Inside: Easy sourdough starter discard recipes.
Sourdough baking is a delightful process, offering homemade loaves of bread with deep flavours, beautiful crusts, and that unique tang only a sourdough starter can provide.
But there’s one challenge every sourdough baker faces: the discard. When maintaining a sourdough starter, you regularly remove a portion of the mixture to keep your culture healthy. This “sourdough discard” is often tossed, but it’s full of flavour and potential.
If you’re tired of wasting that discard, good news! There are many sourdough discard recipes beyond just bread that can transform this byproduct into lots of delicious things. Whether you have just a little or a lot of discard, here are some creative, tasty ways to put it to good use.
Is your starter struggling? Find out how to revive a sourdough starter here!
Discover all of my sourdough posts in the series.
Sourdough Pancakes
Pancakes are a classic breakfast staple, but with the addition of sourdough discard, they get a tangy twist. Sourdough pancakes are fluffier, more flavourful, and add a depth that regular pancakes lack.
How to Make:
Incorporate your sourdough discard into your usual pancake batter, or try a dedicated sourdough pancake recipe. Typically, the discard is mixed with flour, eggs, milk, and a bit of sugar. You can let the batter ferment overnight for extra sourness or use it immediately for a milder flavour. The result is a fluffy pancake with a subtle sourdough tang, perfect for maple syrup, fruit, or even savoury toppings like bacon.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of discard based on your preference for tang.
- Use buttermilk for an extra boost of flavour and tenderness.
Sourdough Discard Crackers
Crackers made from sourdough discard are a crisp, savoury treat that’s perfect for snacking or pairing with cheese and dips. These crackers are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, you can season them in endless ways!
How to Make:
Mix the sourdough discard with olive oil, flour, and salt to form a dough. Roll it out thin, then cut it into cracker shapes. Before baking, sprinkle with toppings like sesame seeds, herbs, or flaky sea salt. The resulting crackers are crispy, with a deliciously tangy flavour from the discard.
Tips:
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder.
- Brush the tops of the crackers with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Sourdough Pizza Crust
Who doesn’t love pizza? Sourdough discard pizza dough gives a chewy texture with a slightly sour flavour that perfectly complements a variety of toppings. Unlike traditional pizza dough, sourdough pizza crust develops a rich flavour from the natural fermentation.
How to Make:
You can use sourdough discard as a partial or complete substitute for commercial yeast in your pizza dough recipe. In a large bowl, mix the discard with all purpose flour, water, olive oil, and salt, then let the dough rise & ferment for several hours or overnight. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and top it with your favourite ingredients. After baking, you’ll have a pizza with a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, chewy centre.
Tips:
- Let the dough ferment longer for a stronger sour flavour.
- Try a mix of whole wheat and white flour for added texture.
Sourdough Biscuits
Sourdough discard adds a unique twist to buttery, flaky biscuits. The acidity from the discard interacts with baking soda to give your biscuits an extra lift, making them incredibly light and fluffy.
How to Make:
Incorporate sourdough discard into your biscuit dough along with flour, butter, and a leavening agent like baking powder. Knead the dough lightly, roll it out, and cut out biscuits. The resulting biscuits will have a tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with honey, jam, or gravy.
Tips:
- Use cold butter for flakier biscuits.
- For an extra decadent twist, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.
Sourdough Waffles
Like pancakes, sourdough waffles are a great way to use up discard while giving your breakfast a boost. The natural fermentation in the discard gives the waffles a wonderful complexity.
How to Make:
Mix your sourdough discard with your usual waffle ingredients—flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and butter. For extra depth, let the batter sit overnight, allowing it to ferment slightly. Cook the waffles in your waffle iron as usual, and you’ll end up with crispy, golden waffles with a tangy undertone.
Tips:
- For crispy waffles, use a little less batter and let them cook slightly longer.
- Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Sourdough Banana Bread
Sourdough discard is a perfect addition to quick breads, and banana bread is no exception. Adding discard to the batter doesn’t drastically change the classic banana flavour, but it does enhance the bread’s moisture and crumb structure.
How to Make:
Simply fold your sourdough discard into your original recipe, replacing some of the bread flour and wet ingredients. The discard adds a mild tanginess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of ripe bananas. Whether you prefer your banana bread with walnuts, chocolate chips, or just plain, the sourdough addition makes it extra moist and flavourful.
Tips:
- Let your bananas become fully ripe (almost black) for the best flavour.
- Sprinkle the top of the loaf with sugar for a crunchy, caramelised crust.
Sourdough Scones
Scones are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Sourdough discard adds a pleasant complexity to scone dough, making them more flavorful without overpowering the delicate taste of the butter and other ingredients.
How to Make:
Mix the discard with flour, cold butter, sugar, and cream to form a scone dough. Add mix-ins like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts. The sourdough discard helps create a tender, flaky texture, and the tangy flavor complements both sweet and savoury additions.
Tips:
- Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it, which can result in tough scones.
- For savory scones, try adding cheddar cheese and chives.
Sourdough Muffins
Muffins are a quick and easy way to use up sourdough discard. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury muffins, the discard adds a lovely depth of flavor.
How to Make:
Incorporate a portion of the sourdough starter discard into your muffin batter along with flour, eggs, sugar, and your choice of flavourings like blueberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon. The discard helps create a tender crumb, making the muffins moist and fluffy.
Tips:
- Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure a light texture.
- Add a streusel topping for extra crunch.
Sourdough Dumplings
If you’re making a hearty soup or stew, sourdough dumplings are the perfect way to round out the meal. These pillowy, savoury dumplings soak up the flavours of the broth while adding a comforting, tangy touch.
How to Make:
Combine your sourdough discard with flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into simmering soup or stew and let them cook until puffed up and tender. The discard adds a subtle tang that complements rich, savoury dishes.
Tips:
- Don’t over mix the dough; stir just until combined for fluffy dumplings.
- For extra flavour, stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Sourdough Brownies
Yes, you can even make brownies with sourdough discard! The tang from the discard enhances the chocolate flavour and creates a denser, fudgier texture.
How to Make:
Add sourdough discard to your brownie batter, replacing some of the flour and liquid. The discard contributes to the chewiness of the brownie and creates a subtle complexity without being too sour.
Tips:
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavour.
- For extra richness, fold in chocolate chunks or swirl in peanut butter.
Sourdough Flatbread
Sourdough flatbread is an easy recipe that works as a base for pizza, wraps, or served alongside dips. The flatbread is chewy and slightly tangy, making it a great accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.
How to Make:
Mix sourdough discard with flour, water, olive oil, and salt to create a bread dough. Roll it out and cook on a hot skillet or bake in the oven. You can top it with herbs, garlic, or cheese for a delicious flatbread snack or meal base.
Tips:
- Use a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy, slightly charred flatbread.
- Brush with garlic butter for extra flavour.
Sourdough discard doesn’t have to be wasted! From breakfast favourites like pancakes and waffles to savoury treats like crackers and dumplings, there are countless ways to transform discard into delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes.
The next time you refresh your sourdough starter, don’t throw away that valuable discard—use it to make something new and exciting.
By incorporating sourdough discard into these amazing recipes, you can reduce food waste and enjoy the unique flavours and textures that sourdough adds to both sweet and savoury dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, sourdough discard is your secret ingredient for dishes your whole family will enjoy.