Spicy Sourdough Cheez-Its Jalapeño (Printable)

Crispy, tangy sourdough crackers spiced with jalapeño and smoky paprika, ideal for snacks or gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Sourdough

03 - 1/2 cup sourdough discard, unfed starter

→ Vegetables and Spices

04 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for topping
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Dry Ingredients

10 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

# How To Make It:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, softened butter, and sourdough discard until just incorporated.
02 - Add jalapeño, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Gradually add all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms. If dough appears sticky, incorporate up to 2 additional tablespoons flour as needed.
04 - Flatten dough into a disc shape, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
06 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness using even pressure throughout.
07 - Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into 1-inch squares. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing crackers slightly apart.
08 - Using a skewer or toothpick, pierce the center of each cracker with a single hole.
09 - Lightly sprinkle tops of crackers with additional kosher salt.
10 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and crisp, rotating baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning.
11 - Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before placing in an airtight container.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Puts your sourdough discard to delicious use instead of tossing it
  • Fresh jalapeño and smoked paprika create bold, complex flavor
  • Perfectly crispy texture that satisfies every crunch craving
  • Customizable heat level to suit your preference
  • Impressive homemade snack that's surprisingly easy to make
  • Stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container
02 -
  • Use a pizza cutter for quick, straight cuts and uniform squares
  • Chill the dough long enough—it makes rolling much easier
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; crackers need space for air circulation
  • Watch closely in the final minutes of baking to prevent over-browning
  • Store in an airtight container with a small piece of parchment between layers
  • Make a double batch—they disappear quickly
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