Who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy snack? If you’re a fan of classic Cheez-Its, you’re in for a treat with this homemade sourdough Cheez Its recipe! Made with tangy sourdough discard, rich cheddar cheese, and a touch of butter, these crispy baked snacks offer a flavorful twist on the store-bought favorite.
Not only are they a great way to use up leftover sourdough discard, but they also make a healthier cracker alternative without preservatives or artificial flavors. Whether you’re snacking solo, packing lunchboxes, or entertaining guests, these cheesy crackers are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ready to bake a batch of these golden, crunchy delights? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Sourdough Cheez Its
Making your own sourdough Cheez Its isn’t just about satisfying your snack cravings—it’s about enjoying a crispy, cheesy treat that’s fresher and more flavorful than anything store-bought. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
✔ Uses Up Sourdough Discard – If you bake with sourdough starter, you know how quickly the discard piles up. This recipe gives it a delicious second life!
✔ Crispy & Cheesy Perfection – These homemade cheese crackers are loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and baked to golden, crispy perfection. No artificial flavors, just pure goodness.
✔ Better Than Store-Bought – With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, you get a snack that’s free from preservatives and unnecessary additives.
✔ Customizable Flavors – Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder taste? Swap cheddar for Parmesan or Gouda. You can tweak the flavors to suit your cravings.
✔ Easy & Fun to Make – Whether you’re baking solo or getting kids involved, rolling and cutting the dough is an enjoyable hands-on experience.
These cheesy, tangy crackers are a must-try for any snack lover. Now, let’s gather the ingredients and start baking! 🚀
Ingredients for Sourdough Cheez Its
Before we dive into baking, let’s round up everything you’ll need. These homemade cheese crackers use simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for the perfect balance of cheesy, tangy, and crispy goodness.
What You’ll Need:
🧀 Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Provides that bold, cheesy flavor and helps create a crisp texture. Opt for freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste.
🍞 Sourdough Discard (½ cup) – Adds a subtle tangy depth to the crackers while reducing food waste. Make sure it’s unfed and at room temperature.
🧈 Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp, cold & cubed) – Helps create a flaky, buttery texture. Cold butter is key for achieving crispiness.
🌾 All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup) – Forms the base of the dough, giving structure to your crackers. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
🧂 Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances the overall taste. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
🧁 Baking Powder (¼ tsp) – Adds a touch of lightness to the crackers, preventing them from becoming too dense.
🔥 Optional Flavor Boosters:
- 🌶 Cayenne Pepper (¼ tsp) – If you love a spicy kick.
- 🌿 Garlic Powder (½ tsp) – For a savory depth of flavor.
- 🧀 Parmesan (2 tbsp, grated) – Adds an extra cheesy punch.
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s move on to the fun part—making these crispy sourdough Cheez Its from scratch! 🚀
How to Make Sourdough Cheez Its
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to transform them into crispy, cheesy sourdough crackers! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of golden, homemade Cheez Its that are impossible to resist.
Step 1: Blend the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients – In a food processor, add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add the cheese and butter – Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and cold cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate the sourdough discard – Pour in the sourdough discard and blend until a dough starts to form. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it comes together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a disc.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the butter, which results in a crispier texture when baked.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough – On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin sheet (about 1/8-inch thick). The thinner the dough, the crisper the crackers.
- Cut into squares – Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch squares. If you want the classic Cheez-It look, poke a small hole in the center of each cracker using a toothpick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the squares onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them, as thinner pieces may bake faster.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- As they cool, they will become even crispier and crunchier!
Now, grab a handful and enjoy these homemade sourdough Cheez Its—the perfect balance of cheesy, tangy, and buttery goodness! 😋
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your homemade sourdough Cheez Its to the next level? These tips and variations will help you achieve the crispiest, cheesiest crackers with just the right amount of tang and crunch.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Sourdough Cheez Its
✔ Use Cold Butter – Just like with pie dough, cold butter helps create a flaky, crispy texture. If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough before rolling.
✔ Roll the Dough Evenly – For uniform crispiness, roll the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. If it’s too thick, the crackers may turn out chewy instead of crunchy.
✔ Don’t Skip the Chilling Step – Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the texture and prevents the crackers from spreading too much during baking.
✔ Bake Until Deep Golden Brown – If your crackers are underbaked, they may not stay crisp. Keep an eye on them, especially in the last few minutes of baking.
✔ Store for Maximum Crunch – Once fully cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for up to a week. If they soften, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to revive the crispiness.
🔄 Flavor Variations to Try
✨ Spicy Sourdough Cheez Its – Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
✨ Garlic Parmesan Crackers – Mix in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and swap half of the cheddar for grated Parmesan.
✨ Herb-Infused Cheez Its – Add ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a savory, gourmet twist.
✨ Extra Cheesy Version – For a bolder cheese flavor, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top before baking.
✨ Whole Wheat Sourdough Crackers – Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and a bit more texture.
With these tips and variations, you can easily customize your homemade sourdough cheese crackers to match your cravings. Experiment with different flavors and find your perfect combination! 🧀🎉
Serving Suggestions
Your homemade sourdough Cheez Its are fresh out of the oven—now, how do you enjoy them? These crunchy, cheesy bites are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips, spreads, and beverages. Here are some fun and delicious ways to serve them!
🥣 Perfect Pairings
✔ Dips & Spreads – These tangy, crispy crackers go beautifully with:
- Creamy ranch dip for a classic snack
- Spicy sriracha mayo for a kick of heat
- Hummus or guacamole for a wholesome pairing
- Spinach and artichoke dip for a rich, cheesy combo
✔ Soups & Salads – Swap out croutons and toss these crackers into:
- A hearty tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal
- A creamy broccoli cheddar soup for extra cheesiness
- A fresh Caesar or garden salad for added crunch
✔ Charcuterie Boards – Elevate your snack game by serving sourdough Cheez Its with:
- Cured meats like salami or prosciutto
- Assorted cheeses (sharp cheddar, gouda, or brie)
- Fresh fruits like grapes, apple slices, or figs
✔ On-the-Go Snack – Pack these homemade crackers in a lunchbox or snack bag for a quick bite anytime!
Whether you’re enjoying them solo or as part of a spread, these homemade sourdough Cheez Its are sure to be a hit! 🧀✨
Conclusion
Making your own sourdough Cheez Its is a fun, rewarding experience that results in a batch of crispy, cheesy crackers that are far superior to the store-bought variety. Whether you’re savoring them with a warm bowl of soup, packing them for a snack, or serving them at your next gathering, these homemade crackers will definitely steal the show.
By following these simple steps and pro tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect balance of flaky, cheesy, and tangy flavors that everyone will love. Plus, the variations and flavor combos give you endless possibilities to explore, making this recipe not only delicious but customizable too.
Don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends—you might just inspire them to start making their own homemade crackers! So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start baking these scrumptious sourdough Cheez Its. Your taste buds will thank you. 🧀🎉
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Sourdough Cheez Its for the Ultimate Snack Lovers
Ingredients
🧀 Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Provides that bold, cheesy flavor and helps create a crisp texture. Opt for freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste.
🍞 Sourdough Discard (½ cup) – Adds a subtle tangy depth to the crackers while reducing food waste. Make sure it’s unfed and at room temperature.
🧈 Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp, cold & cubed) – Helps create a flaky, buttery texture. Cold butter is key for achieving crispiness.
🌾 All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup) – Forms the base of the dough, giving structure to your crackers. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
🧂 Salt (½ tsp) – Enhances the overall taste. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
🧁 Baking Powder (¼ tsp) – Adds a touch of lightness to the crackers, preventing them from becoming too dense.
🔥 Optional Flavor Boosters:
- 🌶 Cayenne Pepper ¼ tsp – If you love a spicy kick.
- 🌿 Garlic Powder ½ tsp – For a savory depth of flavor.
- 🧀 Parmesan 2 tbsp, grated – Adds an extra cheesy punch.
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients – In a food processor, add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Pulse a few times to mix.
- Add the cheese and butter – Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and cold cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate the sourdough discard – Pour in the sourdough discard and blend until a dough starts to form. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it comes together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a disc.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the butter, which results in a crispier texture when baked.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough – On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin sheet (about 1/8-inch thick). The thinner the dough, the crisper the crackers.
- Cut into squares – Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch squares. If you want the classic Cheez-It look, poke a small hole in the center of each cracker using a toothpick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the squares onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them, as thinner pieces may bake faster.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
- Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- As they cool, they will become even crispier and crunchier!
Notes
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
Have questions about making these homemade sourdough Cheez Its? You’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you along the way.
Can I use store-bought sourdough starter instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or don’t have a homemade starter, using a store-bought sourdough starter is a great alternative. Just be sure to adjust the amount to match the consistency of your homemade version.
How can I make these crackers gluten-free?
You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help with the texture.
How do I store leftover Cheez Its?
Once cooled, store your sourdough Cheez Its in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Just be sure to let them thaw before enjoying.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese, like Parmesan, Gruyère, or smoked Gouda. Each one will add a unique flavor profile to your crackers.
Why did my crackers turn out chewy instead of crispy?
If your sourdough Cheez Its turned out chewy, it might be because the dough was rolled too thick or not baked long enough. Ensure the dough is 1/8 inch thick, and bake the crackers until they’re a deep golden brown to get that perfect crunch.
Can I add extra seasonings or spices?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative with your seasoning. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for an added salty kick.