Sourdough Cheez Its for the Ultimate Snack Lovers
Enjoy crispy, cheesy sourdough Cheez Its made from real ingredients. This easy homemade recipe delivers bold flavor and the perfect crunch in every bite!
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
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- 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