Hey there fellow sourdough enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself knee-deep in sourdough starter discard and wondering, “What on earth can I do with all this excess goodness?” – you’re in the right place. We’ve all been there, reluctant to toss out that precious sourdough discard but unsure of how to put it to good use. Fear not! In this post, you’ll get 55 creative sourdough discard recipes to turn that potential waste into delicious treats.
From sourdough discard pancakes to pizza, and everything in between, let’s transform your sourdough starter discard into culinary magic!
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What Is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard refers to the portion of sourdough starter that is removed and discarded during the feeding process.
When you feed your sourdough starter to keep it active and healthy, you remove part of it before adding flour and water.
This discarded portion is known as sourdough discard.
While it’s called “discard,” it’s far from useless!
In fact, it’s a flavorful byproduct that can be repurposed in various recipes, turning what might seem like waste into a valuable ingredient for creating tasty dishes like the ones below!
First I’ll share a big list of my favorite discard recipes from food bloggers I love!
Then I’ll show you how to use sourdough discard in practically any recipe you want. ❤️
List of Sourdough Discard Recipes
Now I’ll share a list of sourdough discard recipes to use up that tangy sourdough starter in delicious ways.
I have scoured the web and come up with the best sourdough discard recipes out there…let’s go!
Sourdough Discard Recipes
A huge list of sourdough discard recipes to use up that tangy sourdough starter in delicious ways!
Unlike other sourdough chocolate chip cookies recipes out there, these awesome cookies, made with 1/2 cup of sourdough discard, are thick and chewy, not cakey, because of the rolled oats in the dough!
Make the crispiest, crunchiest, tastiest onion rings you’ve ever had, with the perfect amount of coating, by using sourdough starter discard!
Healthy sourdough discard pancakes with no added sugar.
Fluffy and olive-filled focaccia made with sourdough discard.
Easy sour dough discard banana muffins recipe.
Crispy, spicy, and salty sourdough pizza crackers.
Sweet and tangy banana bread gets a flavor kick from sourdough discard.
Crunchy crackers that are gluten-free and filled with herbs and seeds.
Yummy sourdough pumpkin muffins made with sourdough starter or discard!
These sourdough banana pancakes are the perfect way to use up brown bananas and sourdough discard.
Simple and delicious sourdough discard biscuits recipe.
Studded with cranberries and orange zest, this coffeecake using sourdough discard will become a new favorite.
Use leftover sourdough discard to make these crispy crackers with sesame seeds!
Orange-infused pumpkin spice scones!
Combine the delicious flavors of chocolate and coconut with your leftover sourdough starter to make this chocolate coconut cake.
Fluffy sourdough discard pancakes with real maple syrup.
Crunchy double-baked biscotti made with leftover sourdough discard.
Yeast-free soft and fluffy pizza dough with sourdough discard.
Sourdough donuts with powdered sugar, using your leftover sourdough starter.
Flaky pie crust with a subtle sourdough tang from sourdough discard.
Cute goldfish cheddar crackers made with sourdough starter or discard.
Easy to make and a great way to use up your extra sourdough starter.
Buttery cornbread made with sourdough is the perfect pairing for your favorite soup!
A quick bread recipe perfect for around St. Patrick's Day!
This sourdough coffeecake is a delicious way to cut down on kitchen waste and use leftover sourdough discard.
These yummy cinnamon sourdough muffins can be made with active starter or discard.
Sweet, salty, and slightly tangy chocolate chip cookies made with sourdough discard.
I adore this Starbucks copycat recipe - pumpkin cream cheese muffins with a slight sourdough flavor. So good!
Sourdough oatmeal raisin cookies with browned butter - yum!
These sourdough apple muffins come together in less than 30 minutes, and are positively packed with apples!
This sourdough apple cake is packed with apples, raisins, and pecans. You can make it with or without sourdough discard.
Dark chocolate chunks and extra flavor from the sourdough make these chocolate chip cookies ones you'll want to make over and over.
Enjoy these buckwheat pancakes on a lazy weekend morning.
This sourdough flatbread is a delicious way to use up discard starter.
These hand pies with a flaky sourdough crust and spinach and feta inside make a special appetizer.
Pillowy soft cinnamon cookies made with sourdough!
Delicious and moist pumpkin spice muffins with real maple syrup.
This sourdough pie crust is perfect for sweet or savory pies.
This sourdough naan recipe is easy for beginners and a great recipe to use your unfed starter.
These sweet scones are made tender by using your excess starter.
Easy sourdough cinnamon rolls - no yeast needed!
Make homemade pizza with this easy sourdough pizza crust. It's also yeast-free!
Buttery cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth, a delicious and easy recipe to use up your excess starter!
Quick 30-minute blueberry muffin recipe using the excess portion of your starter.
Try these banana walnut pancakes for a healthy and filling breakfast using your discarded sourdough starter.
Lovely lavender scones made with options to make it with or without discarded sourdough.
Fluffy sourdough pancakes made with sourdough starter.
Sourdough cracker recipe that makes excellent use of leftover sourdough discard.
Sweet sourdough waffles made with active starter or discard.
Delicious honey wheat bread made with optional sourdough discard.
Salty and chewy, these pretzel rolls are a delicious option with soup, or as a hamburger bun.
Tender chicken with a crispy, flavorful sourdough batter is a favorite sourdough discard recipe.
Pillowy sourdough pita bread pockets to fill with whatever delicious fillings you desire!
You'll love this unique and delicious recipe using both sourdough discard, and a lovely edible flower that is often seen as a "discard" too!
These dairy-free blueberry sourdough pancakes are sure to become one of your favorite healthy sourdough discard recipes.
Pin these discard recipes for later!
Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes
Sourdough discard recipes are a great way to minimize waste while adding a tangy flavor to various dishes.
Here are different general ideas on how to make good use of sourdough discard:
1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Mix together sourdough discard, flour, milk, eggs, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Cook on a griddle or in a pan for delicious sourdough pancakes.
2. Sourdough Discard Waffles
Similar to pancakes, use sourdough discard in your waffle batter for a tangy twist to your morning waffles.
3. Sourdough Discard Crackers
Combine sourdough discard with flour, oil, salt, and any desired herbs or spices.
Roll out thin, cut into shapes, and bake for homemade sourdough crackers.
4. Sourdough Discard Flatbreads
Mix sourdough discard with flour, water, salt, and a bit of olive oil.
Roll out and cook on a hot surface for quick and tasty flatbreads.
5. Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough
Use sourdough discard in your pizza dough recipe for a flavorful and slightly tangy crust.
6. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
Add sourdough discard to your favorite banana bread recipe for a unique flavor profile.
Adjust the flour and liquid ratios accordingly.
7. Sourdough Discard Muffins
Mix sourdough discard into muffin batter along with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices.
Bake as usual for tangy muffins.
8. Sourdough Discard Scones
Incorporate sourdough discard into scone dough for a delicious variation.
Add dried fruits or nuts for extra texture.
9. Sourdough Discard Pretzels
Use sourdough discard in your pretzel dough for a soft and flavorful twist.
Boil in a baking soda solution before baking for the classic pretzel texture.
10. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
Enhance your chocolate cake recipe with sourdough discard for a subtle tang.
Adjust the other ingredients to maintain the desired consistency.
Adjust the quantities and ratios depending on your specific sourdough discard and the recipes you’re working with. These recipes not only help reduce waste but also introduce a unique flavor to your favorite dishes.
What is the Difference Between Sourdough Starter and Discard?
Sourdough starter is the ongoing culture that you continually feed and maintain, while the discard is the portion removed and set aside during the feeding process. The discard can be repurposed in recipes (like the ones here!) to minimize waste and maximize flavor.
Sourdough Starter
- The sourdough starter is the initial mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria from the environment.
- Sourdough starter is the foundation for making sourdough bread and other baked goods. When you feed and maintain the starter with regular additions of flour and water, it becomes a lively and active culture of natural yeast and bacteria.
Sourdough Discard
- Sourdough discard refers to a portion of the sourdough starter that is removed and discarded during the feeding process.
- This discard is taken out before refreshing the starter with additional flour and water. It is called “discard” because it is not used in the main baking process of the current batch.
- While the discard can contain active yeast and bacteria, its purpose is to prevent the starter from growing too large, and it’s typically set aside for use in other recipes.
If you like making homemade bread, this is my favorite bread recipe for no-knead artisan bread. It is a faster no-knead bread recipe so you don’t have to wait for an overnight rise!
Pin these discard recipes for later!
Tammy
Monday 15th of January 2024
I'm amazed at how many different things you can make with sourdough starter! I love the pancakes but the fried chicken and waffles is also calling to me!
TheCuriousFrugal
Monday 15th of January 2024
I was too when I started collecting sourdough discard recipes! :) Omg the sweet/savory combo of chicken and waffles with the sourdough tang is amazing!!!
Sandi G.
Friday 22nd of December 2023
They all look amazing. I can't wait to try a few of these recipes with my discard!
TheCuriousFrugal
Friday 22nd of December 2023
Hey Sandi! Yes, I am excited about the variety of discard recipes here. :)