Sourdough starter discard recipes you can make over and over with that inactive, unfed sourdough starter. Recipes for sweet, savory, breakfast and snacks. Never let it go to waste again!
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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.
When I first started, bread was the ultimate goal and I knew pancakes were also an option, but that was really it. Now we turn out banana bread, crackers, muffins, breakfast bites and so many other great recipes almost daily.
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.
What is the difference between a sourdough starter and a 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 This is considered active and once the starter "falls" or goes flat again it is no longer active.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.
To be used as a leavening agent in bread and similar baked goods it will need to be refed. What is left over is considered the 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.
Learn everything you need to know about discard, the starter feeding process, and how to keep and store leftover sourdough discard on my what is sourdough discard post.
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.
Most of these recipes call for the leftover starter that is at room temperature. If your discard is in the refrigerator take it out and bring it to room temperature before baking.
Whatever you have a craving for, or enjoy baking, I'm sure there is a great recipe for that!
Sourdough Discard Recipes
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.
Here are some recipes to use that excess sourdough starter.
Breakfast Recipes
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It just sets us off on the right foot and gets us up and moving. I am a morning person but sometimes we still need a quick and easy breakfast.
A sourdough discard can help with that. Here are a few breakfast recipes that you can use that extra 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 them for a quick future breakfast.
Sourdough Pancakes
These pancakes are a great way to start the day! Made with a sourdough starter, milk, egg, and bread flour giving them a fluffy texture. Finish it off by topping with your favorite fresh fruit or pure maple syrup.
Sourdough Discard Toasted Almond Biscotti
This toasted almond biscotti is the perfect companion to your morning coffee. The classic flavors of an almond biscotti but made with a sourdough discard. It's a fun and unique way to use up that extra sourdough discard.
Scones
Soft and flaky sourdough scone recipe. They are easy to make and are best when served warm with some butter and raspberry jam.
Other Breakfast Items to Make with your Sourdough Discard:
- Sourdough Waffles
- Sourdough Pop-Tarts
- Sourdough Blueberry Breakfast Cake
- Sourdough English Muffins
- Sourdough Crepes
- Cinnamon Rolls
Savory Sourdough Recipes
Baking with sourdough discard does not mean it needs to be a sweet treat. In fact, discard is a great way to give these savory recipes that nice sourdough flavor. Discard can be added to many savory style baked goods. Here are just a few:
Sourdough Discard Naan
Soft and buttery sourdough discard naan. 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.
Other Savory Items to make with your sourdough discard:
- Sourdough Discard Zucchini Fritters
- Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls
- Sourdough Tortillas
- One Pan Sourdough Skillet
- Sourdough Discard Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fritters
- Sourdough Biscuits
- Sourdough Fried Chicken
- Sourdough Pizza Crust
Sweet Sourdough Recipes
Sourdough discard can be added to just about any sweet treat! Cookies, cakes, brownies, quick breads, muffins, and the list goes on and on. The discard will sometimes give baked goods a tangy flavor that can pair nicely with other ingredients. Here are a few to check out:
Sourdough Discard Chocolate Brownie Cookies
These Chocolate Brownie Cookies are so soft and fudgy and balanced out with some flaky sea salt. The dough is really quick to mix together and then chilled for 2-3 hours.
Sourdough Banana Bread
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. Add chocolate chips or walnuts for a little extra.
Sourdough Discard Lemon Poppyseed Muffins
These sourdough 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 coarse sugar. They are quick and easy to make and will become one of your go-to brunch recipes
Sourdough Banana Oat Muffins
Banana Oat Muffins are made with a sourdough starter. This sweet treat is a healthier alternative and no sugar or butter is needed.
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 your extra starter.
Other Sweet Recipes to make with a Sourdough Discard
- Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookes
- Double Chocolate Sourdough Muffins
- Sourdough Brownies
- Sourdough Pound Cake
- Sourdough Chocolate Cake
- Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies
- Sourdough Cinnamon Crumb Cake
- Sourdough Zucchini Bread
- Cranberry Sourdough Coffee Cake
Snacks
Snack items you can make with a sourdough discard.
Sourdough Discard Crackers
These flaky sourdough discard crackers are loaded with fresh rosemary and chunky sea salt. This is a great recipe if you have a lot of discard because you can make multiple batches. Make it your own and try different add ins or toppings.
Other Sourdough Snack Ideas:
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 send me a message or leave a comment below!
Other Sourdough Resources
Sourdough Discard Recipes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select which recipe you would like to use.
- Read the instructions. Each recipe will specify if you need an active starter or if you can use discard.
- Make and enjoy!
- Share in the comments what you made.
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