10+ Sourdough Discard Recipes: Creative Ways to Reduce Waste and Enjoy Delicious Treats

10+ Sourdough Discard Recipes: Creative Ways to Reduce Waste and Enjoy Delicious Treats

ByPin These Recipes Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Sourdough baking has gained popularity, especially with the rise of homemade bread. One aspect that often gets overlooked is what to do with sourdough discard, the part of the starter that you remove before feeding.

Discovering delicious and creative ways to use sourdough discard can help reduce waste and add unique flavors to your meals.

A rustic kitchen counter with a bowl of sourdough discard, jars of ingredients, and a cookbook open to a recipe page

From pancakes to cookies, sourdough discard can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. You can enjoy a range of tasty recipes that make the most of your sourdough starter.

Exploring these options not only enhances your cooking but also allows you to enjoy the benefits of sourdough fermentation in a variety of dishes.

1) Sourdough Pancakes

A rustic kitchen counter with a mixing bowl, a jar of sourdough discard, a whisk, and a stack of freshly cooked sourdough pancakes

Sourdough pancakes are a quick and delicious way to use your sourdough discard. They’re light, fluffy, and full of flavor. You can whip them up in no time for breakfast or brunch!

To make the batter, mix your sourdough discard with a few simple ingredients. You can make the batter fresh or prepare it the night before for an easy morning meal.

These pancakes can be cooked on a hot skillet at 350°F (175°C). Flip them when bubbles form on the surface. Enjoy your pancakes with syrup, fruit, or yogurt!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix sourdough discard, milk, and egg.
  2. Stir in sugar, melted butter, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbly, then flip.
  5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

2) Chocolate Chip Cookies

A mixing bowl filled with sourdough discard, chocolate chips, and flour. A wooden spoon stirs the thick batter

Sourdough chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat you can make with sourdough discard. They turn out soft, thick, and chewy, making them a perfect snack.

To get started, you’ll need some simple ingredients. You can even try using browned butter for extra flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can really enhance the taste.

These cookies are quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love how easy it is to use your sourdough discard in this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (180 g) sourdough discard
  • 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together.
  3. Add eggs and sourdough discard, mixing well.
  4. Combine flour, baking soda, and sea salt in another bowl.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
  6. Stir in chocolate chips.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

3) Sourdough Banana Bread

A rustic kitchen with a wooden table covered in flour, bananas, and a jar of sourdough discard. A mixing bowl and a whisk are ready for the ingredients

Sourdough banana bread is a delicious way to use your sourdough discard. This recipe is easy and perfect for using overripe bananas. You’ll love the moist texture and rich flavor.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ripe bananas, sourdough starter, butter, flour, eggs, and some brown sugar for sweetness.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the ripe bananas until smooth. Then add the eggs and sourdough starter to combine well.

Next, mix in the dry ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sourdough starter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mash the bananas.
  3. Mix in the melted butter and sugar.
  4. Add the eggs and sourdough starter, mixing well.
  5. Stir in the flour until just combined.
  6. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 60 minutes.
  8. Let cool before slicing.

4) Sourdough Flatbread

A rustic kitchen counter with a wooden cutting board, a bowl of sourdough discard, a rolling pin, and ingredients for flatbread

Sourdough flatbread is a simple and delicious way to use your sourdough discard. It’s quick to make and perfect for wraps, dips, or as a side.

To start, mix the sourdough discard with flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and olive oil. You can use either active starter or discard, making it easy no matter what you have on hand.

After mixing, shape the dough into balls and roll them out. Cook on a hot skillet until golden brown on each side. This process only takes a few minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and olive oil.
  2. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into balls.
  4. Roll each ball into a flat circle.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  6. Cook each flatbread for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden.
  7. Enjoy warm!

5) Sourdough Muffins

A rustic kitchen counter with a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and ingredients for sourdough muffins. A jar of sourdough discard sits next to the bowl

Using sourdough discard to make muffins is a great way to reduce waste. These muffins are fluffy and can be adapted to include your favorite flavors. You can easily add fruits or chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

A simple sourdough muffin recipe typically requires just a few ingredients. The sourdough discard adds a nice tang that pairs well with both sweet and savory additions.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, egg, melted butter, and milk.
  3. In another bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.

6) Sourdough Pizza Crust

A rustic kitchen counter with a bowl of sourdough discard, flour, water, and a rolling pin. Ingredients for pizza crust scattered around

Making sourdough pizza crust is a fun way to use your sourdough discard. It’s simple and delicious, perfect for a cozy pizza night.

You will need basic ingredients like flour, water, and your sourdough discard. This dough does not require much kneading or rising time, making it quick to prepare.

To start, mix warm water with your sourdough discard and a bit of salt. Gradually add flour until you achieve a smooth, pliable dough.

After your dough is ready, roll it out to your desired thickness. Top with your favorite ingredients and bake in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2-3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water and sourdough discard.
  2. Add salt and gradually stir in flour.
  3. Knead until smooth.
  4. Roll out the dough.
  5. Add toppings.
  6. Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 15 minutes.

7) Cinnamon Rolls

A rustic kitchen counter cluttered with sourdough starter, flour, cinnamon sticks, and a freshly baked batch of golden brown cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls made with sourdough discard are a delightful way to use your starter. They come out soft and fluffy, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime. The filling of cinnamon and sugar adds a warm flavor that you will love.

You can top your rolls with cream cheese glaze for extra sweetness. This recipe is easy to follow, making it great for bakers of any skill level.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter, cubed or grated
  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • Optional: cream cheese for icing

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in sourdough discard until a dough forms.
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
  6. Spread with cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
  7. Roll up the dough and cut into slices.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Top with cream cheese icing if desired.

8) Sourdough Crackers

A rustic wooden table with a scattering of golden-brown sourdough crackers, a jar of sourdough discard, and a rolling pin

Making sourdough crackers is a great way to use leftover sourdough starter. These crackers are easy to make and delicious, with a crispy texture that’s hard to resist.

You can customize your crackers by adding your favorite seasonings. Try garlic powder, herbs, or even cheese for extra flavor. They are perfect for snacking or serving with dips.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough starter
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, herbs)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the sourdough starter, olive oil or melted butter, salt, and any seasonings.
  3. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crackers are golden and crispy.
  5. Let them cool, then break into pieces and enjoy!

9) Sourdough Waffles

A rustic kitchen with a vintage waffle iron surrounded by jars of sourdough starter and ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk

Sourdough waffles are a tasty way to use up sourdough discard. They have a delightful flavor and texture that make breakfast special. Plus, they are simple to make!

To start, mix your sourdough discard with some milk, eggs, and a bit of sugar. You can also add vanilla for extra taste.

Preheat your waffle maker to about 375°F (190°C).

Pour the batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown.

Enjoy them plain, or top with your favorite fruits or syrup.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Cooking spray or oil for waffle maker

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard and milk.
  2. Add the egg and sugar. If using, stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Preheat the waffle maker to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Grease the waffle maker with cooking spray or oil.
  5. Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden.

10) Sourdough Pretzels

A rustic kitchen counter with a bowl of bubbly sourdough discard, surrounded by ingredients and utensils for making sourdough pretzels

Sourdough pretzels are a delicious way to use your sourdough discard. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking. Making them at home is easier than you might think.

You can shape the dough into traditional pretzels or bite-sized pieces. If you want, you can sprinkle some salt on top for added flavor. These pretzels are great with mustard or cheese dip.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 ml) sourdough discard
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water
  • Coarse sea salt for topping
  • Melted butter for brushing

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, flour, salt, and sugar.

  3. Gradually add warm water and knead until smooth.

  4. Shape the dough into pretzels.

  5. Boil water in a pot and stir in baking soda.

  6. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds.

  7. Place pretzels on a baking sheet. Then, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.

  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

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