15 Best Sourdough Discard Recipes: Ways to Use Starter Discard (2024)

If you’re searching for creative, tasty, and easy ways to use sourdough starter discard, you’ve come to the right place! Please enjoy this round-up list of the 15 best sourdough discard recipes including delicious crackers, granola, cookies, pancakes, cornbread, pretzels, pizza, pie crust, and more.

This list includes recipes of all types: some healthy sourdough discard recipes, some on the sweeter side, others that are savory, some you can bake right away, or recipes you can let sit to ferment for a while… There are plenty of ideas and options for every occasion!

Looking for more ideas to use sourdough discard, beyond the kitchen? See this post for 7 ways to use discarded starter – besides cooking or baking with it. And if you’re in need of a healthy, active, established starter, we offer organic sourdough starter in our shop! It’s basically foolproof.

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What is sourdough starter discard?


Sourdough starter must be routinely fed to keep it alive and healthy. In the process, it’s often required to remove or “discard” a portion of the old starter before feeding it more fresh flour and water. Discarding some starter serves two purposes: 1) it makes room in the jar for fresh ingredients and for the starter to rise, and 2) reduces volume and competition of overly-acidic hungry starter culture, making it easier for the beneficial bacteria and yeast to become active again once fed.

Yet despite its name, sourdough starter discard doesn’t actually have to be discarded, composted, or thrown away! Tip: save extra discard in its own jar in the refrigerator as you generate it. Then, you’ll have a nice little supply stocked up to use in sourdough discard recipes when you’re ready.

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Using sourdough discard in recipes


Sourdough starter discard isn’t “active”, so it won’t help bread rise as well as recently-fed (active) starter. Depending on the age, sourdough discard also tastes significantly more sour and acidic than fresh active starter.

Instead of wasting it, there are a number of recipes that are perfect to use sourdough starter discard in. The key is to choose recipes that don’t need a big fluffy rise like sourdough bread or focaccia, OR recipes that also call for baking soda, baking powder, or instant yeast to give it rise instead.Plus, using sourdough starter in recipes naturally makes it more healthy than other non-fermented baked goods (learn more about that here).

When using sourdough discard in recipes, you may not want to use reallllllly old neglected starter – like the one that’s been forgotten in the back of your fridge for many months, and has a dark layer of hooch on top. It won’t hurt, but will definitely add a stronger tart flavor to the recipe. Instead, I like to use sourdough discard that has been fed at least once in the last few weeks but isn’t active at the time of use.

For more tips on sourdough starter maintenance and care, see these related posts:

  • How to Feed Your Sourdough Starter + Storage and Care Tips
  • Is My Sourdough Starter Bad? How to Revive an Old Inactive Starter
  • How to Dehydrate or Dry Sourdough Starter to Preserve It
  • 9 Ways to Make Sourdough Starter More Active (Strengthen Starter)


15 Recipes to Use Sourdough Starter Discard


1) Sourdough Discard Crackers


Instead of wasting your discarded sourdough starter, make our popular herb whole wheat sourdough crackers. They’re crispy, savory, and delicious – perfect for holidays, parties, or just as a healthy snack. We love to pack ours full of fresh herbs, though you can use dried herbs, no herbs at all, add cheese, everything-but-the-bagel seasoning, or other creative add-ins. You can also make sourdough discard crackers with regular all purpose or bread flour too. We simply like the added oomph of nutrition and fiber that whole wheat flour provides!

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2) Sourdough Discard Pancakes


Please enjoy these fluffy, golden, easy sourdough pancakes. Homemade sourdough pancakes are absolutely delicious, and more nutritious than boxed pancake mix! I especially love them with homemade fruit preserves like apricot jam or fresh cranberry sauce plus nuts or seeds sprinkled on top. You can use active starter or sourdough discard in this recipe.

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3) Spiced Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies with Discard


Sugar and spice, and everything SO nice. Come dig into these drool-worthy spiced sourdough chocolate chip cookies. With flaky sea salt on top, a dash of cinnamon snickerdoodle love, and a hint of warm gingerbread spice, they’re a step above your average chocolate chip cookie.

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4) Delicious Sourdough Zucchini Bread (or Muffins)


You’re going to love this healthy sourdough zucchini bread recipe. It’s easy, flexible, and melt-in-your mouth delicious. Make it vegan, with active or discard starter, turn it into muffins, bake now or later, add chocolate, walnuts or dried fruit… the options are endless. Even better, the recipe has zero refined sugar, and options to use whole wheat flour! This sourdough discard recipe is especially perfect for the summer garden zucchini season.

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5) Sourdough Starter Granola


I love making sourdough discard recipes that you can eat and enjoy over several days – like this healthy sourdough discard granola! Our sourdough granolais lightly sweetened with natural maple syrup, loaded with big clusters, nuts, and seeds, along with plenty of fiber and omega fatty acids. We enjoy ours withvanilla, cinnamon, and coconut – but the recipe is really flexible! I’ve included plenty of other granola flavor and seasoning ideas to try too.

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6) Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies


Soft and chewy on the inside, a tad crispy on the outside, with plenty of warm gingerbread spices and a sugary crackled top… These sourdough ginger molasses cookies are quite possibly the most delicious cookies we’ve ever made. I especially love them around the holiday season, but really… any time is good! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

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7) Sourdough Cornbread


When sourdough and cornbread get together, they make some incredibly delicious babies. Golden homemade sourdough cornbread is a delectable combination of fluffy, moist, crumbly, a tiny bit gritty, and perfectly sweet. You’ve gotta try this! Vegan and gluten-free variations included.

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8) Healthy Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Bread (or Muffins)


You’re going to love our healthy sourdough pumpkin spice bread. It’s soft, fluffy, mildly sweet, perfectly spiced, and oh-so-delicious. Made with whole wheat pastry flour, ample pumpkin, and no refined sugar, it’s far more nutritious than other sweet breads. I really love it with a schmear of cream cheese on top – no need for sweet frosting!

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9) Homemade Sourdough Tortillas


Sourdough discard tortillas anyone? Pop over to this recipe from my friend Maurizo to learn how to make them. The recipe only calls for a ¼ cup starter, but is very easy to make – or mess up! You can also prep, roll, and freeze them before cooking.

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10) Easy Sourdough Pie Crust Recipe


Come learn how to make a flaky, buttery, absolutely delicious homemade sourdough pie crust. This sourdough pie crust creates the perfect “home” to hold any of your favorite sweet or savory pie fillings – from apple or pumpkin pie to quiche or pot pies. If you’re new to making pie crust from scratch, our clear step-by-step photos and tips should be a big help.

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11) Long-Fermented Sourdough Biscuits


If you’re looking for a sourdough discard recipe that you can mix and leave overnight, try these buttery, fluffy long-fermented sourdough biscuits from Farmhouse on Boone.A long fermentation time makes this healthy sourdough discard recipe more nutrient-dense and easier to digest.

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12) Baked Sourdough Corn Tortilla Chips


Here’s a unique sourdough discard recipe! Come learn how to make baked sourdough corn chips. The recipe is easy to make, has flexible timing, and can be used with either sourdough starter discard or fresh active starter. Crunchy, flaky, and delicious – these sourdough tortilla corn chips are perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, bean dip, hummus, and more. Make a batch for holidays, parties, or just as a healthy homemade snack.

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13) Soft Sourdough Pretzels


Who doesn’t love a big, salty, soft pretzel? Try this popular sourdough soft pretzel recipe from good ole King Arthur Baking. The recipe calls for sourdough discard AND instant yeast to help make them puffy.

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14) Sourdough Discard Waffles


Sourdough waffles are another great way to use starter discard. These well-rated “No Wait Sourdough Waffles” from the Pantry Mama sound fantastic. She also has a long-fermented waffle batter version of the discard recipe as well.

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15) Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust


Last but not least, pizza. We have our own whole wheat cast iron sourdough pizza crust recipe, but we honestly haven’t made it with discard instead of active starter! (Perhaps I should try…) So in the meantime, please enjoy this popular sourdough discard pizza dough recipe from Taste of Lizzy T. It’s described to have “an amazing flavor without a long waiting time”, and includes tips to achieve the perfectly golden-brown, bubbly crust.

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That concludes the list of sourdough discard recipe ideas.


Did you find some great new ideas here? Or, did I miss any of your favorite ways to use discarded sourdough starter? Please let us know in the comments below. I greatly appreciate you tuning into day, and hope you have fun trying these recipes yourself!


You may also enjoy:

  • Basic No-Knead Sourdough Bread Recipe
  • Simple Sourdough Focaccia Recipe
  • Sourdough Stuffing with Apple, Kale, Pecans and Cranberries (Holiday Dressing)
  • How to Make Pumpkin Shaped Sourdough Bread Loaf
  • 20 Best Sourdough Add-Ins and Topping Ideas
15 Best Sourdough Discard Recipes: Ways to Use Starter Discard (17)
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15 Best Sourdough Discard Recipes: Ways to Use Starter Discard (2024)

FAQs

Can you do anything with sourdough starter discard? ›

You can always use this discard by directly mixing it into a dough for baking. Your discard, as long as it's in good shape, will leaven any bread dough just as well. The discard is just like a levain you would make for a recipe. The only difference is it's the same makeup as your starter.

What is the best way to use sourdough discard? ›

Don't throw it away! Instead, use it to make delicious and nutritious treats like pancakes, waffles, muffins, and bread. Sourdough discard is a great source of natural yeast and flavor, and can add a unique tangy taste to your baked goods.

Does sourdough starter discard go bad? ›

How long can you keep sourdough discard? I've kept mine in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks without feeding and used it in sourdough discard recipes and it was just fine. As long as it's not growing mold or bad bacteria, it's safe to use. It won't give you any rise, but it will add flavor!

What else can I use sourdough starter for? ›

10 ways to use up sourdough starter
  • Sourdough crumpets. Add your sourdough starter to crumpet batter for a super light and airy texture. ...
  • Sourdough crackers. ...
  • Sourdough pancakes. ...
  • Sourdough pizza.
  • Sourdough scones. ...
  • Sourdough focaccia. ...
  • Sourdough toad-in-the-hole. ...
  • Sourdough hot cross buns.

Can I bake sourdough discard by itself? ›

You can store sourdough discard in a separate container, then bake with it when you want — for instance, maybe you fed your starter on Tuesday, leaving you with discard that you want to use to bake pancakes on Saturday.

Can I keep adding to my sourdough discard? ›

It may develop a grayish liquid on top called “hooch” which can be poured off before use or stirred in. If you stir it in, the flavor will become more sour. You can continue to add more discard to the jar just pour it in and give it a stir before placing it back in the fridge covered.

Do you feed discard before putting in the fridge? ›

After you use it, feed it, put it back in the fridge. Try that once or twice and see how your bread tastes. If you like it better, it's another way to go about things, otherwise, sticking with what works for you now is not a bad thing! I keep my discard in the refrigerator.

Does sourdough discard need to be room temperature before baking? ›

Store it for future baking: You can store sourdough discard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future baking with sourdough discard recipes. When you're ready to use it, let the discard come to room temperature before using it to bake.

Can I leave sourdough discard out overnight? ›

Room Temperature:

The yeast and bacteria in sourdough discard work very quickly at room temperature, so I would only keep discard at room temperature IF you're planning on using it within 1-2 days.

What is the difference between sourdough starter and discard? ›

The starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and bacteria over time, creating a leavening agent for bread. What is this? On the other hand, sourdough discard refers to the portion of the starter that is removed and discarded before feeding the remaining starter during regular maintenance.

What not to do with sourdough? ›

Here are the big errors to avoid when working with sourdough.
  1. You Bake Too Soon. ...
  2. You Use Unfiltered Tap Water. ...
  3. You Use Water That Is Too Hot or Too Cold. ...
  4. You're Impatient. ...
  5. You Don't Autolyse Your Dough. ...
  6. You Don't Let Gluten Develop Properly. ...
  7. You Don't Let the Bread Proof Long Enough. ...
  8. You Don't Form the Bread Correctly.
Apr 1, 2022

When should you not use sourdough starter? ›

After a few days, your daily 1/4 cup flour and water won't be enough to sustain your entire jar of starter, and your starter will be slow and sluggish, not much better than discard itself. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you want to bake with it.

Can I save my sourdough discard? ›

Check out a few of my favorite sourdough discard recipes here. Store it for future baking: You can store sourdough discard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future baking with sourdough discard recipes. When you're ready to use it, let the discard come to room temperature before using it to bake.

What's the difference between sourdough starter and discard? ›

Only a small portion of the sourdough starter is reserved and fed during each feeding, the rest is referred to as discard, since typically it is thrown away. In efforts to reduce waste, discard is often collected from multiple feedings and stored in the fridge until enough is allotted to be used for discard recipes.

Can you dry sourdough starter discard? ›

Any excess, also called the discard, can be dried and ground to powder. It can then be used for multiple purposes.

How long can you keep sourdough discard on counter? ›

Room temperature sourdough discard should be used, refrigerated, or thrown away after 36-48 hours. Sourdough discard can be kept in the fridge for weeks, BUT it continues to get sourer as time passes.

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