Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers: 2 Ingredients. No Rolling or Kneading

One of the absolute best things about keeping a sourdough starter is the endless opportunity to use sourdough discard. If you’ve maintained a starter for any amount of time, you’ve probably realized just how quickly discard accumulates. For some bakers, this can feel like a frustrating waste. But for those who embrace the creative possibilities of discard recipes, it becomes a goldmine of flavor and nutrition.

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Personally, I love utilizing sourdough discard in all sorts of recipes. From bread to pizza dough, scones, muffins, cookies, and more — discard is a secret weapon in my kitchen. It’s an easy way to add gut-friendly fermented goodness to practically anything I bake. Even a small amount of discard mixed into a dough or batter gives that subtle tang and probiotic benefit, making my treats not just tastier but also better for digestion.

The Best Use for Discard: Sourdough Discard Crackers

Out of all the ways I use my discard, my absolute favorite is turning it into crackers. Why? Because it’s quick, effortless, and the results are downright addictive. These crackers are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking. Whether you need something to pair with cheese, dunk into hummus, or just grab by the handful straight off the baking sheet, these crackers deliver.

As a mom of two little ones under the age of three, crackers are like toddler currency in my house. For reasons I can’t fully explain, toddlers just love crackers. It’s practically a universal law. When you have kids who want snacks constantly, being able to whip up a batch of healthy, homemade crackers is a game-changer.

And let’s not ignore the financial perk. With grocery prices being what they are these days, making crackers at home is a fantastic way to save money while also providing a more wholesome snack. These crackers have zero preservatives, you control the ingredients, and they contain all the benefits of sourdough fermentation — making them a win all around.

Of course, even if you don’t have little snack monsters running around, these crackers are still a wonderful, easy-to-make treat. They’re perfect to keep on hand for quick appetizers, late-night munchies, or alongside a bowl of soup.

The Simplest Cracker Recipe Ever

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need two ingredients:

• Sourdough Discard
• Butter

That’s it. No flour, no rolling, no fancy steps. Just your discard and a bit of butter. Even beginner bakers or people who claim they “can’t bake” can successfully make these crackers. They’re practically foolproof.

The only other item you need is a kitchen scale. This part is important. Sourdough discard recipes benefit from precision, and using grams to measure ingredients will ensure consistency every single time.

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Why Grams Matter in Sourdough Baking

If you’re new to sourdough baking, you might wonder why grams are so heavily recommended instead of cups and teaspoons. While volumetric measurements are common in American recipes, sourdough baking behaves a bit differently. Every starter’s hydration level can vary slightly, and grams allow you to work with absolute accuracy, taking the guesswork out of balancing wet and dry ingredients.

Even when making something simple like crackers, this precision ensures the dough behaves the way it should — not too dry, not too wet. If you want to bake sourdough successfully, investing in a digital kitchen scale is one of the smartest things you can do.

Understanding Sourdough Discard

For those newer to sourdough, let’s talk briefly about what “discard” actually is.

When you feed your sourdough starter, you remove (or “discard”) a portion of the existing starter to make room for the fresh flour and water you’re adding. This discarded portion is still full of active and beneficial wild yeast and bacteria — meaning it’s completely usable in recipes. You can read more about it here on my sourdough for beginners post.

Discard has a tangy, fermented flavor which can enhance both savory and sweet recipes. Using discard is a fantastic way to reduce waste while maximizing the benefits of fermentation.

Health Benefits of Sourdough Discard

Using discard in recipes like crackers is about more than just avoiding waste. It’s also a simple way to add some gut-healthy probiotics and prebiotics into your daily diet. During fermentation, the wild yeast and bacteria work together to break down gluten, phytic acid, and other components that can be tough on digestion.

This process creates a final product that’s easier on the gut and packed with nutrients that your body can absorb more readily. Plus, the tangy flavor of sourdough discard adds a lovely complexity to whatever you’re making — crackers, pancakes, cookies, or even sauces and batters.

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. While the plain crackers are delicious on their own, you can customize them endlessly to suit your tastes. Some ideas:

• Rosemary Crackers: Sprinkle salt and rosemary for a savory cracker (my favorite!).
• Cheesy Crackers: Stir grated parmesan or cheddar into the dough.
• Herb Crackers: Mix in dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
• Spicy Crackers: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cracked black pepper.
• Seeded Crackers: Top with sesame seeds, flax seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
• Sweet Crackers: Try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a lightly sweet treat.

Storage

Once baked and fully cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp for several days — if they last that long! I usually have to hide a stash if I want any for myself because my kids will happily devour the entire tray in record time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting your fermentation journey, sourdough discard crackers are one of the easiest, most rewarding recipes you can make. They’re quick, affordable, endlessly adaptable, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Next time you’re feeding your starter and wondering what to do with that discard, don’t toss it! Turn it into a crunchy, wholesome treat that will have everyone reaching for more.

If you’re still getting started with sourdough and feeling intimidated, check out my Easy Sourdough Primer, where I break down the basics into beginner-friendly steps. Sourdough doesn’t have to be complicated — and with recipes like these discard crackers, it’s proof that simple can also be delicious.