10 Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Starter

Sourdough baking is a delightful hobby, but it often comes with an overwhelming amount of discard—those portions of starter that need to be thrown away or used before the next feeding. Rather than wasting this precious ingredient, you can put it to good use in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re new to sourdough baking or a seasoned baker looking for fresh ideas, here are 10 easy sourdough discard recipes that are simple, tasty, and a great way to reduce food waste.

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Introduction

If you’ve been making sourdough bread, you know that maintaining a healthy starter involves regular feedings. Each feeding usually produces some leftover starter, known as sourdough discard. Instead of throwing it away, why not turn it into something delicious? Sourdough discard is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique tang to many different baked goods. This article will explore 10 easy sourdough discard recipes that will help you make the most of your leftovers.

What Is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of your starter that is removed during the feeding process. This excess starter is often discarded to maintain the right balance of flour and water in the remaining starter. Although sourdough discard won’t have the same leavening power as an active starter, it still carries flavor and texture benefits that can enhance a variety of recipes.

Benefits of Using Sourdough Discard

Not only does using sourdough discard help reduce food waste, but it also imparts a unique flavor to your baked goods. The tangy, slightly fermented taste is ideal for adding depth to both sweet and savory recipes. Plus, sourdough discard can be used without any extra feeding or preparation, making it a convenient and easy addition to many kitchen staples.

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Recipe 1: Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

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Recipe 2: Sourdough Discard Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: herbs or spices for seasoning

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough thinly between two sheets of parchment paper.
4. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and score into cracker shapes.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden.

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Recipe 3: Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Stir in the sourdough and discard.
4. Add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until combined.
5. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

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Recipe 4: Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Add sourdough discard and warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rest for 1-2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and roll out the dough.
5. Top with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for 10-12 minutes.

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Recipe 5: Sourdough Discard Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
2. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
3. In another bowl, combine sourdough discard, egg, milk, and butter.
4. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined.
5. Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes.

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Recipe 6: Sourdough Discard Waffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron and grease it.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the sourdough discard, egg, milk, and melted butter.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown.

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Recipe 7: Sourdough Discard Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup milk

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the sourdough discard and milk until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into biscuits.
6. Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

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Recipe 8: Sourdough Discard Pretzels

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Baking soda for boiling

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
2. Add sourdough discard and warm water, kneading until a dough forms.
3. Let the dough rest for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking soda water bath.
5. Shape the dough into pretzels, dip in the baking soda bath, and bake for 12-15 minutes.

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Recipe 9: Sourdough Discard Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup flour

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. Melt butter and cocoa powder in a saucepan, then remove from heat.
3. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sourdough and discard.
4. Add flour and salt, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

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Recipe 10: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 3 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture for filling

Step-by-step instructions:

• Stir in sourdough discard, milk, and melted butter to form a dough.
• Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
• Knead for 5-7 minutes, then let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
• Roll out the dough, spread with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and roll into a log.
• Slice into rolls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

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Tips for Storing and Freezing Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough discard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re not ready to use it right away, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in any recipe.

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Conclusion

Sourdough discard is an underappreciated ingredient that can transform a variety of everyday recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet treats or savory snacks, these 10 easy recipes show that you don’t have to let your discard go to waste. Next time you feed your starter, try one of these recipes and enjoy the added flavor and texture that sourdough discard brings to your cooking.

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FAQs

How long can I keep the sourdough discard recipe?

You can store sourdough discard in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use sourdough discard in gluten-free recipes?

Sourdough discard from a traditional starter contains gluten, so it cannot be used in gluten-free recipes unless you have a gluten-free starter.

Do I need to feed sourdough and discard it before using it in recipes?

No, sourdough discard can be used directly in recipes without additional feeding.

Can I freeze sourdough and discard it?

Yes, you can freeze sourdough and discard it for up to 3 months.

What is the difference between sourdough discard and active starter?

Sourdough discard is the portion of the starter removed during feeding and lacks the same leavening power as an active starter, but it still adds flavor to recipes.