball or stacking them in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin. For parties, create little cracker sandwiches filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon or avocado mousse to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, keep your sourdough crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crisp for up to a week, making them a convenient snack to grab anytime you want something crunchy and satisfying.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for longer, sourdough crackers freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with plenty of air removed. When you’re ready, simply allow them to come back to room temperature naturally; they’ll retain most of their crispness.

Reheating

If your crackers lose a bit of their crisp after storage, no worries—pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to revive their crunch and warmth. It’s like freshly baked all over again!

FAQs

Can I use any sourdough starter for these crackers?

Yes! As long as your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, it will work wonderfully. The flavor might vary slightly depending on your starter’s ingredients, but the crackers will be tasty no matter what.

Can I make sourdough crackers without olive oil?

Olive oil adds both flavor and texture, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with another oil like avocado or melted coconut oil. This might slightly change the flavor and crispness but still yield delicious results.

How thin should I roll the dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/8 inch thick is ideal for a satisfying crunch. If you roll it too thick, the crackers might be chewier; if too thin, they could burn quickly, so aim for uniform thickness.

Can I add other seasonings or toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with everything from sesame seeds and poppy seeds to parmesan cheese or chili flakes. These additions can add fun flavors and textures to your sourdough crackers.

How do I know when the crackers are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color and a crisp texture as clues that they’re done. They will feel firm to the touch and sound crisp if you lightly tap them—this is the perfect signal to pull them out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

Making your own sourdough crackers is such a rewarding experience that combines simplicity with artisan flair. From the tangy bite of the starter to the crunchy finish, every element is full of homemade charm. I encourage you to give these crackers a try—you might just discover your new favorite snack that makes every nibble worth savoring.

sourdough crackers Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 30 crackers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These crispy sourdough crackers are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that uses your active sourdough starter. With a subtle blend of garlic and herbs, they are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme, optional)

For Topping

Additional salt for sprinkling to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs (if using). Stir until a cohesive dough forms.
Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to approximately 1/8 inch thick, ensuring even thickness for crispiness.
Cut Crackers: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into desired shapes such as squares, rectangles, or triangles for easy snacking.
Prepare for Baking: Place the cut crackers evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle additional salt on top for flavor enhancement.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crackers turn golden brown and become crispy.
Cool: Remove crackers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring maximal crispness.

Notes

Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly to achieve the best texture.
If you prefer different flavors, experiment with other herbs or spices like smoked paprika or cumin.
Store baked crackers in an airtight container to maintain crispiness for up to one week.
For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend but adjust moisture levels accordingly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American