Sourdough Seed Crackers

August 31, 2023 | By Amy Duska If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Learn how to make thin and crispy crackers with sourdough discard and seeds with this quick and easy recipe.

With basic ingredients like sesame seeds, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds, you can turn your sourdough discard into a tasty snack in around 30 minutes!

Baked sourdough seed crackers on a plate.


 

If you have leftover sourdough sourdough discard, no worries! Just like our sourdough discard cracker and sourdough butter cracker recipes, these seed-infused sourdough crackers will be a hit in your kitchen.

This recipe is suitable for sourdough starter made from any flour, including whole wheat or rye flour. To add variety, you can experiment by taking some of your existing starter and feeding it with a different kind of flour to alter the flavor profile.

These crackers are made without the need for additional flour which means they are fully fermented from the sourdough discard. They are also free of olive oil or butter which is great if you are looking for an oil-free cracker.

Ingredients needed

Ingredients needed to make sourdough seed crackers on a table.
  • sourdough starter discard - The discard can be used directly from the fridge with no need to bring it to room temperature. You can also use active sourdough starter to create the crackers.
  • seeds - Utilize a mixture of hemp, sesame, pumpkin, poppy, flax, chia seeds, and/or sunflower seeds in any combination you prefer. You can easily swap the seeds we used for whatever you have. The options are endless! (If using a hard seed such as caraway or fennel seeds, it's a good idea to grind them using a spice grinder before incorporating them into the batter.)
  • salt - Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the crackers, but feel free to modify this as per your requirements. To reduce the saltiness by 50%, exclude the salt from the batter and instead, apply salt flakes on the surface before baking. This technique will ensure that you experience the salt's impact on your taste buds with each bite.

How to make sourdough seed crackers

Before you start, position the oven rack in the middle and preheat it to 325°F (162°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.

Step 1: Prepare the batter

Combine the sourdough discard with your chosen seeds in a mixing bowl.

Pour this mixture onto the parchment paper and use an offset spatula to evenly spread it into a thin layer.

If desired, add a sprinkle of salt on top.

A woman spreading sourdough seed cracker batter onto parchment paper.
A woman sprinkling salt on sourdough seed cracker batter.

Step 2: Bake for 10 Minutes

Bake the crackers for 10 minutes. Take them out of the oven and use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to create scores on the crackers.

NOTE: Scoring the crackers will result in neat edges once they're done. If you prefer a more rustic appearance, you can skip this step and simply break the crackers apart.

A woman scoring sourdough seed crackers with a pizza cutter.

Step 3: Finish baking

Put the sheet pan back into the oven and bake for an extra 20 to 30 minutes. Monitor the crackers closely, as their browning can vary based on thickness and oven heat. (Oven temperatures vary.)

They're done when they begin to separate and the surface turns a golden brown color.

You have the option to let the crackers cool entirely on the baking sheet or carefully transfer them to a cooling rack if you feel they might be nearing overcooking. (They will be hot!)

Baked sourdough seed crackers on parchment paper.

Tips for Success

  • You can elevate sourdough seed crackers by incorporating herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. For a slightly chewy texture, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of rolled oats to the mix.
  • When spreading out the cracker batter, aim for a thickness no greater than that of the largest seed. The sourdough discard serves as the "glue" that binds everything, so it's important to have no gaps between seeds without the sourdough starter for optimal outcomes.
  • Parchment paper quality can vary. If you notice your batter sticking after baking, you might want to try a different brand. Personally, I've found Kirkland brand parchment paper to work well. Feel free to share your preferred brands in the comments. Alternatively, using a silicone mat is a fantastic reusable choice for baking crackers.

How to store

For the crispiest outcome, make sure the crackers are completely cooled before serving or storing.

Store them in an airtight container for up to a week. We prefer using glass Weck jars or wide-mouth Mason jars for convenient access.

Sourdough seed crackers stored in a glass jar.

More Sourdough Discard Recipes

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A closeup photo of a tray of sourdough seed crackers.

Sourdough Seed Crackers

This recipe for sourdough seed crackers is a quick and healthy way to use sourdough discard.
Rate this recipe!
4.98 from 69 votes
Print Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 crackers
Author: Amy Duska

INGREDIENTS

  • ¾ cup (200 g) discarded sourdough starter (stirred down)
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (untoasted or toasted)
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 g) fine sea salt (can be omitted if needed)

Topping

  • ¼ teaspoon (1 g) salt (for sprinkling on top)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Add the ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined. Use an offset spatula to spread the mixture in a thin, even layer onto the parchment paper. Sprinkle the top with salt.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then take the sheet out of the oven and score the crackers with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Continue baking for an extra 20-30 minutes or until the crackers achieve a golden brown color. (Oven temperatures differ, so check the crackers after 20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.)
  • Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. Store in an air-tight container for up to one week at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cracker | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g
4.98 from 69 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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76 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Brilliant. I made 2 batches. One was a bit thicker and not as wet .... I added flax seeds (NZ staple) but they suck up moisture like it's going out fashion.... should have soaked them first. Lesson learned. The crackers were excellent. Both batches worked well and go really well with peanut butter. Seeds used were sesame, flax, pumpkin, sunflower.

  2. Yes. It was super easy. The first time I did it I followed recipe exact. It was to bland. Second time I added additional seasoning and different nuts and grated parm. It was fantastic!