How to Make the Best Sourdough Discard Crackers with Just 3 Ingredients

Why settle for store-bought crackers when you can whip up these irresistibly crispy ones right at home? It makes me so mad when I open a bag of crackers from the store and it’s half-full as the price always continues to go up. That’s why I decided to make these instead! I’ve made these crackers countless times myself and always try a new flavor every time and have yet to be disappointed.

They’re perfect for parties, afternoon snacking, or an easy addition to soups and salads. And the best part is they’re ready in under an hour and keep fresh for up to a week. Anytime you have sourdough discard on hand, it’s the perfect excuse to bake up a batch!

Plus if you are new to sourdough baking, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Unlike sourdough bread, it doesn’t require an insanely precise fermentation or shaping techniques. Just mix, spread, and bake! And now you won’t have to worry about any waste that will just sit there in your fridge! 

Since you are here looking for sourdough discard recipes, check out this Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe, sourdough discard chocolate chip cookies, this sourdough discard muffin recipe, or even this Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Recipe.

Ingredients for these 3 ingredient sourdough discard crackers

Here are the ingredients you will need to make these homemade crackers. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Sourdough Starter Discard: provides a tangy base flavor for the recipe. You can make your own using flour and water using my sourdough starter recipe here!
• Melted Butter: Contributes richness and flavor while helping the crackers crisp up beautifully.
• Salt: enhances the overall flavor and balances the tang.

Why homemade Vs. Store bought?

• Sustainability: Reduce food waste by using sourdough discard instead of throwing it away.
• Cost-Effective: Store-bought crackers are often overpriced for the small quantity you get. Making your own ensures better value for money.
•  Healthier: No preservatives, additives, or artificial flavorings. You control the quality of ingredients.
• Flavor Customization: With homemade crackers, you can experiment with endless flavor combinations that suit your taste buds.

How to make these sourdough discard 3 ingredient crackers

This is how you can make these homemade sourdough crackers. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, bake time, and full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sourdough discard and melted butter until fully combined.
3. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to a thin layer, about ⅛ inch thick. The thinner the layer, the crispier the crackers will turn out. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and your preferred seasonings.
4. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for a few minutes so the dough dries out a bit. Remove it from the oven and score lines on the top of the dough into your desired cracker shapes or sizes. Return to the oven and bake again until the crackers are golden brown.
5. Allow the crackers to cool completely on the baking tray. They will become crispier as they cool.

Sourdough discard cracker recipe Tips and tricks

• Use an offset spatula to spread the raw mixture out so you can get it as thin as possible for extra crunchy crackers.
• Let the crackers cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet before breaking them apart.
• Use a more expensive, high-quality butter brand to elevate the flavor of your sourdough crackers.

More Serving Suggestions

These sourdough discard crackers are incredibly versatile. Try them with:

• Dips: Hummus, guacamole, spinach-artichoke dip, or tzatziki.
• Spreads: Cream cheese, pâté, or a smear of your favorite jam.
• Cheese Pairings: Brie, aged cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese.
• Salads: Crush the crackers for a crunchy topping.
• Soups: Use as a garnish for tomato soup, chowder, or French onion soup.
• Breakfast: Top with avocado slices, smoked salmon, or a poached egg for a quick morning snack.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Can I substitute the butter?

Of course! Butter gives a preferable flavor and richness, but you could realistically use any kind of oil or fat substitute. Olive oil or avocado oil are great vegan and dairy-free choices but the flavors won’t be the same!

What’s the best way to cut the crackers?

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter is the best way to cut the crackers. What you cut them with doesn’t matter as much as long as you score them  between baking so they don’t crack or break their shape when they’re done. 

Storage and freezing tips

• Storage: Keep your crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Add a silica gel packet to maintain crispness if you’re going to store them for longer. 
• Freezing: Let the crackers cool completely, then freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. They should stay pretty crispy but if you want to re-crisp them a little more, bake at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.

Flavor Variations Section

Here are some exciting flavor ideas to elevate your sourdough discard crackers:

Flavor Theme:	Ingredients:
Herbaceous	Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, basil
Spicy	Smoked paprika, cayenne, chili flakes
Cheesy	Parmesan, cheddar, or gruyere
Savory Seeds	Sesame seeds, flaxseeds, poppy seeds,  za’atar, fennel
Everything Bagel	Everything bagel seasoning mix
Sweet Cinnamon	Cinnamon sugar (sprinkle before baking)
Garlic & Onion	Garlic powder, onion powder

More Serving Suggestions

These sourdough discard crackers are incredibly versatile. Try them with:

• Dips: Hummus, guacamole, spinach-artichoke dip, or tzatziki.
• Spreads: Cream cheese, pâté, or a smear of your favorite jam.
• Cheese Pairings: Brie, aged cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese.
• Salads: Crush the crackers for a crunchy topping.
• Soups: Use as a garnish for tomato soup, chowder, or French onion soup.
• Breakfast: Top with avocado slices, smoked salmon, or a poached egg for a quick morning snack.

Troubleshooting tips

If you’re experiencing issues with your crackers, here’s how to fix them:

• Breaking Apart: Lightly score the dough midway through baking to avoid breaking crackers during cutting.The Best Sourdough Discard 3 Ingredient Crackers Recipe
• Uneven Baking: Spread the mixture as evenly as possible to ensure even baking. Use an offset spatula for precision.
• Soggy Texture: Ensure the crackers are fully baked before removing them. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.
• Difficulty Spreading: If the dough feels too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water to thin it slightly.

Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers

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