why make this recipe

Sourdough Cheez Its are a delightful twist on a beloved snack. They combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with the rich and cheesy goodness you expect from traditional Cheez Its. Using sourdough discard allows you to reduce waste, while also adding a unique flavor to your crackers. This recipe is simple, fun, and perfect for snacking on or serving at gatherings.

how to make Sourdough Cheez Its

Ingredients :

226 grams cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (8 ounces)
100 grams sourdough discard (1/3 cup)
42 grams unsalted butter, cold + cubed (3 Tablespoons)
140 grams all-purpose flour (1 cup)
1 gram garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon)
1 gram onion powder (1/4 teaspoon)
3 grams salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Flaky salt (if desired)

Directions :

To a bowl of a food processor, add all the ingredients except the flaky salt. Mix until a wet sand texture is formed. When you press a piece of the cracker dough together, it should stick to itself. It shouldn’t be dry.
Remove the dough from the food processor onto a clean work surface. Shape the dough into a flat disc, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. You can also store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days to long-ferment. If you long-ferment the dough, leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will help the dough be easier to roll.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
On a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper, roll the dough into a 9-inch rectangular shape that’s 1/16th of an inch thick. For the most consistent results, it is best to roll the dough as evenly as possible.
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, trim the dough to create an 8-inch square. Slice the dough into eight, 1-inch vertical strips, and then make 8 perpendicular slices, also 1-inch wide. You should be left with 64, 1-inch square-shaped pieces of cracker dough.
Place the shaped cracker dough on the prepared baking sheet with spaces in between. Use a toothpick to dock a hole in the center of each cracker. This prevents the crackers from puffing up. Sprinkle the dough with flaky sea salt and bake the crackers for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
While the first batch bakes, continue to re-roll and cut the remaining dough until all of the crackers are cut. You will need to bake in a few batches.
Remove the baked Sourdough Cheez-It crackers from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The crackers will become crunchier as they cool. Enjoy!

how to serve Sourdough Cheez Its

You can enjoy Sourdough Cheez Its as a tasty snack on their own. They pair well with dips, cheese platters, or even soups. Serve them at parties or keep them in a jar for a quick, crunchy treat.

how to store Sourdough Cheez Its

To keep your Sourdough Cheez Its fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crunchy for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag. Just make sure to let them thaw completely before serving.

tips to make Sourdough Cheez Its

Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
For added flavor, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese.
If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

variation

If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough for an aromatic twist. You can also use a mix of cheeses for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use cheese other than cheddar?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese, but cheddar gives the best flavor for classic Cheez Its.
What if I don’t have sourdough discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can substitute with equal parts of all-purpose flour and water, but the texture and flavor will vary.
How do I know when the crackers are done baking?
The crackers should be golden brown and feel firm. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent burning.