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By Michelle Marine
on Sep 14, 2023, Updated Nov 05, 2023
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If you’re looking for delicious ways to use your sourdough starter or your sourdough discard, this list of sourdough discard recipes will help you unlock your inner baker!
Table of Contents
- Everything You Need to Know About Sourdough Discard
- Best Tips for Baking with Sourdough Discard
- 31 Perfect Sourdough Discard Recipes to Unlock Your Inner Baker
Beyond the staple sourdough bread, both active sourdough starter and also sourdough discard can be used to make a huge variety of dishes. Not only can you make classics like sourdough biscuits, bread pancakes, waffles, crackers, pizza crust, and cakes, but as you’ll see in this post, you can get even more creative with delicious sourdough recipes.
Sourdough opens up a huge possibility of both sweet or savory options in the kitchen, making it a versatile and eco-friendly addition to your cooking repertoire.
Everything You Need to Know About Sourdough Discard
If you’re unsure about using sourdough discard, here are the most important things to know.
What is sourdough discard, and why should I save it?
Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough starter that you remove and discard during regular feedings. Some people throw it out. Instead of wasting it, though, you can save and use it in recipes to add flavor and reduce food waste.
What’s the difference between sourdough discard and sourdough starter?
Sourdough discard is the portion removed during feedings, while the starter is what you continue to feed and maintain. The discard has a stronger flavor and is less active.
How do I store sourdough discard?
Store sourdough discard in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to a week or longer, depending on its age and activity. In my experience, sourdough discard can be kept for a very long time.
Can I use sourdough discard straight from the refrigerator?
Yes, you can use sourdough discard directly from the refrigerator in most recipes. You will need to let it come to room temperature for about an hour before using it to ensure better incorporation into the dough or batter.
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What if my sourdough discard smells off or has an unusual color?
If your discard has an unpleasant odor or unusual color, it may have gone bad. In such cases, it’s best to compost it rather than use it in recipes to avoid affecting the taste of your baked goods.
Best Tips for Baking with Sourdough Discard
While baking with sourdough discard is rewarding and flavorful, it can also be a little tricky. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most of baking with sourdough discard recipes.
Maintain a Healthy Starter
To have a consistent source of discard, maintain a healthy sourdough starter. Regularly feed it with flour and water to keep it active and vibrant.
Collect and Store Discard
Whenever you feed your starter, save the portion you remove (discard) in a separate container. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it in recipes.
Use Discard at Its Peak
Sourdough discard is best used when it’s at its peak activity, about 4-8 hours after feeding. It should be bubbly and slightly tangy.
Make sure to read this post all about caring for and feeding your sourdough starter!
31 Perfect Sourdough Discard Recipes to Unlock Your Inner Baker
Now that you have a good idea what sourdough discard is, here are 31 ways to make sure your excess sourdough starter never goes to waste!
31 Perfect Sourdough Recipes to Unlock Your Inner Baker
Enjoy these 31 best sourdough discard recipes for using up lots of excess starter. Each recipe is a creative way to use discard starter. As you put your starter to good use, you'll enjoy each of these different ways to use leftover sourdough discard. We think unfed sourdough starter (discard) is one of the best things about your sourdough journey!
1
Sourdough Blueberry Crumb Cake – a Great Use for Sourdough Discard
This delicious and easy homemade crumb cake is made with frozen berries and sourdough discard.
2
Delicious Sourdough Dinner Rolls Made with Sourdough Discard
These delicioussourdough dinner rollsare the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard. Light and fluffy with a mild sourdough tang, they’re perfect for fancy meals or even for leftovers. Best, they freeze well so you can make them ahead of time for on demand rolls!
3
Sourdough Stuffing Recipe with Roasted Red Onion, Kale, and Sausage
Made with leftover homemade sourdough bread, flavorful sausage, red onion, and kale, this stuffing recipe has become a game changer on our Thanksgiving Day spread.
4
Sourdough Croissants
Photo Credit:pickyeaterblog.com
Make these croissants with sourdough for a flaky, buttery treat. These take some time and effort to make, but are so worth it!
5
Sourdough Pie Crust Recipe
Photo Credit:stayathomesarah.com
This Sourdough Pie Crust is easy to make and comes together in minutes using a food processor or pastry blender. The perfect sourdough discard recipe for your favorite holiday pies!
6
Sourdough Naan
Photo Credit:thegingeredwhisk.com
This sourdough naan recipe is so easy its foolproof! Delicious and flavorful naan is right around the corner with this great recipe!
7
Lavender Sourdough Discard Scones with Lemon Glaze | discard
Photo Credit:emilyfabulous.com
Adding lavender and sourdough to your next batch of scones is a recipe for a delightful and elegant treat. These are great for breakfast, brunch or as an afternoon snack with tea.
8
Sourdough Banana Bread made with Discard
Photo Credit:thisbakinglife.com
Don’t discard your extra sourdough starter! It makes a great addition to easy baking recipes, including this banana bread recipe.
9
Sourdough Hot Crossed Buns
Photo Credit:cheflindseyfarr.com
This version of hot cross buns has the best flavor thanks to sourdough! You will love making and sharing these with your friends and family.
10
Sourdough Pizza Crust
Photo Credit:www.kingarthurbaking.com
One of my favorite savory sourdough discard recipes! We love making King Arthur Sourdough Pizza Crust!
11
Sourdough Brownies
Photo Credit:www.farmhouseonboone.com
Lisa's sourdough brownies have amazing flavor and are chocolatey and fudgy, with a signature sourdough kick. You can whip them up in an afternoon or long ferment them overnight!
12
Sourdough Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
Photo Credit:www.rockyhedgefarm.com
Carrot cake muffins with cream cheese frosting make for a perfect, simple dessert. These are so moist and flavorful, and have some nutritional benefits as well.
13
Best sourdough starter hamburger patty
Photo Credit:deliciousnutritiousfood.com
This recipe for sourdough hamburger patties is so flavorful! Make this for an easy upgrade to a simple meal of lean beef.
14
Mini Sourdough Breakfast Pizza (Fully Fermented)
Photo Credit:growingdawn.com
These mini pizzas make for such a wonderful breakfast. With eggs, bacon and sourdough, this recipe is sure to be a favorite, hearty savory breakfast option!
15
Quick Sourdough Discard Waffles
Photo Credit:www.raspberriesandkohlrabi.com
If you're craving waffles, check out these quick sourdough discard waffles. Crunchy and golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside - they'll be a hit on your breakfast or even dinner table!
16
Sourdough Pancakes | Extra Fluffy and Light – Milk and Pop
Photo Credit:milkandpop.com
Make these sourdough discard pancakes for a flavorful and nutritious breakfast. The family is going to love this recipe with syrup and fruit.
17
Gluten Free Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe
Photo Credit:www.whattheforkfoodblog.com
Sourdough chocolate cake is such a decadent dessert! This recipe is also gluten free, so everyone can enjoy a slice, if you want to share!
18
No Knead Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Photo Credit:britneybreaksbread.com
Make this no knead sourdough bread with cinnamon and raisins for breakfast or brunch. You are going to love this fuss free recipe and the incredible flavor.
19
Sourdough Crepes
Photo Credit:www.barleyandsage.com
What a great way to use sourdough discard! Make these crepes for a breakfast or brunch that everyone will enjoy.
20
Simple Sourdough Breadsticks (No Yeast!)
Photo Credit:lynnswayoflife.com
These breadsticks start with sourdough and result in the best appetizer or addition to any meal!
This recipe needs no yeast to make some of the best breadsticks you will ever have.
21
Easy Rustic Sourdough Flatbread Recipe
Photo Credit:cookingorgeous.com
Make this easy, rustic flatbread with your sourdough discard. It is chewy, tangy and goes so well with a variety of meals.
22
Gluten-Free Sourdough Soft Pretzels - Natasha's Home
Photo Credit:www.natashashome.com
Make these homemade sourdough pretzels for the best snack! This recipe is so easy that you will never buy another pack of frozen soft pretzels.
23
Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers Recipe
Photo Credit:stretchandfolds.com
If you have discard, make these cheesy sourdough discard crackers asap! This sourdough crackersrecipe is so tasty, and relatively easy for the ultimate homemade snack.
24
Simple Sourdough Starter Discard Coffee Cake
Photo Credit:ninnescahmade.com
This coffee cake is so good! It uses sourdough discard and has the best crumb topping to make a treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch or as dessert.
25
Photo Credit:simplifylivelove.com
This basic bread recipe uses simple ingredients to make a perfectcrusty loaf of sourdough bread. It is not complicated to make and has the best flavor!
26
Sourdough Zucchini Bread
Photo Credit:dirtanddough.com
Make this zucchini bread for a flavorful sweet bread snack. You can serve this homemade breadat any time of day for the best use of discard and garden fresh zucchini!
27
Sourdough Discard Tortillas
Photo Credit:www.anoffgridlife.com
These tortillas are the perfect use for discard, and they can be used in so many ways! Make wraps, soft tacos or even breakfast burritos with these.
28
Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies
Photo Credit:www.twopinkpeonies.com
Add a zing to your next batch of oatmeal cookies by adding sourdough! The whole family will love this treat!
29
Sourdough Pumpkin Pancakes {Discard Option}
Photo Credit:thepeasantsdaughter.net
These sourdough pumpkin pancakes are perfect for a fall breakfast! They have a wonderful warm flavor and are a perfect use for discard.
30
Sourdough cinnamon rolls with maple vanilla glaze (vegan)
Photo Credit:www.rainbownourishments.com
This vegan cinnamon roll recipe is so delicious! Top with frosting and serve for breakfast on a weekend.
31
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Photo Credit:sugarspunrun.com
Make these cookies the next time you crave the melty goodness of soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies but need to put sourdough discard to work.
About Michelle Marine
Michelle Marine is the author of How to Raise Chickens for Meat, a long-time green-living enthusiast, and rural Iowa mom of four. She empowers families to grow and eat seasonal, local foods; to reduce their ecological footprint; and to come together through impactful travel.
Read More About Me
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