Sourdough Discard Recipes

Name: Sourdough Discard Recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: Sourdough Starter Discard

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A list of sourdough discard recipes you can make over and over with that inactive, unfed sourdough starter. Recipes from sweet, savory, breakfast and snacks. Never let that discard go to waste again!

Four photos of different sourdough discard baked goods. Pancakes, naan, banana bread and muffins

I have been baking with a sourdough starter since the summer of 2019 and it still is such a powerful ingredient in my kitchen.

Besides bread, I think the biggest and best discovery with using a sourdough starter is the long list of things that can be made with it.

And not just with a fed, active starter but also with the less active sourdough starter discard.

Maybe you are asking yourself what can I use a sourdough discard for? What recipes can I make with a sourdough starter?

This post is here to encourage you to try something new or experiment with an idea of your own.

Don't have a starter yet? Learn how to make a sourdough starter.

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Active Starter vs Sourdough Discard?

An active sourdough starter is when it is fed and doubles in size, typically 6-8 hours after feeding. This is considered active and once the starter "falls" or goes flat again it is no longer active.

The sourdough starter that is unfed and inactive is referred to as unfed sourdough starter or sourdough discard.

Just because it is referred to as the discard does not actually mean to discard it! It is still a living, active culture and can be used in so many different ways.

A glass jar with sourdough starter discard, flour and a dough whisk.

What Can I Make With Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard can be added to just about any recipe that calls for some kind of leavening agent.

Leavening agents are those things that give rise to our baked goods. Typically in the form of baking soda, powder, or instant yeast. A sourdough starter does the same thing.

Just about everything from pancakes to cookies, quick bread, and even homemade crackers. The possibilities are endless.

This list consists of my own recipes and favorite ways I enjoy using my leftover sourdough starter, as well as some popular recipes from other food bloggers.

Keep in mind while reading these recipes that sometimes discard can also be referred to as an unfed or inactive starter. These terms are all interchangeable and essentially mean the same thing.

Sourdough Breakfast Bites

Sourdough Starter Breakfast Bites

Sourdough starter breakfast bites are the perfect way to start your day. Made with eggs, peppers, mushrooms, spinach and of course some sourdough starter. A starter makes for a perfect base for these breakfast bites and they are quick and easy to put together. Make multiple batches and freeze for a quick future breakfast.

Sourdough Breakfast Bites

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Sourdough discard pancakes are so easy to make and don't require the batter to sit overnight. These pancakes are buttery, fluffy, and have that wonderful sourdough flavor. Cooked in butter on a skillet, gives these pancakes a beautiful golden brown exterior. Finish it off by topping with your favorite fresh fruit or pure maple syrup.

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Sourdough Discard Toasted Almond Biscotti

Sourdough Biscotti

This sourdough biscotti is made with sourdough discard and toasted almonds, then topped with melted chocolate. They are the perfect companion to your morning coffee. It's a fun and unique way to use up that extra sourdough discard

Sourdough Discard Biscotti

Sourdough almond biscotti being dipped in a cup of coffee.

Sourdough Discard Scones

Sourdough Scones

These sourdough scones are soft, flaky and best served warm right out of the oven. This is a great way to use that leftover discard. They are easy to make and are best when served warm with some butter and raspberry jam.

Sourdough Discard Scones

Scones with a jar of raspberry jam and one scone with jam inside.

Sourdough Blueberry Scones

These sourdough blueberry scones are soft, flaky and loaded with fresh blueberry and lemon flavor. Then served warm with an irresistible lemon glaze.

Sourdough Blueberry Scones

Scones that blueberries and a lemon glaze with fresh lemons and blueberries.

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones

These sourdough chocolate chip scones will be a new favorite! Super soft and full of sweet chocolate chips. They are a great way to use that discard. Drizzle with a sweet glaze and enjoy with your coffee or cup of milk. Scones are so simple to make in the comfort of your own home.

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones

A chocolate chip sourdough scone with a fork taking a piece out of it.

Sourdough Discard Waffles

Sourdough discard waffles, like regular waffles but even better! A light and fluffy texture with a crispy exterior and a hint of that sourdough taste. The best part? They don't need to ferment overnight! Just mix it up and pour the batter on a hot waffle iron, and breakfast is done. Makes 4-6 waffles, depending on their size.

Sourdough Discard Waffles

A stack of sourdough waffles with blueberries and syrup.

Sourdough Discard Naan

Soft and buttery naan made with sourdough starter discard. Make it to accompany any curry recipe or use it as a pizza crust for a quick lunch idea or flatbread for a sandwich. This iconic Indian bread is simple to make and tastes great with a multitude of dishes.

Sourdough Discard Naan

stack of sourdough naan on a wood board with cilatro and cast iron butter melter.

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cookies

These sourdough discard chocolate cookies are incredibly soft, filled with chocolate, and perfectly balanced with flaky sea salt. Need a good cookie recipe to use your sourdough discard with? Look no further!

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cookies

A white plate with chocolate sourdough cookies with sea salt on top.

Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies

These sourdough oatmeal cookies are incredibly soft, chewy and irresistible. You will never make normal oatmeal cookies again.

Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookie with a bite taken out on a baking sheet

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sourdough chocolate chip cookies that are soft, chewy, full of chocolate and a slight sourdough tang. If you are tired of cakey sourdough cookies, this recipe is for you!

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies

These sourdough peanut butter cookies are the perfect balance of tangy sourdough and rich creamy peanut butter. They are soft, chewy and bursting with peanut butter goodness. What else could you want in a cookie?

Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies

A plate of cookies with a jar of peanut butter in the back.

Sourdough Monster Cookies

These sourdough monster cookies have a little bit of everything. Oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, M&M's, and a slight sourdough tang. They are the rockstars of the cookie world and have lots of different textures and flavors to please any cookie lover.

Sourdough Monster Cookies

An oatmeal cookie with M&M's, chocolate chips, and peanut butter.

Sourdough Zucchini Bread

This sourdough zucchini bread is everything. Incredibly soft, moist, a slight bit of spice and full of fresh zucchini. It's the best loaf of zucchini bread you will ever make.

Sourdough Zucchini Bread

Sourdough Banana Bread

Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

The discard gives this iconic bread the perfect rise and texture. Put this powerful ingredient to work by incorporating it into your next loaf of banana bread. Don't let your discard, or overripe bananas, go to waste anymore.

Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

Loaf of sourdough banana bread on a cooling rack

Sourdough Cornbread

Sourdough cornbread made from a sourdough discard that is soft, moist, fluffy and the perfect companion for that pot of chili. Simple to make, this bread is best served with some soft butter and drizzled honey.

Sourdough Cornbread

Sourdough Banana Muffins

Sourdough banana muffins are like your regular banana muffins, but with a sourdough tangy twist. They are soft, moist, and have a nice brown crust on the outside. The combination of sourdough and ripe bananas gives these a unique taste that's a step up from your usual muffins! Makes 12-15 muffins.

Sourdough Banana Muffins

A plate with banana muffins and a glass of milk with a banana.

Sourdough Discard Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Sourdough Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

These Lemon poppyseed muffins are soft, moist and a bit tangy. Using a sourdough starter discard to give them that perfect rise, baked until golden brown, then topped with a lemon glaze and finished with a coarse sugar. They are quick and easy to make and will become one of your go to brunch recipes.

Sourdough Discard Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Lemon muffins with coarse sugar sitting on a cooling rack

Sourdough Banana Oat Muffins

These banana oat muffins are on the healthier side and make a great breakfast item. Honey is used in place of sugar giving them a more natural taste and

Sourdough Banana Oat Muffins

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins

Sourdough Discard Muffins

These sourdough discard muffins with chocolate chips are a bakery style muffin featuring a dense yet soft texture. Baking muffins is a great way to use up any extra starter and they make a great snack and also pair well with your morning coffee.

Sourdough Discard Muffins

Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

A loaf of pumpkin sourdough bread made with pumpkin puree, sourdough discard, and the classic pumpkin spice blend. It's a perfect fall treat and a great way to use all your extra sourdough discard.

Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread

Sourdough Discard Crackers

These flaky sourdough discard crackers are loaded with fresh rosemary and chunky sea salt. Super easy to make and a great way to use up some of that sourdough discard.

Sourdough Discard Crackers

A small bowl with a pile of sourdough crackers.

I'm sure there are so many delicious recipes I did not include. If you have made any of these or have one to share leave a comment below!

Sourdough Discard FAQs

What can I do with a lot of sourdough discard?

There are so many different recipes you can make with a sourdough discard. Cookies, quick breads, naan, pizza crust, muffins, scones, crackers, waffles and pancakes. Double any recipes to use up a lot of discard.

How long can sourdough discard sit out?

If kept at room temperature discard can sit on the counter for 1-2 days. If left out any longer it can start to develop mold or bacteria. If your house is on the cooler side it can sit out a little longer.

Can I use 2 day old sourdough discard?

Yes 2 day old starter can be used. As long as it doesn't smell rancid or have any signs of mold it is safe to use.

Sourdough Starter Resources

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