Sourdough Crackers Recipe with just three simple ingredients—flour, sourdough starter, and a bit of oil—makes for the perfect crispy snack that’s full of flavor. These crackers are thin, crunchy, and great for nibbling anytime you want something light but satisfying. The tang from the sourdough adds a little extra something that makes them stand out.
I love how easy these crackers are to whip up, especially when you have some sourdough starter on hand that needs a little use. It feels great turning something simple into a tasty treat with minimal mess and no fuss. Plus, you can sprinkle on your favorite herbs or seeds before baking to make them your own. It’s a fun way to use sourdough starter beyond bread!
For serving, I like to pair these crackers with cheese, hummus, or even just a bit of butter and jam. They add a nice crunch to any snack or appetizer spread. And since they’re homemade, you can feel good knowing there’s no weird ingredients involved. These crackers always disappear fast in our house, so I recommend making a double batch if you want to have some left over!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: This is the heart of your crackers and adds a lovely tangy flavor. Use discard or unfed starter at 100% hydration (equal parts water and flour). If you don’t have one, you can try plain yogurt for some tang, but it won’t crisp the same.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to the crackers. You can swap with whole wheat flour for nuttier flavor, though the texture will be denser. Gluten-free flour blends might work but expect different results.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness. You can use any neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed. Butter melted is an option but may change flavor and crispiness.
Optional Toppings: Herbs like rosemary or thyme, sea salt, sesame seeds, or pepper enhance flavor. Feel free to add your favorites or skip toppings if you prefer plain crackers.
How Do You Roll the Dough Thin Enough for Crispy Crackers?
Rolling the dough evenly thin is key to getting crisp crackers, and it can be tricky. Here’s what helps:
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking without adding too much extra flour.
- Roll from the center outward, turning the dough a quarter turn often for even thickness.
- Aim for about 1/16 inch (1-2 mm) thickness or less. The thinner, the crunchier!
- If the dough springs back, let it rest a few minutes and try rolling again.
- Use a piece of parchment under the dough to help transfer it to the baking sheet without tearing.
Taking your time here ensures perfectly crisp, evenly baked crackers every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat, rimmed tray for even baking and crisp crackers.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – Helps you roll the dough thin and even for perfect crunch.
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife – Cuts the dough into cracker shapes before baking.
- Mixing bowl – For easy and quick dough mixing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top before baking for cheesy crackers.
- Add za’atar or chili flakes for a spicy, herby kick.
- Mix in sesame or poppy seeds into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to add a fragrant, earthy note.
Sourdough Crackers Recipe (3 Ingredients!)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration, unfed or discard)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Sea salt
- Dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
- Cracked black pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake, so plan for about 35 minutes total. It’s a quick way to make a tasty, crispy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, and olive oil. Stir everything together until a smooth dough forms. If the mixture feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water, just enough to bring it together.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough very thinly — about 1/16 inch thick or even thinner if you like your crackers extra crispy. The thinner the dough, the crunchier your crackers will be.
4. Add Toppings
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle your chosen toppings evenly over the dough and gently press them in to make sure they stick.
5. Cut the Crackers
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, score the dough into squares or your favorite shapes. This makes it easy to break the crackers apart once baked.
6. Bake
Bake your crackers in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are crisp to the touch.
7. Cool and Break Apart
Remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break them apart along the scored lines.
8. Store
Keep your sourdough crackers fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crispy for up to one week, ready for snacking whenever you want!
Enjoy your homemade sourdough crackers plain, with cheese, dips, or spreads for a simple and delicious treat!
Can I Use Frozen Sourdough Starter for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the starter completely in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before mixing. This helps the dough come together smoothly.
Can I Add Flavorings or Seeds to the Dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in herbs, spices, seeds, or even grated cheese to the dough before rolling it out to customize the flavor to your liking.
How Should I Store Leftover Crackers?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid moisture to keep them crisp. They usually stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I Make These Crackers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and roll out the dough ahead, then keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out if chilled.
