Description
Delicious homemade crackers made with a blend of whole wheat and bread flour, combined with active or discard sourdough starter and your choice of optional flavor additions like fresh herbs, cheese, seeds, and seasonings. These crisp crackers are perfect for snacking or serving with dips and cheeses, offering a customizable base for savory flavors with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Basic Dough
- 1 cup flour (1/2 cup whole wheat + 1/2 cup unbleached bread flour)
- 1 cup sourdough starter, active or discard
- 1/4 cup softened coconut oil, butter, or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs of choice (e.g., rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano) or 2 Tbsp dried herbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated firm cheese such as cheddar or parmesan
- 2 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 1 to 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder
For Finishing
- Olive oil for brushing
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
- A sprinkle of paprika (added after baking or near the end)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine sourdough starter, flour, salt, and softened coconut oil or butter. Add any optional ingredients such as herbs, cheese, or seasonings at this stage. Mix until the mixture forms a solid dough ball.
- Divide dough: Divide the large dough ball into two equal-sized portions. This makes it easier to handle and roll out later.
- Shape dough: Flatten each portion of dough into a rectangular shape roughly the size of your hand and about half an inch thick.
- Chill dough: Cover or wrap each dough piece and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight to firm up the dough and develop flavor.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the crackers.
- Warm dough slightly (if needed): If the dough has been refrigerated for more than a couple of hours, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to roll out.
- Prepare baking surface: Cut parchment paper to fit a baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat. Lightly dust the parchment or mat with flour to prevent sticking.
- Roll out dough: Place one piece of dough on the floured parchment, dust the top with flour, and use a floured rolling pin to roll the dough very thinly—about 1/16 inch thick.
- Brush and season: Using a basting brush, lightly brush the rolled dough with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle coarse salt evenly over the surface.
- Cut crackers: Cut the dough into 1 to 2 inch squares or your desired shape using a pasta/pastry cutter or pizza wheel. Poke each cracker several times with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake: Transfer the parchment with crackers onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Rotate baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheets to promote even cooking and browning.
- Cool crackers: Remove crackers from the oven and transfer them quickly to a cooling rack to avoid sogginess and maintain crispness.
- Store or serve: Once completely cooled, enjoy the crackers immediately or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for later snacking.
Notes
- You can use active sourdough starter or discard; the flavor develops well in both cases.
- Flavor additions like herbs, cheese, seeds, and seasonings are optional and customizable based on preference.
- Do not add paprika before baking, as it can burn; add it after baking or near the end instead.
- Rolling the dough very thin ensures crispy crackers.
- Allowing the dough to rest and chill improves texture and flavor.
- Store baked crackers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American