35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (2024)

These 30+ simple sourdough discard recipes are perfect for all of your extra sourdough discard, but also great if you are just beginning your sourdough journey.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (1)

I remember when I first started my sourdough journey.Creating a starter from scratchand constantly feeding and discarding some of the starter…it felt so wasteful to throw away the excess. Especially when using freshly ground, organic, heirloom wheat.

Here is the thing, though. As you continue to bake with your starter and are feeding it regularly, there is a time when you will just have so much starter, you won’t know what to do with it.

Every time you feed your starter, you have to feed it with equal proportions. You can’t feed two cups of starter only 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup flour and expect it to be happy.

That’s the point of discarding!

So what can you do with sourdough discard? So many things! There is no need to throw it in the trash.

Today, I’m going to show you different sourdough discard recipes.

Why make sourdough products?

Sourdough is much easier to digest than regular non-fermented grains. Not only do the natural yeasts in the air help the bread rise, but the lactic acid helps break down anti-nutrients that inhibit the body’s absorption of certain nutrients like folate.

Using sourdough discard in recipes is a great way to get the fermented grains without waiting hours for it to rise and ferment.

FAQ

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (2)

Can you freeze sourdough discard?

Yes. Sourdough starter is quite resilient, and the natural yeasts, lactic acid, and bacteria in the starter can withstand freezing. According tothis article, it can only be frozen for up to two weeks and still work well. Still, you may be able to use it in discard recipes that do not require any leavening.

How long can you keep sourdough discard?

If you have discard that you aren’t planning on using right away, you can place it in a jar and keep it in the fridge for 7-10 days.

After that 7-10 days, you will need to feed it to keep it healthy.

What can I do with my sourdough discard?

There are so many things you can make with discard – the opportunities are endless. From pizza to waffles and cinnamon rolls to muffins, instead of tossing out your discard, you can make a delicious recipe instead.

When should you throw out a sourdough discard?

If it starts to grow mold, throw it out.

If it has a dark liquid on top of the starter, this is called a hooch. Pour the liquid out and then feed the discard. It is still fine to use.

Is sourdough discard good for you?

Yes. It is fermented grains, but it may not be as nutritious if the recipe includes unfermented flour as well.

I love making things like pancakes or dutch babies, things that use just discard, because there are no unfermented flours included. This means all the grains are fermented and the phytic acid is broken down, making the vitamins and minerals in the grains more bioavailable.

What is the difference between sourdough discard and starter?

Discard is the part of the sourdough starter that is removed before feeding the starter. Sourdough starter is the active portion that is continually being fed and is nice and bubbly. This type of starter is what you want to use to make bread.

30+ Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough Pancakes

A favorite weekend breakfast recipe at our farmhouse, these pancakes have deliciously crispy edges and are still light and fluffy in the middle.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (4)

Sourdough Crepes

This recipe has become an absolute favorite. It’s also a great way to use a lot of eggs when your kids keep complaining that you always have eggs for breakfast.

They have great texture and are delicious served with blueberries and whipped cream.

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Crispy Sourdough Waffles

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, waffles are another great breakfast option. Notice any trends here? We love fermented grains at breakfast. Also try my cheddar version. The make a great quick sandwich bread.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (6)

Easy Sourdough Pizza Crust

Sourdough pizza makes a weekly appearance at our house. We make a traditional cheese with sausage or pepperoni for the kids. Ours is similar, but we also add somefermented jalapeñosand date sauce. So good.

We also love to make abreakfast version,chicken alfredo pizza,pesto and cream sauce pizza,andmushroom pizza.

Sourdough Crackers

These thin, crispy, buttery crackers are the perfect crunchy snack.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (8)

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

This can be made the long fermented way, or use sourdough discard and bake right away. They are really yummy and highly addicting.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (9)

Simple Sourdough Flatbread

This no-wait recipe is a great side for dinner. All you need is a handful of ingredients, a hot cast iron skillet or pizza stone, and 10 minutes.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (10)

Sourdough Skillets – One Pot Meal

Sourdough skillets can be made so many different ways. The sourdough topping is all the same, while you can make the inside any way you like. This is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (11)

Cinnamon Maple Sourdough Apple Pie

This delicious dessert is a twist on the classic apple pie. Basically an upside-down, healthier version with fermented grains, it is easy to throw together and everyone will love it. Serve it for dessert or breakfast.

There you have it. Some of our favorite sourdough discard recipes that are so simple to make. Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (12)

Sourdough Dutch Baby

This one skillet wonder is a quick and easy breakfast topped with whipped cream and drizzled with maple syrup.

Sourdough Vanilla Cake

This sourdough vanilla cake is the perfect combination of light, sweet, and buttery. Plus, it is a great way to use up extra sourdough discard. Topped with homemade buttercream frosting, this makes the best birthday cake.

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Sourdough Biscotti

A delicious, twice-baked Italian cookie that is delightfully crunchy and perfectly sweet. This almond biscotti pairs perfectly with your favorite latte.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (15)

Sourdough Zucchini Bread

This quick bread is packed with shredded zucchin and a yummy mix of spices to create a delicious and tender bread.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (16)

Easy Homemade Sourdough Pasta Recipe

All you need are three ingredients to whip up this easy sourdough pasta. Create a quick version or long ferment for more health benefits and better digestibility.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (17)

Sourdough Coffee Cake

Talk about a decadent breakfast. A sourdough vanilla cake is layered with cinnamon filling and topped with an irresistible brown sugar crumble.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (18)

Sourdough Blueberry Muffins

These sourdough blueberry muffins are a fluffy muffin base with bursts of blueberry throughout. Sweetened just right, these can be made quick or long fermented. These make a great snack or easy breakfast for busy mornings.

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Sourdough Banana Bread

The most delicious sourdough banana bread is light, fluffy, and beaming with banana flavor.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (20)

The Best Sourdough Tortillas

Once you try this recipe, you will not be able to eat store-bought tortillas the same. They are super simple and can be started the day before.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (21)

Sourdough Scones

One of the best sourdough discard recipes, sourdough scones can be made so many different ways. Fromchocolate and coconut, to blueberry,pumpkinand more. Such a yummy treat for breakfast.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (22)

Lemon Sourdough Pound Cake

Lemon sourdough pound cake is topped with a scrumptious lemon glaze. It’s one of my all time favorite pound cakes and boasts a bright, fresh pop of lemon flavor.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (23)

Sourdough Chocolate Cake

Everything you love about chocolate cake: it’s rich, chocolatey, and moist, with a subtle sourdough tang. This is one of our favorite decadent desserts.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (24)

Fluffy Sourdough Biscuits

These buttery biscuits are so flavorful and tender, they make the perfect breakfast. Just add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (25)

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are a sweet, buttery and decadently topped breakfast treat. The sourdough adds a subtle tang to these cinnamon buns to give them more flavor. One of the most popular recipe on the site.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (26)

Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls is just like the classic cinnamon roll, but with a pumpkin twist. Pumpkin is not only added to the dough, but also in the filling. The mixture of cinnamon spice plus the creamy frosting is an incredible combination.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (27)

Sourdough Carrot Muffins

These sourdough carrot muffins are naturally sweetened and have a fluffy spiced cake paired with a cream cheese filling, topped with oat streusel. It’s a delightful combination for any time of year.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (28)

Sourdough Pumpkin Roll

A fluffy spiced sourdough cake is layered with cream cheese filling and rolled up to make a beautiful and fun fall dessert.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (29)

Sourdough Pie Crust

Perfect for delicious desserts or a savory chicken pot pie, this sourdough pie crust is flaky, buttery, and really easy to make.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (30)

Sourdough Brownies

Super chocolatey and fudgy, with a little sourdough tang, these sourdough brownies are a decadent dessert.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (31)

Sourdough Chocolate Rolls

Big, fluffy rolls with a sweet, double chocolate filling. Pair it with somehomemade ice creamfor a truly amazing dessert.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (32)

Sourdough Cobbler

Peach, blueberry, strawberry cream cheese, cherry, and even pumpkin cobbler. One of my favorite easy fruit desserts, it can be made a million different ways, but the premise is the same. Delicious fruit fillings topped with a sourdough crust and baked until bubbly. Yum!

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (33)

Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

This recipe is a fall favorite! It is a sweet and quick bread full of pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree and tangy sourdough starter.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (34)

Sourdough Discard Bread

This is the easiest sourdough bread recipe ever. It uses yeast to guarantee a rise and the sourdough discard gives it that classic tanginess. Mix the ingredients together and just let it sit. Shape and bake. Easy peasy.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (35)

Sourdough Banana Muffins

The lightest and fluffiest banana muffin that is topped with the most delicious, crunchy, and sweet oat crumble. They can be long fermented to baked quickly.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (36)

Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

The best oatmeal cookies, but made with sourdough discard. Soft, crispy edges, with plumb raisins, and a little tanginess.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (37)

Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins

Probably the best sourdough pumpkin muffin ever! They are soft, sweet and are topped with an irresistible, spiced oat brown sugar crumble. Long ferment or make a quick version.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (38)

Sourdough Sugar Cookies

The only cut out sugar cookie you will need this holiday season! Long ferment in the fridge for a few days or make them the same day. They are so yummy and sweet. Soft with slightly crispy edges. Yum!

Based on the information provided, here is some information related to the concepts mentioned in the article:

Sourdough Discard

  • Sourdough discard refers to the portion of the sourdough starter that is removed before feeding the starter [[15]].
  • It is called "discard" because when you feed your starter, you have to feed it with equal proportions, so you need to remove some of the excess starter to maintain the right balance [[15]].
  • Instead of throwing away the sourdough discard, there are many recipes that you can make with it [[15]].

Sourdough Starter

  • Sourdough starter is the active portion of the sourdough that is continually being fed and is nice and bubbly [[15]].
  • It is used to make bread and other sourdough products [[15]].

Benefits of Sourdough

  • Sourdough is easier to digest than regular non-fermented grains [[15]].
  • The natural yeasts in the air help the bread rise, and the lactic acid helps break down anti-nutrients that inhibit the body's absorption of certain nutrients like folate [[15]].
  • Using sourdough discard in recipes is a great way to get the benefits of fermented grains without waiting hours for the dough to rise and ferment [[15]].

Freezing Sourdough Discard

  • Sourdough discard can be frozen for up to two weeks and still work well [[15]].
  • However, it may not be suitable for discard recipes that require leavening [[15]].

Storing Sourdough Discard

  • If you have sourdough discard that you aren't planning on using right away, you can place it in a jar and keep it in the fridge for 7-10 days [[15]].
  • After 7-10 days, you will need to feed the discard to keep it healthy [[15]].

Sourdough Discard Recipes

  • There are numerous recipes that you can make with sourdough discard, including pancakes, crepes, waffles, pizza crust, crackers, cookies, bread, muffins, cakes, tortillas, scones, and more [[15]].

Please note that the information provided is based on the concepts mentioned in the article, and the specific recipes mentioned in the article may not be covered in detail.

35+ Sourdough Discard Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How much sourdough discard to use? ›

Weigh out how much discard you want to add to the recipe (no more than 200g). Divide the weight into 2. Subtract this amount of flour and water (or other liquid) from the recipe. Add the sourdough discard in place of these amounts of flour and water.

What can I do with all the sourdough discard? ›

Sourdough discard works well in many baked goods that don't require lively yeast—flat foods like crackers, tortillas and pancakes. Or you can use it to flavor recipes that rely on leavening from other sources, such as active dry yeast, baking soda and baking powder.

What can I do with day 3 sourdough discard? ›

What to do with sourdough discard? Don't throw it away! Instead, use it to make delicious and nutritious treats like pancakes, waffles, muffins, and bread. Sourdough discard is a great source of natural yeast and flavor, and can add a unique tangy taste to your baked goods.

How much should I discard and feed my sourdough starter? ›

How To Feed Your Sourdough Starter (at a Glance)
  1. Remove and discard half of your sourdough starter.
  2. Feed what's left in the jar with equal parts flour and water by weight (1:1:1 feeding ratio).
  3. Let rise at room temperature (covered or airtight) ideally 75+ F, until bubbly, active and double in size (2-12 hrs.).
Jan 3, 2021

How long is sourdough discard usable? ›

You can store mature sourdough discard in the refrigerator indefinitely. As long as there is no mold, it is good to use. It may develop a grayish liquid on top called “hooch” which can be poured off before use or stirred in. If you stir it in, the flavor will become more sour.

Can you use 2 week old sourdough discard? ›

How long can sourdough discard be stored? Best practice is to use the discard within 3-4 weeks, but if left longer it is okay. It just becomes more broken down and sour over time.

Does sourdough discard still have health benefits? ›

Technically, sourdough discard has the same benefits as sourdough starter, since they are both wild yeast ferments. In terms of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, natural yeasts acetic acid and colonies of microbes, they are both full of them.

Does sourdough discard go bad? ›

The simple answer is, you can keep sourdough discard in the fridge indefinitely, however the quality and flavor of the discard will change and even deteriorate over time.

Can I leave sourdough discard out overnight? ›

I left my sourdough discard out at room temperature for a few days. Is it okay? As long as your kitchen isn't too warm (I'd say 78°F or higher) your starter/discard will be fine stored at room temperature for at least a few days without feeding. The flavor will get more acidic the longer it sits.

Can I gift my sourdough discard? ›

Yes, you can give your friend a portion of sourdough discard to start their own sourdough starter, however it's best if your starter is mature (at least 3 months old) when you do this, so that your friend can start baking straight away.

Can you overfeed your sourdough starter? ›

Premature discarding and overfeeding will weaken your starter and elongate the process. Don't discard and re-feed a weak starter before it shows increasing bubble activity or height from the previous feeding. If you don't see more bubbles or a faster rise each day, skip a feeding, and give it more time.

Why is my sourdough starter bubbling but not rising? ›

If your starter gets completely covered on top with bubbles but does not rise, it is healthy but may just be a wet mix. Try reducing the water in your next feeding and see if you have different results. Also, the type of flour you are using can impede the rise of your starter.

Can I use sourdough starter straight from fridge? ›

Yes, you can bake with sourdough starter straight from the fridge | King Arthur Baking.

Does sourdough discard have to be active to use? ›

It can be at room temperature or come directly from the fridge. The texture is less bubbly (if bubbly at all) when compared to fluffy active starter. Sourdough discard is not active enough to make bread dough rise, and despite its name the “discard” does not have to be thrown away.

Do you have to discard starter every time you feed it? ›

It would be best if you discarded some portion of your starter each time you feed it unless you want to continue to let it grow. Eventually, you need to discard the used “food” (flour and water) that's been used to sustain your starter during the last fermentation period.

Can you use day 1 sourdough discard? ›

Remember, you can't use the discard from your homemade sourdough starter for the first 7 days. You can use sourdough discard in all kinds of sourdough discard recipes, including these no wait sourdough recipes, overnight sourdough discard recipes and sourdough discard recipes that use up a lot of discard.

What happens if I forgot to discard starter before feeding? ›

If you didn't discard a portion of your starter each time you feed it, two things would happen: Your starter would grow to an enormous, unmanageable size. Your starter would likely become more and more inhospitable to the bacteria and yeast we want as the mixture would become ever more acidic.

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