The magic of sourdough doesn’t have to stop with bread—these sesame seed crackers make use of that tangy discard and transform it into a flavorful, crispy snack. Infused with Italian herbs, olive oil, and toasted sesame seeds, every bite delivers a crunchy punch perfect on its own or paired with dips and cheeses.
This recipe is also incredibly forgiving and customizable. Add in your favorite spices, swap in different seeds, or even incorporate finely grated cheese for added richness. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or simply want a new snack to add to your rotation, these sourdough discard crackers are an easy win from your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
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150 grams sourdough starter discard (½ cup)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
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1 teaspoon salt flakes
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly with a silicone spatula.
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Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin, even layer about ⅛ inch thick.
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Evenly sprinkle sesame seeds and salt flakes on top.
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Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan and lightly poke the surface with a fork.
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Score into 1-inch squares with a pizza cutter without separating them.
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Return to oven and bake for another 30 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
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Let cool completely before breaking along the scored lines. Store in an airtight container.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Sourdough Discard Crackers Deserve a Place in Your Kitchen
If you’ve ventured into the world of sourdough baking, you’re likely familiar with the regular maintenance of feeding your starter. That also means you’ve probably encountered one of the most common byproducts of this process: sourdough discard. Instead of tossing that discard, what if you could transform it into something delicious, crunchy, and utterly addictive? Enter: sourdough discard crackers with sesame seeds—a genius, no-waste recipe that turns leftovers into a gourmet-style snack.
These crackers offer the tang of sourdough, the toasty richness of sesame seeds, and the aromatic punch of herbs—all in a perfectly crisp bite. They’re an ideal solution for reducing food waste while elevating your snack game.
The Flavor Experience: Tangy, Herby, Crunchy
What makes these crackers stand out is their deep and layered flavor profile. The tangy essence of fermented flour from the sourdough discard imparts a mild, complex acidity that’s unique and incredibly satisfying. Combined with olive oil and a blend of Italian herbs—like oregano, basil, and thyme—these crackers bring an earthy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutty, slightly bitter notes of toasted sesame seeds.
Salt flakes scattered over the top before baking bring bursts of flavor in every bite, enhancing both texture and taste. It’s the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is, in truth, made from some of the simplest pantry staples.
The Sustainability Angle: Zero-Waste and Guilt-Free
One of the most compelling reasons to bake sourdough discard crackers is the sustainability aspect. Home bakers know that maintaining a sourdough starter requires frequent feedings, which often results in leftover discard. Throwing it away can feel wasteful—especially when it still holds significant nutritional and culinary value.
These crackers are an easy way to reduce kitchen waste. Rather than seeing sourdough discard as a problem, this recipe repositions it as an asset. Not only are you saving ingredients, but you’re also creating something entirely new and delightful. It’s a powerful way to be both environmentally conscious and creatively fulfilled in the kitchen.
Perfect for Snacking, Entertaining, and More
Sourdough discard crackers are versatile enough to serve a variety of roles in your daily life. Need a quick, wholesome snack? These crackers are the answer. Hosting a wine night or cheese tasting? Arrange them artfully on a charcuterie board beside cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits. Their rustic aesthetic and balanced flavor profile make them a natural fit for upscale spreads.
They also make an excellent base for dips and spreads—think hummus, baba ganoush, whipped feta, or even a tangy goat cheese dip. Because they are sturdy yet crisp, they hold up well under pressure, unlike store-bought alternatives that tend to crumble under dense toppings.
Customizing Your Cracker Game
One of the joys of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the combination of sesame seeds and Italian herbs is already a classic, you can let your imagination run wild. Here are some popular variations that bakers and snackers alike enjoy:
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Cheesy Crunch: Add a tablespoon of finely grated parmesan or cheddar to the mix before spreading.
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Spice It Up: Sprinkle chili flakes or ground cayenne for heat lovers.
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Nut and Seed Power: Mix in chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or even crushed flaxseed for extra crunch and nutrition.
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Savory Sweet: Try a touch of honey and cracked pepper for a contrasting flavor experience.
These changes don’t just add variety—they personalize the crackers to match your mood, meal, or dietary preference.
Texture That Delivers
Texturally, these crackers are exactly what you hope for in a savory snack. Thin and crisp, they break with a satisfying snap and melt in your mouth just enough to let the flavors linger. Because you control the thickness when spreading the batter, you also control the final texture. Prefer a cracker with a bit more give? Spread them slightly thicker or add a pinch of baking soda for softness. Love an ultra-crispy finish? Spread the batter paper-thin and bake a little longer.
This flexibility allows home cooks to tweak the recipe until it matches their idea of the perfect cracker—whether that’s rustic and hearty or wafer-thin and delicate.
The Visual Appeal: Rustic and Elegant
Another major draw is the visual charm of these homemade crackers. Their slightly uneven edges and golden-brown flecks give them a rustic, artisanal look that’s much more inviting than anything mass-produced. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and flaky salt, they glisten subtly under the light—a detail that stands out when served to guests or photographed for social media.
Arranged on a platter, they evoke that wholesome, handcrafted aesthetic that today’s food lovers admire. These aren’t just crackers—they’re conversation starters.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once baked and cooled, sourdough discard crackers can be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to one week at room temperature. That said, they rarely last that long. Their addictive flavor and satisfying crunch often lead to them being snacked on throughout the day—meaning they tend to disappear quickly.
If you want to extend their shelf life, they can also be frozen in a zip-top bag and reheated briefly in the oven to restore crispness. This makes them a great make-ahead option for parties or weekly meal prep.
Nutritional Perspective
These crackers are also a smart choice from a nutritional standpoint. They’re baked, not fried, and use minimal added fat—just a tablespoon of olive oil for the whole batch. The inclusion of sesame seeds adds not only flavor but also essential nutrients such as healthy fats, calcium, and fiber.
Plus, using sourdough discard provides some of the benefits associated with fermented foods. Although baking neutralizes most probiotic activity, you still get the benefits of a more digestible grain product, thanks to the fermentation process breaking down gluten and phytic acid.
Why First-Time Bakers Love This Recipe
If you’re new to sourdough or even just home baking in general, this recipe is an ideal entry point. There’s no kneading, proofing, or complicated equipment required. With only five ingredients, one bowl, and less than an hour from start to finish, it’s a nearly foolproof way to gain confidence in the kitchen.
It also helps build your sourdough practice into a more sustainable habit. Knowing that your discard has value makes the entire process of maintaining a starter more enjoyable and less wasteful.
Conclusion: Simple Ingredients, Elevated Results
Sourdough discard crackers with sesame seeds are a prime example of culinary creativity meeting sustainability. They transform what would be waste into a flavorful, visually stunning snack that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with your afternoon tea, they deliver taste, texture, and nutrition in one beautiful bite.
The recipe’s flexibility ensures it can evolve with your preferences—add cheese, spices, or additional seeds for your own signature twist. But even in their simplest form, these crackers highlight just how far a little sourdough discard can go. Make a batch today, and you’ll wonder why you ever considered throwing it away in the first place.