Sourdough cheezits
This sourdough-based Cheez-Its recipe will please Cheez-It fans. These crunchy, cheesy, slightly tangy bites make a great snack or cheese board addition. Sourdough starter makes them more addictive than store-bought ones. Making them at home lets you control ingredient quality and enjoy them hot from the oven!
This recipe employs active or discarded sourdough starter to give a tangy flavor that complements sharp cheddar cheese. Light, crisp, and delightful, with the right amount of cheesiness in every bite. Make wonderful handmade sourdough Cheez-Its with this recipe!
Ingredients:
120 g all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30 g) whole wheat flour (optional for flavor)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup (55 g) sharp cheddar, grated
1/4 cup (60 g) discard or active sourdough starter
3 tablespoons (42 g) chilled, diced unsalted butter
2-3 tablespoons cold water (or more)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional for cheesiness)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional and Smokey)
1 egg (optional egg wash for golden finish)
Instructions:
Make dough
Mix the dry ingredients:
Mix all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a large basin. Seasonings should be mixed equally.
Add cheese:
Add grated sharp cheddar and Parmesan (if using) to flour mixture. Mix the cheese into the dry ingredients using your hands or a spoon. This distributes cheese evenly throughout dough.
Incorporate butter:
Put chilled, cubed butter in the bowl. Using a pastry cutter, fingers, or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture into coarse crumbs. Small pea-sized butter bits.
Add sourdough starter:
Mix in the active or discarded sourdough starter. It adds flavor and binds dough. Stir to blend. Okay, the dough may be crumbly!
Include cold water:
Mix in 2-3 teaspoons of cold water slowly until the dough comes together. Add more water if it’s too crumbly to create a dough. Add enough water to mix, but not too much.
Roll dough
Chill dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. This firms the dough and makes rolling easier.
Preheat oven:
While the dough chills, prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment or silicone.
Roll dough:
After the dough chills, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Thinner dough makes Cheez-Its crunchier.
Cutting dough into squares:
Cut the dough into squares using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or tiny cookie cutter. Cheez-Its are usually 1 inch, but you can customize them. For the Cheez-It texture, press down on each square with a fork.
Bake Cheez-Its
Optional egg wash:
Whisk the egg in a small dish and lightly brush it on each Cheez-It for a glossy, golden finish. This optional procedure gives crackers a golden gloss and hue.
Bake:
Place the cut dough pieces on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart (they won’t spread much). Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. They can burn quickly at the end of baking, so watch them.
Cool:
Cheez-Its should cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking. Place them on a wire rack to finish cooling. They’ll crisp as they cool.
Keep and Enjoy
Storage:
After cooling, keep Cheez-Its in an airtight container. Keep them fresh for 1-2 weeks. To store them longer, freeze them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
Serving:
Enjoy handmade sourdough Cheez-Its. They can be eaten alone or with dips, cheeses, or meats. They add texture and taste to soups and salads when crumbled.
Notes:
Sourdough starter:
Keep your active sourdough starter fed and lively. Discard doesn’t need to be bubbly because it adds flavor and texture to crackers.
Choices of cheese:
Sharp cheddar is standard, but try mozzarella, gouda, or spicy pepper jack for a distinct taste.
Rolling dough:
If you want thinner dough, roll it between two parchment papers to avoid sticking and clean up.
Spice it up:
A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder makes the dough spicy.
Total Time:
Prep: 15-20 minutes (plus chilling)
30 minutes to chill
Baking: 12-15 minutes
In all, chilling and baking take 1 hour.
In conclusion,
these sourdough Cheez-Its are the perfect homemade snack, combining tangy sourdough with the cheesy, crunchy crunch you adore. They’re impressive whether you eat them alone or on a cheese platter. Best part? Change the cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste. Have fun creating and eating your handmade sourdough Cheez-Its!