Need to feed your sourdough starter, and you’re not sure what to do with the discard? Don’t toss it! This collection has over 18 of the best sourdough discard recipes and will inspire you to put it to good use! From breakfast favorites to creative desserts and savory snacks, you’ll love these easy recipes using sourdough starter. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, crispy crackers, or decadent brownies, you’ll find plenty of sourdough recipes to try.
Ready to transform your discard into something extraordinary? Explore these easy-to-make ideas and find a sourdough discard recipe you’ll love today!
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Why We Love Sourdough Discard Recipes
- It provides a delicious way to reduce food waste.
This 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 sourdough discard offer a unique tangy flavor that adds depth to a variety of dishes.
What is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough 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 freshly fed starter, discard is still rich in flavor and an excellent ingredient for discard recipes—including bread! 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 sourdough starter, like pancakes, banana bread, pizza crust, and even cinnamon rolls!
What to Make with Sourdough Starter Discard
At home, I usually set aside what I need for our family favorites, like overnight sourdough bread or soft sourdough sandwich bread, before feeding my starter. 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.
Whether you’re whipping up a sweet treat or a savory snack, discard is an incredibly versatile ingredient you’ll love experimenting with!
Ready to make your own sourdough starter? Our quick and easy guide will help you get started.
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! Find out how in our how to store sourdough starter.
Recipes With Sourdough Starter
Not every sourdough recipe has to involve baking a loaf of bread! Here are some of the best sourdough recipes not bread, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert:
Old Fashioned Sourdough Cake with Apples
This sourdough cake with apples is a delicious dessert! Use up your sourdough discard to make this easy old-fashioned apple cake recipe.
Fluffiest Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Sourdough discard pancakes are light, fluffy, and healthier, too! This sourdough pancake recipe uses buttermilk and no added sugar. Delicious!
Blueberry Sourdough Scones
These light and fluffy sourdough scones, made with dried blueberries, are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Sourdough discard cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and incredibly delicious! Make this sourdough discard recipe for an easy breakfast treat!
Learn how to keep your sourdough bread fresh with our comprehensive guide to storing sourdough bread.
Overnight Sourdough Recipes (Discard Bread Recipes)
For those who love fresh bread in the morning, these sourdough starter discard recipes are made to rise overnight:
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Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Make the BEST fluffy and soft crust sourdough sandwich bread with King Arthur Flour and our easy no-knead overnight rise recipe!
Overnight Sourdough Bread
Amazingly Easy Sourdough Bread. It’s true, making sourdough is easy! And sourdough bread uses natural yeast you can make right at home. Add a little flour, water, and salt to make bread with this easy, no-knead overnight sourdough bread.
Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread
Fluffy, tender, and perfectly tangy Dutch oven sourdough bread. This classic no-knead sourdough recipe is easy and uses 4 basic ingredients! Be sure to check our recipe notes for fermentation rise times.
Keep your sourdough bread fresh and flavorful with proper storage! With our tips on how to keep your sourdough bread longer, you’ll always have delicious sourdough ready to enjoy—or transform into a tasty sourdough discard recipe! 🥖✨
Struggling with your sourdough 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 means better results in all your starter discard recipes, so let’s troubleshoot and get you baking like a pro! Check out our tips about problems with sourdough starter!
Chocolate Sourdough Bread
Chocolate sourdough bread is the perfect option for using leftover sourdough discard. Make this sweet bread recipe for a special occasion.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread
This beginner-friendly sourdough is packed with tangy cheddar and fiery jalapeños. It’s the perfect, easy-to-make, simple treat.
Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
Learn how to make a slightly tangy, perfectly sweet, and fluffy loaf! This whole wheat sourdough bread recipe has everything you need.
Wondering how to keep your sourdough starter happy and ready to use? Proper storage is the key! Whether you bake daily or occasionally, knowing how to store your starter ensures it stays active and healthy. With the right care, your starter will always be ready to create delicious discard sourdough recipes whenever inspiration strikes! 🥖✨
Sourdough Discard Rolls, Buns, and Quick Breads
Soft, pillowy rolls, buns, and banana bread are a delicious way to use your discard. Try these starter discard recipes:
Sourdough Hamburger Buns
Our easy sourdough hamburger buns recipe makes scrumptiously soft, fluffy sesame seed buns. They’re perfect for sandwiches and sliders, too!
Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
Sweet, moist, and tender sourdough discard banana bread has a kick of tangy flavor. Use our recipe for the best sourdough quick bread ever!
Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Want to use up that sourdough starter? Make delicious dinner rolls! They’re soft, fluffy, and have a great tangy taste.
Sourdough Pizza
Homemade pizza gets a tangy upgrade with recipes using sourdough discard:
Sourdough Bread Bowl
Elevate soups and dips with these edible bowls made using sourdough starter discard!
Sourdough Flatbread
For a quick and versatile option, try making recipes with sourdough starter into flatbreads:
With these discard sourdough recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for using up your starter discard. Start exploring these recipes using sourdough starter today, and don’t forget to share your favorites!
anthony c says
Thank you. Great webpage. Defiantly will use.