Crispy Sourdough Cheese Crackers (Cheez-It Copycat)

These homemade sourdough cheese crackers are the perfect cheesy, crunchy snack with a savory tang from sourdough discard. Packed with real cheddar, a hint of dill, and baked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, they’re a flavorful twist on the classic Cheez-It® cracker—made right in your kitchen!

Ingredients
- 1cupsourdough starter discard
- 1cupall-purpose flour
- 1/2cupwhole wheat flour
- 2cupssharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2tbspunsalted butter, melted
- 1/3cupwater
- 1/2tspkosher salt
- 1/2tspfresh dill
Prior to baking
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Sprinkle of Kosher salt
- Optional: seasoning blend (e.. garlic powder, smoked paprika, ranch)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
240.8kcal (12.04%)
Protein
10.3g (20.5%)
Carbs
17.6g (6.38%)
Sugars
0.4g (0.8%)
Healthy Fat
4.9g
Unhealthy Fat
9.9g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Crispy Sourdough Cheese Crackers (Cheez-It Copycat)
Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine sourdough discard and water. Once combined, add the butter, seasonings, cheese, and flours.
Knead the dough until it comes away from the side clean. (may need to add a little flour or water depending on how runny your discard is.)
Divide dough into 4–6 portions, wrap or cover, and chill for 30–60 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to roll thin and prevents sticking and larger air fryers can accommodate 4 portions.
Roll & Cut
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out one portion of dough at a time on a lightly floured surface (or parchment) to about 1/16-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to slice into small squares.
Poke a hole in the center of each cracker with a skewer or toothpick—this keeps them from puffing up too much.
Season & Bake
Brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt or seasoning blend of choice.
Transfer to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, checking at 7 minutes for browning. Crackers should be crisp and golden.
Let cool on a wire rack. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
240.8kcal (12.04%)
Protein
10.3g (20.5%)
Carbs
17.6g (6.38%)
Sugars
0.4g (0.8%)
Healthy Fat
4.9g
Unhealthy Fat
9.9g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Once cooled, store crackers in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If they soften, pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to crisp up again.
FAQS
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like Parmesan or a cheese blend for different flavors.
How can I make the crackers spicier?
Add ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the dough for a spicy kick.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the crackers in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, checking for crispness.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
How do I prevent the crackers from puffing up?
Poking a hole in the center of each cracker with a skewer or toothpick helps prevent them from puffing up too much.
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Sarah Bastian
(@roamingrecipebox)
A cozy kitchen tucked at the edge of adventure. The Roaming Recipe Box wanders through comfort and curiosity, one bite at a time—sharing hearty favorites, sweet surprises, and a dash of magic from every corner of the map. A cozy kitchen tucked at the edge of adventure. The Roaming Recipe Box wanders through comfort and curiosity, one bite at a time—sharing hearty favorites,...
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