Sourdough Cheez-Its Snack Mix

There's something deeply satisfying about making your own Cheez-Its from scratch, especially when sourdough starter gets involved. I discovered this combination during a lazy Sunday afternoon when I had leftover discard calling to me from the fridge and a sudden craving for something crunchy to snack on while watching the game. The tangy funk of sourdough paired with sharp cheddar felt like a natural evolution, and once I mixed in nuts and pretzels with a savory butter coating, it became impossible to stop eating. Now I make batches whenever friends are coming over, mostly because I know they'll forget their own snacks once they start munching.

My neighbor knocked on my door at six in the evening asking what smelled so incredible, and I handed her a container of this mix still warm from the oven. She returned it empty the next morning with a note asking for the recipe, and that felt like the ultimate compliment. Now whenever there's a neighborhood gathering or casual dinner, someone mentions these crackers and suddenly I'm the person known for one specific snack, which is honestly fine by me.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives you structure; whole wheat is optional but adds a nutty depth if you're feeling adventurous.
• Unsalted butter: Keep it cold because cold butter creates those shattered, crispy layers you're chasing.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Don't skimp on quality here—finely shred it yourself for better incorporation and a more pronounced flavor.
• Sourdough starter: Active or discard works, though active starter might give you slightly more rise and tang.
• Baking powder: Just enough to help them puff slightly without making them cakey.
• Mini pretzels: The salty anchor that keeps everything balanced.
• Mixed roasted nuts: Pick what you like; almonds stay crisp while cashews add sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that makes people ask what that savory magic is.
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder: This trio is the flavor backbone of your coating.

Instructions

Pulse your dry ingredients:

Combine flour, butter, cheddar, salt, and baking powder in a food processor and pulse until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs. This should take about 10 pulses—you want visible butter specks, not a smooth paste.

Add the sourdough starter:

Pulse in your starter until the dough just comes together. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until it holds when squeezed.

Chill and rest:

Wrap your dough disk and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this prevents shrinking during baking and makes rolling easier.

Roll and cut:

On a lightly floured surface, roll to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 1-inch squares. Poke a center hole in each with a skewer to give them that classic Cheez-It shape.

Bake the crackers:

Spread on parchment and bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes until they're deep golden and sound crispy when you tap them. They'll firm up more as they cool.

Mix the coating:

Whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and your spice trio in a small bowl until completely combined.

Assemble and toast:

Combine cooled crackers, pretzels, and nuts in a large bowl, pour the butter mixture over everything, and toss until every piece glistens. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway, until it smells toasted and golden.

Cool and store:

Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps for about five days, though it rarely lasts that long.

Save

My kid came home from school asking why the kitchen smelled like a fancy snack bar, and I realized that homemade crackers have this aroma that nothing store-bought can replicate. It was one of those quiet moments where I felt genuinely proud of something small but genuinely delicious.

The Sourdough Advantage

Sourdough starter transforms ordinary cheese crackers into something with character and subtle tang that gets better the longer you keep them. The fermentation adds complexity that makes people pause mid-chew and ask what's different about these compared to commercial versions. If you're someone who always has starter on hand, this feels like a natural and delicious way to use it.

Customizing Your Mix

The beauty of this snack is how forgiving it is to your personal preferences and what's already in your pantry. I've swapped out half the pretzels for wasabi peas, replaced mixed nuts with peanuts when I'm craving something more familiar, and even added dark chocolate chips at the very end when I wanted a sweet-savory moment. The Worcestershire sauce is loud enough that it carries whatever flavor profile you're working with.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

This snack works equally well at a casual gathering or as an afternoon pick-me-up at your desk when you need something substantial without being a full meal. It pairs beautifully with cold beer, sparkling cider, or even a crisp white wine if you're feeling fancier. The umami from Worcestershire and the nuttiness from sourdough make it sophisticated enough for adults while still being irresistible comfort food.

• Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture if you like a gentle heat that builds as you eat.
• Make double batches because it freezes beautifully for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
• If anyone mentions a gluten sensitivity, swap gluten-free flour and pretzels and it works without any compromise.

Save

This snack mix became my answer to every casual gathering, potluck, and impromptu moment when someone shows up and you need something ready to eat. It's the kind of recipe that proves you don't need complicated techniques or rare ingredients to make something genuinely memorable.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes the Cheez-Its sourdough-based?

The inclusion of sourdough starter in the dough adds a subtle tang and depth, enhancing the classic cheddar flavor.

→ Can I use different nuts in the mix?

Yes, feel free to substitute with almonds, pecans, cashews, or any preferred roasted nuts to match your taste.

→ How do I achieve the crispy texture for the crackers?

Rolling the dough thinly and baking until golden ensures a perfectly crisp texture for the crackers.

→ Is Worcestershire sauce essential for flavor?

Its umami-rich profile complements the spices and butter, but you can omit or replace it if needed.

→ Can this mix be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and pretzels with gluten-free versions while keeping other ingredients consistent.