Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes and Ideas

Sourdough starter discard is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious recipes.

sourdough discard recipesFor breakfast, it works well in pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits, and crepes, adding a slight tang and great texture. It’s also perfect for savory bakes like crackers, pizza dough, flatbreads, and tortillas, bringing depth of flavor and chewiness. When it comes to sweet treats, sourdough discard can enhance delicious things like brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, quick breads, and cakes by adding moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Beyond baking, it can be used in homemade pasta, dumpling wrappers, and even as a batter for fried foods. Additionally, it makes a great thickener for soups and stews. Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce waste or simply add more flavor to your dishes, sourdough discard is a great ingredient to experiment with.

So the next time you need to use up some leftover sourdough discard, try some of these easy sourdough discard recipes to make a delicious dessert, easy breakfast, and so much more!

What is sourdough discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough starter that is removed before feeding it with fresh flour and water. Since a sourdough starter is a living culture of wild yeast and bacteria, it needs regular feeding to stay active. Without discarding some of it, the starter would grow too large and become unmanageable.

While discard is not as active as a fully fed starter, it still has a lot of flavor and can be used in various recipes to add a subtle tang and depth. Instead of throwing it away, you can use it in pancakes, waffles, crackers, cookies, and even pizza dough. Most people store their discard in the fridge and collect it over time for baking projects. Trying these new recipes is a great way to expand your sourdough journey!

 

Storing sourdough discard properly helps you reduce waste and use it in future recipes. Here are the best ways to store it:

Short-Term Storage (Up to 1 Week)

  • Keep discard in an airtight container (a jar or plastic container works well).

  • Store it in the refrigerator to slow down fermentation.

  • Stir it occasionally to prevent liquid (hooch) from separating.

  • Use it within a week for the best flavor and texture in recipes.

Long-Term Storage (Up to Several Months)

  • Freezing: Pour discard into an airtight container or freezer bag, label it with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

  • Drying: Spread a thin layer on parchment paper, let it air-dry completely, then break it into flakes and store in an airtight container. Rehydrate with water when needed.

Refrigerated discard will develop a stronger tang over time, which can enhance certain recipes. 

So! Ready now to mix up some fluffy pancakes, buttery biscuits, salty pretzels, or crispy crust for your pizza? Let’s check these sourdough recipes out!

Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes and Ideas

Sourdough starter discard is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious recipes.

 

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6 Comments

  1. I’m so glad I found this post—thank you!

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