These Sourdough Butter Crackers are made with whole wheat flour for a delicious, crunchy snack you can feel great about! They have simple ingredients and NO seed oils, something that is hard to find in the grocery store aisle. They are also a great way to use up your sourdough discard! In this post, I’ll show you how to make this delicious tangy snack.

hand holding bowl of whole wheat sourdough crackers in a white bowl

Say No to Store-Bought Crackers

At my house we can go through crackers like it’s nobody’s business. I’ve been able to find some cleaner brands over the years… but most still have some ingredients I don’t love like seed oils or preservatives. This inspired me to try and make my own using wholesome ingredients. These homemade crackers have a delicious tangy flavor and the butter makes them irresistible crunchy snack.

Why Sourdough?

Sourdough is not just reserved for bread! You can make so many amazing and delicious things with sourdough, including crackers. Sourdough crackers offer a unique depth of flavor, a touch of tanginess, and a pleasant chewiness that is hard to replicate with commercial yeast.

glass mason jar with sourdough starter bubbling on top of a green towel

Here’s why sourdough is the perfect choice for these crackers:

Natural Leavening: Sourdough crackers rely on the wild yeast and lactobacillus cultures present in a sourdough starter to ferment the dough. This natural leavening process not only imparts a distinct flavor but also makes the crackers easier to digest.
Enhanced Flavor: The fermentation process in sourdough development creates complex flavors that you won’t find in crackers made with commercial yeast. The mild tanginess and nutty undertones of sourdough complement the whole wheat flour beautifully in my opinion! The buttery flavor is an added bonus too.
Better Digestibility: Sourdough fermentation breaks down some of the gluten and phytic acid in whole wheat flour, making it more digestible for those with mild gluten sensitivities and improving nutrient absorption.
Extended Shelf Life: The acidity of sourdough helps preserve the crackers, allowing them to stay fresh for longer periods without the need for artificial preservatives.

Wondering what to keep your sourdough starter in? Try this cute little jar.

Benefits of Whole Wheat Flour

I like to up the nutrient game of any snacks I eat, or give to my kids. You can easily make these crackers with any type of flour, but I love the benefits of whole grains. All purpose flour or einkorn flour would be great.

three white bowls of whole wheat flour on a burlap sack

Some of the benefits of whole wheat flour include:

Nutrient-Rich: Whole wheat flour contains the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat kernel, which means it retains all the essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to better overall health.
Fiber-Packed: Fiber is your friend when it comes to maintaining digestive health. Whole wheat flour is high in dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Sustained Energy: The complex carbohydrates in whole wheat provide a steady and sustained release of energy, making these crackers an excellent choice for snacking between meals.
Balanced Blood Sugar: Unlike refined flours, whole wheat flour has a lower glycemic index, which means it doesn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable option for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar.
Heart Health: Regular consumption of whole wheat has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease due to its ability to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

You will need:

Large glass bowl
Plastic Wrap
Parchment Paper (opt for unbleached)
Cookie sheet or baking sheet
Pizza cutter or large knife
Fork

whole wheat sourdough butter crackers spread out on a countertop

Ingredients for Whole Wheat Sourdough Crackers

3/4 Cup Sourdough Discard (stirred down)
1 1/2 Cups whole wheat flour (I used sprouted whole wheat from a local bakery)
8 TB (1 stick) of butter, melted and cooled. If you can, opt for grass-fed butter. You could also use coconut oil.
1 Teaspoon salt (+ additional for sprinkling if desired). My absolute favorite unrefined mineral salt is redmonds real salt.

Optional Toppings: For different flavors, try adding your favorite savory seasoning or sprinkling it on top. Cheese would also be delicious! A few ideas:

Anything but the bagel seasoning
parmesan cheese
herbs of choice, maybe oregano or dill
chili flakes + honey for a spicy sweet combo
sesame seeds
nutritional yeast

Whole Wheat Sourdough Cracker Recipe: Step by Step Instructions

You can make these crackers and bake them right away, or you can long ferment for easier digestion. This easy recipe comes together in no time.

white bowl of whole wheat sourdough crackers on a concrete countertop

Step 1: Make the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, melted butter, discarded starter, salt, and any other seasonings you are using. The dough should be nice and soft, not too sticky. If it seems sticky, you can add a little bit more flour.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rest

Cover the ball of dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. Or, you can put it in the fridge for up to two days to long-ferment. Note: If you choose to long ferment, let the dough come back to room temperature before you roll it out. I learned this the hard way!

Step 3: Roll & Cut the Dough

Place the dough in between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it is really thin, about 1/8″ thick. Try and get it as even as you can so that the crackers will cook evenly.

Cut the crackers into small squares or rectangles. You can use a sharp knife, or a pizza cutter. If you are making crackers for kids, you could also try cutting them into fun shapes with a cookie cutter!

Take off the top piece of parchment paper and poke each cracker a couple of times with a fork. This helps the crackers not to rise in the oven. Sprinkle the top of the dough with some extra salt or seasonings (optional)

Step 4: Bake the Crackers

Slide the crackers onto a baking sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until they start to get golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on your crackers to make sure they don’t over cook.

Let the crackers cool completely before breaking them apart. They will continue to crisp up as they cool!

Step 5: Store & Enjoy!

Store your homemade crackers in a glass airtight container for up to a week. Good luck keeping them for that long!

bowl of whole wheat sourdough crackers on a concrete countertop

What to Serve with Whole Wheat Sourdough Crackers

These crackers are delicious all by themselves, but I also love them with a slice of raw cheese. Here are a few other ideas to serve with your whole wheat crackers:

Charcuterie board: These crackers are a creative addition to your next meat and cheese board! Pair them with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese for a delightful cheese platter. You could add some thinly sliced prosciutto, salami, or smoked salmon alongside your crackers. Add some olives and pickles for a complete
Hummus and Dips: Serve your crackers with classic hummus, tzatziki, or your favorite dip. The crunchy texture of the crackers complements creamy dips perfectly!
Top with butters: Spread peanut, almond or classic butter on your crackers for a snack. Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Avocado and Tomato: Mash ripe avocado onto your crackers and top with sliced cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a savory snack.
Creamy Cheese Spreads: Create your own flavored cream cheese or goat cheese spread with herbs, spices, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Spread generously on your crackers.. yum!