Need to feed your sourdough starter but are not sure what to do with the discard? Don’t toss it! This collection of over 15 of the best sourdough discard recipes will inspire you to put that extra starter to good use. There’s something here for everyone, from sweet treats and fluffy pancakes to savory favorites and desserts.
Using discard recipes is a smart and sustainable way to reduce waste in your kitchen! Most discard recipes are quick to prep and the natural tang from the starter adds a depth of flavor you can’t get from traditional batters or doughs. Plus, the acidity from the starter improves texture in every recipe.
These easy sourdough discard recipes don’t require your starter to be recently fed. It can go straight from the counter or refrigerator into your next bake since it’s not for leavening. You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious an excess starter can be.
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Why We Love These Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes
- It provides a delicious way to reduce food waste.
This technique allows us to make use of the discarded starter that would otherwise be thrown away before it’s time to feed it. - Minimal ingredients.
These recipes often require minimal ingredients and are relatively simple to prepare, making them a convenient option for busy bakers. - Unique flavor.
Using discard offers a unique tangy flavor that adds depth to various dishes.
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
One thing you don’t ever want to do is put your discard down the drain! This is really important. If you do, eventually you’ll find yourself with a horribly clogged drain. If you must throw it out, put it in the trash.
What is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter removed during the feeding process to keep the starter alive, active, and at the right consistency. While it’s not as bubbly or potent as a recently fed starter, it is still fermented- thus, rich in flavor and an excellent ingredient for discard recipes! Instead of tossing it out, you can use it to add a unique, tangy taste to your dishes.
For infrequent bakers who store their starter in the fridge, discard becomes even more useful. Every 7-10 days, you’ll want to pull out your starter for a feeding. During that process, the discard can be used in simple recipes using starter and flour, like pancakes, banana bread, pizza crust, and even cinnamon rolls! Learn more about what is sourdough discard with our guide!
What to Make with Sourdough Starter Discard
At home, with my starter, I typically make our family favorites- overnight sourdough bread or soft sourdough sandwich bread. Before feeding I remove ‘discard’ to keep a manageable sized starter to feed. I like to keep a discard jar as well so I always have discard available for recipes. Using discard is not only a way to reduce food waste (no tossing it out) but also an opportunity to elevate the flavor of your cooking and baking with its distinctive tangy taste.
Ready to make your own sourdough starter? You can start with our quick and easy guide.
Do you have a backup starter on hand? Having a backup if yours becomes contaminated, gets moldy, or the jar breaks is essential. Your future self will be happy! Discover how to store your sourdough starter by reading our guide.
Quick Breakfast Recipes
Not every sourdough recipe has to involve baking a beautiful loaf! Here are some of the best discard breakfast recipes.
- Beginner friendly
- 25 minute recipe
- No added sugar
- Under 3 hours
- Uses some yeast for a quicker rise
- Skip buying bagels at the store
- Easy recipe
- 35 minutes total time
- Bakery style scones
- 12 hours (requires a rise time)
- Cooked on a skillet, no oven needed
- Perfect for meal prep
- No knead recipe
- 12 hours (there is a rise time for these)
- No commercial yeast
- Beginner-friendly
- 35 minute recipe
- Perfect for meal prep
Are you having trouble with your starter? Don’t worry—every baker faces challenges along the way! Whether it’s not bubbling, smells off, or won’t rise, there’s a solution to get it back on track with our tips to help it thrive. A healthy starter yields superior results in all recipes, so let’s troubleshoot and help you bake with confidence! Check out our tips about problems with sourdough starter!
Quick Sourdough Bread Recipes
Nothing says comfort like homemade rolls and quick breads. These recipes are easy to mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer, and can be made ahead and frozen, too.
- 9-13 hours, or an overnight rise
- Soft and fluffy, classic dinner rolls
- Freeze extras and save for later
- Mostly hands off recipe
- Customizable based on chosen toppings
- High hydration recipe means a soft, fluffy bread with a golden crispy exterior.
Sourdough Sweet Treats
Who doesn’t love sweet treats? Mixing a bit of sourdough discard with a sweet treat is the secret ingredient I wish I had discovered years ago!
- Beginner level recipe
- Just over one hour
- Incredibly moist bread, makes it perfect for meal prepping breakfasts.
- Easy to follow recipe
- 1 hour total
- The sourdough gives it the perfect chewy texture
- Easy to follow recipe
- Ready in just about an hour
- This recipe uses a full cup of discard
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Always label your discard container with the date. Keeping track of when it was added helps you rotate and use older discard first—and makes planning your prep even easier!
Savory Sourdough
Sourdough discard can also be used for all sorts of savory recipes that don’t involve long rise breads.
- Easy recipe
- Customizable
- 50 minutes
- No commercial yeast
- 8 hour recipe
- Turn your discard into delicious pizza
- A longer recipe (but worth it!)10-13 hours
- Perfectly sturdy for juicy burgers
- So much better than store bought buns- based on our popular Quick and Easy Hamburger Bun Recipe.
- 1 hour and 20 minute recipe
- Versatile- use it for making burritos, tacos, flatbread pizzas, or wraps
- Freeze extras and save for later
Wondering how to keep your sourdough starter happy and ready to use? Proper storage is the key! Knowing how to store it ensures that it stays active and healthy so you can bake daily or occasionally!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just bring it to room temperature first for best results in your recipe.
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw and use in any discard recipe.
That’s normal! The tanginess actually adds flavor. If it smells bad or off (like mold), toss it.
You’ll need a few basic ingredients: sourdough discard, flour (typically all-purpose flour or bread flour), warm water, salt, and often a small amount of commercial yeast to help the dough rise. Some recipes also include tablespoons of olive oil or honey for added flavor and softness. The discard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, making it a wonderful way to use up your extra starter without waste.
If you tried these discard recipes or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram for more. Thanks for visiting!
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anthony c says
Thank you. Great webpage. Defiantly will use.