A Cozy Afternoon Snack Turned Family Favorite
It all started on a quiet Sunday afternoon, when the warmth of the oven mingled with the tangy aroma of sourdough starter sitting patiently on the counter. Like many home bakers, I had fallen in love with my starter — nurturing it daily, feeding it carefully, and endlessly searching for ways to use the inevitable sourdough discard. That’s when Sourdough Pretzel Crackers were born — a delicious discovery born out of a desire to waste nothing and create something wonderfully snackable.
Using sourdough discard in baking had already become part of my routine, but turning it into these crisp, salty, herby bites transformed simple sourdough scraps into one of our family’s favorite Sourdough Snacks Recipes. As the dough came together, fragrant with fresh rosemary and a hint of butter, it was clear that these crackers were more than a practical solution — they were a love letter to cozy kitchens and homemade goodness.
When the first batch came out of the oven, golden edges catching the light, the air filled with the irresistible scent of rosemary and toasted grain. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt added that perfect crunch and balance, making each cracker an irresistible combination of savory, tangy, and crisp. The entire family gathered around to sample them while they were still warm — and just like that, our Sourdough Pretzel Crackers turned into a regular feature of lazy afternoons, paired with a cheese board, hummus, or just eaten straight from the pan.
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Easy Sourdough Pretzel Crackers with Rosemary & Sea Salt
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 30 crackers 1x
Description
Crispy homemade pretzel-style crackers made with sourdough discard, fresh rosemary, and sea salt. A simple, waste-reducing snack perfect for sharing or pairing with cheese and dips.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a bowl whisk sourdough discard and melted butter or olive oil until smooth.
2. Add flour, baking soda, chopped rosemary, and sea salt; mix into a soft dough, adding flour or water as needed.
3. Cover dough and rest 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
6. Cut dough into uniform shapes and, if desired, dip briefly in simmering water with 1 tsp baking soda.
7. Place crackers on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash or oil.
8. Sprinkle with extra rosemary and sea salt.
9. Bake 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown, rotating halfway through.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cracker
Keywords: sourdough, pretzel, crackers, rosemary, sea salt, sourdough snacks, sourdough discard, homemade snack, easy recipe
For anyone with a jar of bubbly starter on the counter, these Sourdough Crackers Discard are the kind of treat that makes you fall in love with baking all over again — simple, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Why Sourdough Pretzel Crackers with Rosemary & Sea Salt Deserve a Spot in Your Snack Rotation
There’s something special about snacks that feel both homemade and gourmet — and Sourdough Pretzel Crackers with Rosemary & Sea Salt deliver exactly that. This recipe stands out for its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples, a bit of leftover sourdough starter, and a few minutes of love. In return, you get crisp crackers that pair beautifully with cheeses, dips, or even your favorite soup.
What makes these Sourdough Pretzels Discard so appealing is how they combine sustainability with flavor. Using sourdough discard means reducing kitchen waste while adding incredible depth — that signature tang lends each bite the rustic charm of fresh-baked sourdough bread. Add in rosemary’s earthy aroma and the brightness of sea salt, and you have a snack that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent.
Beyond taste, these crackers also fit seamlessly into your Sourdough Finger Food ideas. They’re easy to pack for picnics, share at gatherings, or gift in a jar tied with a sprig of rosemary — the kind of treat that makes an everyday moment feel special. Best of all, they prove that sustainable baking doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as easy as turning your discard into perfectly crisp, flavorful Sourdough Snacks Recipes your friends and family will ask for again and again.
Whether you serve them alongside a charcuterie board or enjoy them with a cozy cup of tea, these Sourdough Pretzel Crackers are the kind of easy, feel-good snack that takes sourdough baking to the next level.
Ingredients, Tools & Perfect Dough Prep
Simple Ingredients for Sourdough Pretzel Crackers Success
At the heart of these Sourdough Pretzel Crackers is a short and simple ingredient list that you likely already have in your pantry. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of tang, crunch, and flavor. The sourdough discard provides that signature tangy bite and helps bind the dough naturally, while butter or olive oil gives a rich flakiness to each cracker. Here’s everything you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 cup Sourdough discard | The base of the recipe — adds flavor and reduces food waste. |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | Provides structure and crispness to the crackers. |
| 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil | Adds richness and helps with browning. |
| ½ tsp baking soda | Enhances the pretzel-like flavor and texture. |
| 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary | Adds aroma and a touch of herbal warmth. |
| ½ tsp sea salt + extra for topping | Seasons the dough and balances flavor. |
| Optional: Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) | Helps the rosemary and salt stick and adds shine to the crackers. |
This flexible recipe allows for a bit of creativity. If you prefer to keep the crackers dairy-free, olive oil is an excellent choice — it creates a lovely crisp texture and highlights the herbal notes of the rosemary. For a richer flavor, butter gives the crackers a slightly soft center and beautifully browned edges.
Whole grain or rye flour can be substituted for part of the all-purpose flour if you’re after a more complex taste and hearty texture. Just remember that heavier flours may make the crackers a bit denser, so roll them thinner for maximum crunch.
Whether you choose butter or oil, the key to perfect Sourdough Crackers Discard is balance — letting the tang of the sourdough shine while keeping the flavors simple, crisp, and aromatic.
The Right Tools Make All the Difference
Having the right tools on hand can make your Sourdough Pretzel Crackers experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. These are simple, everyday kitchen items, but each plays a crucial role in creating evenly baked, perfectly golden crackers.
- Mixing Bowl: Use a medium-sized bowl to bring the dough together easily. Stainless steel or glass bowls work best for quick cleanup.
- Rolling Pin: Crucial for achieving a consistent thickness in your crackers. A thin, even layer ensures they bake uniformly and turn crisp without burning the edges.
- Dough Scraper or Bench Knife: Helps divide the dough evenly, lift it cleanly from the surface, and make clean, sharp cuts.
- Baking Sheet: A heavy-duty, rimmed baking sheet encourages even heat distribution. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents the crackers from burning and makes transferring them in and out of the oven quick and mess-free.
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for applying egg wash or a light coating of oil to help rosemary and sea salt adhere before baking.
Before you begin, take a moment to prepare your workspace. Lightly flour your surface to avoid sticking, preheat your oven, and line your baking tray ahead of time. Efficiency makes all the difference when handling soft dough made from Sourdough Crackers Discard.
One key tip: keep your rolling thickness consistent. Uneven dough means some pieces will crisp too quickly while others remain soft. Roll to about 1/8 inch for the perfect snappy crunch that defines a great Sourdough Pretzel Cracker.
Organization also helps you maintain momentum — mix, roll, and cut in batches for a smooth workflow. With a well-prepped setup, even an everyday baking session feels fun and professional, turning your Sourdough Snacks Recipes into something you’ll look forward to making again and again.
Step-by-Step Preparation & Baking Tips
Making the Dough — Getting the Texture Just Right
The key to irresistible Sourdough Pretzel Crackers lies in creating dough with just the right balance of tenderness and elasticity. Because every sourdough discard has a slightly different hydration level, take a moment to assess yours before mixing — thicker discard will yield a drier dough, while looser discard might require a touch more flour. Either way, the process is simple and forgiving.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard and melted butter (or olive oil) until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and well-emulsified — this step helps distribute the fat evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, chopped rosemary, and sea salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. Adjust with a spoonful of flour or water if needed.
- Rest the Dough: Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or chill for an hour for a deeper pretzel-like flavor.
- Roll Thin: Flour your surface, then roll to ⅛ inch thickness. The thinner, the crunchier your Sourdough Pretzels Discard crackers will be.
- Cut Shapes: Slice or shape the dough evenly so the crackers bake uniformly.
The perfect texture feels slightly elastic but easy to handle — a sign that your crackers will bake crisp and light. As you get familiar with how your discard behaves, adjusting will become second nature, turning each batch into reliable, flavorful Sourdough Snacks Recipes.
Baking & Seasoning for that Perfect Crunch
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment.
- Optional Boil: For pretzel-style sheen, briefly dip pieces in a baking soda bath before arranging on the tray.
- Add Toppings: Brush with egg wash or oil, then sprinkle rosemary and sea salt.
- Bake: Bake 12–15 minutes, rotating halfway. They’re done when golden and aromatic. Leave to dry in the cooling oven for extra crispness.
- Cool and Store: Cool fully on a rack, then store airtight up to a week. Add a bit of rice or a silica sachet to preserve crunch.
These Sourdough Pretzels Discard crackers are irresistible warm and keep beautifully for gifting or grazing. Serve with dips, cheese, or among other Sourdough Finger Food treats — a satisfying way to turn humble discard into bakery-level crunch.
FAQs and Conclusion
Common Questions About Sourdough Pretzel Crackers with Rosemary & Sea Salt
1. Can I make sourdough pretzel crackers without a discard?
Yes. Replace the Sourdough Crackers Discard with a one-to-one mix of flour and water, plus a dash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to mimic tang. Flavor will be milder but still delicious.
2. How long do homemade sourdough crackers stay crispy?
Stored properly, these Sourdough Snacks Recipes stay crisp 7–10 days in an airtight container. Re-crisp for a few minutes in the oven if needed.
3. Can I freeze sourdough pretzel crackers?
Yes. Freeze cooled crackers up to two months, then reheat briefly at 300°F (150°C) to restore crunch before serving.
4. What other flavor combinations work well?
Try thyme, oregano, dill, or sesame toppings. Add parmesan, garlic, or smoked paprika for creative Sourdough Finger Food twists.
Bringing It All Together — Why You’ll Love Making These Crackers
With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty discard, Easy Sourdough Pretzel Crackers with Rosemary & Sea Salt prove how satisfying and sustainable home baking can be. Each golden, crisp bite echoes the rustic tang of sourdough and the freshness of rosemary, kissed with sea salt for balance.
They capture what makes Sourdough Snacks Recipes so rewarding — creativity, comfort, and the simple joy of putting homemade food on the table. Whether you pack them for a picnic, share them at a party, or gift them in ribbon-tied jars, these Sourdough Pretzels Discard crackers embody warmth and care.
So next time you feed your starter, remember this tasty transformation. Turn that humble discard into something memorable, and share your own Sourdough Finger Food adventures — because every great recipe begins with a little inspiration and a lot of love.
