26 Simple Sourdough Discard Recipes

These inventive and simple sourdough reject dishes might help you cut back on your trash.

You won’t be disappointed with any of these recipes, that help you use up every little bit of your sourdough mixture.

From cakes, biscuits, muffins and cookies to name a few, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. 

As a result, to make sure you’re not throwing away any of your sourdough starter, try one of these delicious recipes instead.

We have put together 26 simple sourdough discard recipes that you should definitely try when you have some leftover sourdough hanging around. 

1. Sourdough Biscuits

Sourdough biscuits are ideal as a warm afternoon treat or as a morning treat. This is because they are flaky and buttery.

The scallions offer a fresh flash of onion deliciousness, while the sour cream intensifies the sharpness of the chilies.

If you don’t have sour cream, buttermilk or Greek yogurt can do just fine. Use an unfed starter to ensure that these biscuits rise properly.

2. Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

Even while they’re delicious all year round, the thick oats and mild flavor make them the perfect addition to a platter of spiced Christmas cookies.

To guarantee that your cookies have a wonderful cake-like texture, make absolutely sure the starter is at room temperature. Stay patient as well.

To glaze, they must be completely chilled. Spread on the vanilla frosting once they are chilled, and then go get a mug of milk because they are wonderful to dunk.

3. Sourdough Discard Waffles

You can make delicious waffles out of leftover sourdough. They taste buttery and have the ideal texture.

If you have a lot of waste to spare, this is a great alternative because it will utilize a lot of it. 

It is then up to you what you decide to top these waffles with. Whether that is to leave them plain or add bacon, fruit or maple syrup. 

4. Sourdough Crepes

They are wonderful served with either savory or sweet toppings. In addition to that, they have a wonderfully light texture.

This recipe is a great way to use leftover sourdough. They do take a bit more time to master, but even a novice can manage it.

5. Discarded Sourdough Bread

This recipe is perfect if you’re searching for a way to use up leftover sourdough! For this recipe, a bubbly, active starter is not necessary. It comes together quickly.

It is simple, delicious, and easily sliced for sandwiches. You’ll be able to create soft, chewy and delicious sourdough bread using your discarded pieces. 

6. Sourdough Banana Bread

By using the leftovers, this popular quick bread is given a little acidity that beautifully counterbalances the richness of the honey and bananas.

What a great method to use up any extra starter you may otherwise toss away. Plus, your bread will keep fresher for longer!

7. Sourdough Crumpets

Starting from scratch, you can make these insanely delicious sourdough crumpets in just 10 to 15 minutes. The finest of both worlds may be found in these light and buttery crumpets.

An incredibly easy recipe, and the results are delicious. You can then stop these crumpets with plenty of butter to enjoy as an afternoon treat or for breakfast. 

8. Sourdough Naan

Wonderful sourdough Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread that is made from wheat, yogurt, milk, and sourdough starter. It is then sprinkled with nigella or garlic seeds.

When you initially create the dough, it may seem a little sticky, but don’t panic. This is how it is supposed to be. 

Now you can serve your own naans with your next curry.

9. Sourdough Bagels

You can use leftovers to make these simple sourdough bagels, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them before!

These simple sourdough bagels can be customized by adding your preferred seeds and seasonings.

Thus, they will become the perfect breakfast or lunch sandwich. 

10. Sourdough Chocolate Cake

A trick for transforming a straightforward one-bowl chocolate cake into a delicious delight is sourdough discard.

The waste gives the cake a velvety texture and prevents drying out. However, the best part is the flavor!

This cake is full of chocolate flavor and even a set of coffee as well. The coffee helps to empower the overall chocolate even more to make a really rich and indulgent cake.!

11. Sourdough Granola

The discard serves as a binding agent to hold everything together. Coconut oil, oats and honey make a fantastic base when combined.

Add some interesting additional ingredients next, such almonds or dried fruit. Even better, experiment with different extracts like hazelnut or almond.

In either case, this makes a great breakfast to get your day off to a great start.

12. Sourdough Brownies

The greatest sourdough brownies can be made using this recipe. They have thick, gooey centers and beautiful, crackly tops, and they are fudgy and rich.

That sourdough scrap shouldn’t be discarded. Create a delectable treat while also satisfying your chocolate hankerings!

Enjoy these fresh with a dollop of homemade ice cream if you’re in the mood for something particularly decadent.

13. Sourdough Pasta

You only need flour, water, and leftover sourdough. Let the pasta sit for a few hours before slicing the noodles if you prefer a stronger sourdough flavor.

The use of a mechanical pasta maker is unquestionably helpful, but it is not required. It can be done with a sharp knife.

From fettuccine and pappardelle to spaghetti or lasagna sheets, you can make any sort of pasta with this sourdough recipe. Also, it is excellent for ravioli!

14. Sourdough Crescent Rolls

While the exterior is butter-brushed and has a light crunch, the interior is soft and chewy.

These are basic sourdough crescent rolls that are buttery and flaky. In order to speed up the process and add taste, sourdough starter is also introduced.

The sole ingredient in this recipe is sourdough starter, hence it takes longer to prepare.

15. Sourdough Discard Dumpling

DIY dumpling wrappers with a light tangy flavor for any filling of your choice. This dish only calls for 3 ingredients and can be prepared in under 3 hours.

Thus, if you want to try making something a bit different with your sourdough discard you need to try this recipe!

16. Sourdough Blueberry Muffins

Just like you’d anticipate from a coffee cake recipe. The crumb topping also lends a delightful crunch. Although, we would suggest that you use fresh blueberries.

You may use frozen blueberries if that is all you have. Just be cautious not to let them defrost, as the juices will color everything blue.

17. Sourdough Garlic Bread Bites

A tasty way to eat garlic bread with a sourdough twist is with sourdough garlic bread bites. A lot simpler to make than sourdough garlic knots!

They are quite easy to prepare and require very few ingredients, but they are extremely flavorful. 

Yeast can be added to the sourdough discard to aid in better rising. Everyone will enjoy munching on this twist on a classic garlic bread. 

18. Sourdough Sugar Cut Out Cookies

The kids will like making and embellishing them for the holidays.  For the greatest results, ensure your discard is completely hydrated before beginning.

Take note of the butter. You should modify the amount of salt you add to the dough if you only have salted. 

These sugar cookies are easy to make, great for decorating and cutting out shapes from, and they don’t require chilling before baking.

19. Sourdough Soft Pretzels

Recipe for soft sourdough pretzels that produces a center that is light and springy with a dark, chewy exterior.

This overnight recipe makes them so simple to prepare! The outcome is well worth having a little patience for.

You can use kosher or sea salt, if you like your pretzels salty.

20. Sourdough Discard Iced Buns

These sourdough discard iced buns are very quick and simple to make. They are guaranteed to please everyone who tries them!

Rolls that are soft and resemble cotton candy that have been covered in a sugary glaze and sprinkles. What’s not to love?

They are also quite simple to create. Individuals of all ages will like these, making them ideal for morning tea.

21. Sourdough Pancakes

Prepare to be amazed if you’ve never made sourdough pancakes. You won’t believe how much better these tastes compared to any store bought box mix you can buy.

Additionally, in under 30 minutes, you can create a hot, fluffy stack that is sky-high ready.

All you have to pick is whether you want to serve these pancakes as a part of a savory breakfast buffet or top them with traditional maple syrup and butter.

22. Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts

The donuts have a cake-like consistency thanks to the sourdough scraps. Which are deliciously matched with the sugar and cinnamon topping. 

They are so soft that you don’t even need a glaze. Yet they taste very much like your favorite traditional donut recipe.

23. Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin-shaped sourdough bread has a subtle sweetness, is scented with spices, and tastes delicious!

A delicious and simple recipe for sourdough bread that is ideal for the fall. Use all your favorite spices to make it unique and suit your taste buds. 

24. Sourdough Discard Crackers

The ideal tiny snacks for snacking are sourdough discard crackers. They are crisp and razor-thin, making them perfect for dipping into any tips of your choice or eaten by themselves. 

They taste pleasantly cheesy, which is bizarre considering that they are entirely made from sourdough discards.

25. Sourdough Pizza Crust

Do you want to know how we make the best pizza crust? This recipe is it.

The flavor and texture are far better than anything you could create using just an instant yeast package or store-bought ingredients.

Well aged cheeses and bold toppings go well with sourdough’s open crumb and distinct hearty flavor.

26. Sourdough Cheesy Popovers

This recipe for creamy and buttery sourdough popovers is a simple way to add some variety to your supper.  These popovers are a real treat to add to any meal.

This is due to their crunchy outside and almost custard-like inside filled with airy holes. You can serve these as a side dish to any of your favorite dinner time meals.

Conclusion

When you have a sourdough starter, you don’t need to grow any of it away.

If you have any discards, they can still be used to create delicious sweet and savory treats that your friends and family will enjoy. 

You can make a range of dishes, from gooey chocolate brownies to crispy and golden bagels.

We have put together 26 simple sourdough discard recipes that you should be trying for yourself at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can You Keep Sourdough Discard For?

It is possible to keep your sourdough discard in the fridge for up to a week. Thus, you have a week to use this discard up before it will start to go moldy.

Thus, bacteria will start to grow in the discard, which is unsafe for human consumption. 

As a result, it is important to mark your sourdough discard, so you are aware of how old it is.

You only have a short window of time to use your sourdough discard. So, it’s important to know if it’s still usable or not.

Can You Freeze Sourdough Discard?

If you find yourself having an excess of sourdough discard, then you can put it in the freezer. Your sourdough discard can be stored in your freezer for around a year.

After that time frame, the sourdough starter won’t be as effective, and won’t create the desired rise that you seek. 

 Where Should You Store Your Sourdough Discard?

Fresh Sourdough discard will be quite frothy and active. However, if you’re putting your waste in storage to utilize later, it won’t be particularly active after a period of time.

Also, you might even see alcohol floating on top. 

It’s best to store sourdough discard somewhere dark and cool where temperature changes won’t affect it.

This is because it’s less active than the starter you’re feeding to make bread. Also, you don’t need it to be extremely bubbly and active.

Since yeast activity is slowed by the refrigerator’s cool temperature, less gas is produced.

However, you’ll still need to place a cover over the discard with an air vent so all the gasses don’t accumulate over time!

Can Discarded Sourdough Be Used To Make A New Sourdough Starter?

Both leftover sourdough and new starter can be used to pre-digest the grains through fermentation. The leftover starter is mixed with more flour and milk before being fermented for 12 to 24 hours.

Thus, you can easily use your discards to either create a new starter or to feed your existing starter. 

Just remember that, as stated above, your sourdough discard can only be kept for 7 days. Before it must be thrown away.