If your sourdough starter is looking at you from the fridge, ready for a little action, I’ve got you covered. I rounded up 23 of my favorite easy, ridiculously good discard recipes that transform that tangy leftover into pure kitchen gold. From fluffy pancakes to fudgy brownies and chewy cookies, there’s a whole lot of deliciousness waiting for you.
1. Ultimate Sourdough Banana Bread
I can’t believe I never thought to use starter discard in banana bread before this recipe came along. It’s a terrific way to reduce food waste, and a double whammy if you’ve got overripe bananas on the counter too.
The real question: nuts or chocolate? I’ll let you make that call.
2. Sourdough Brownies
This one takes the cake, or more appropriately, the brownie. They’re super fudgy with that top notch crackle on top, crazy rich and loaded with deep chocolatey goodness.
Feeling extra indulgent? Serve them warm with a scoop of homemade no churn ice cream.
3. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts
I love tackling a weekend baking project, and these sourdough discard donuts are worth every minute. The discard gives them a tender, cake like consistency that’s scrumptiously paired with cinnamon sugar. These babies taste just like your favorite old fashioned donut, so tender you don’t need any glaze at all.
4. Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies
I love these thick oatmeal cookies year round, but that sourdough tang makes them an absolute star on a spiced winter cookie platter. Make sure your discard is at room temperature so they bake up with a gorgeous cake like texture.
The hardest part? Letting them cool completely before you even think about glazing.
5. Rustic Sourdough Pasta
The simplest step you can take to elevate your pasta is to use homemade noodles. I’ve got just the recipe, and all you need is sourdough discard, water, and flour. For a bigger sourdough flavor, let the pasta rest a couple hours before cutting it into ribbons.
6. Sourdough Biscuits
Flaky, buttery, and totally irresistible, these sourdough biscuits are perfect for a cozy morning or a warm afternoon treat. Sour cream plays up the tangy bite of the discard while scallions add the freshest little pop of oniony goodness. If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt or buttermilk will work beautifully.
7. Sourdough Bread with Discard
Okay, I know this one feels obvious, but I have to say it: the best thing you can make with sourdough discard is a gorgeous loaf of sourdough bread. For the very best results, use instant yeast and let the dough go through a final proof. And like all sourdough, the longer you’ve tended your starter, the deeper and better that flavor becomes.
8. Sourdough Naan
Be warned, this recipe will spark some serious naan cravings. If you thought sourdough bread was good, just wait until you take a bite of this sourdough naan. The dough will feel a bit sticky at first, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be, so don’t be alarmed.
9. Sourdough Pizza Crust
My secret to the ultimate homemade pizza crust is this recipe. The taste and texture are superior to anything you can make with an instant yeast packet or grab from the store. Just note, this one uses a good amount of starter, so double check you have enough before you get your hopes up.
10. Sourdough Discard Crackers
These sourdough discard crackers are my favorite little nibbles. Razor thin and shatteringly crisp, they’re amazing for dipping or just popping straight into your mouth.
The craziest part? They have this wonderfully cheesy flavor, and it’s all thanks to the discard.
11. Sourdough Crumpets
You’ve definitely heard “tea and crumpets,” but have you actually tasted one? Now’s your perfect chance.
These crumpets are light and buttery, which is really the best of both worlds. I love serving them warm with a generous dollop of salted butter melting into every nook.
12. Sourdough Discard Waffles
Just like pancakes, sourdough discard transforms into a yummy batch of waffles with the perfect texture and buttery flavor. This recipe uses up a good amount of discard, making it a fantastic option when you’ve got a big jar of the stuff staring back at you.
13. Sourdough Granola
Did you know sourdough discard can make granola? The discard acts as a binder, holding all those yummy ingredients together. Toss in oats, honey, and coconut oil for one terrific base, then add dried fruit, nuts, or even a splash of almond or hazelnut extract for a twist.
14. Sourdough Soft Pretzels
I can never resist sinking my teeth into a warm, soft sourdough pretzel. The dough needs a couple of days to hang out, so a little patience is required.
But trust me, the final result is beyond worthy of the wait. If you love salted pretzels, sprinkle on some sea salt or kosher salt for that perfect finishing crunch.
15. Cheesy Sourdough Popovers
Cheese and carbs are basically my love language, so these cheesy sourdough popovers make me incredibly happy. Every delicious morsel is loaded with shredded cheese, tucked inside and sprinkled on top. Soft and airy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, everything about these popovers is completely irresistible.
16. Sourdough Chocolate Cake
Sourdough discard is your secret weapon for turning a simple one bowl chocolate cake into something decadent. It adds a plush texture that keeps the cake from ever drying out. The flavor, though, that’s the real star, with loads of chocolate and a sneaky splash of brewed coffee in the batter.
17. Sourdough Sugar Cut Out Cookies
Next Christmas, put your discard to delicious use with a platter of these festive sweets. They’re super fun to make and the kids will have a blast decorating them for the holidays. Before starting, make sure your discard is at 100 percent hydration for the very best results.
18. Sourdough Crepes
This recipe gently reminds me that I don’t make crepes nearly enough. The airy texture is so heavenly and they’re fantastic with sweet or savory toppings. While they take a tiny bit of practice to perfect, it’s nothing any beginner can’t handle.
19. Sourdough Blueberry Muffins
My whole household lights up when I bake a batch of these scrumptious muffins. The crumb topping is straight up coffee cake magic, adding a sweet crunch on top of that tender crumb. I usually grab fresh blueberries, but frozen ones work too, just keep them from thawing so those juicy berries don’t turn your batter blue.
20. Sourdough Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread lovers, you are in for a real treat. This loaf has all the cozy fall flavors you crave plus a wonderfully moist and tender crumb. And it holds a little secret besides the discard: a hint of fresh orange juice that creates a sensational flavor unlike any sweet bread you’ve ever tasted.
21. Sourdough Discard Dumpling
Once you have homemade dumpling wrappers this good, it’s hard to go back to the frozen stuff. The chewy texture is spot on and it only calls for three ingredients. You’re saving on food waste and cutting out any unwanted preservatives in one fell swoop.
22. Sourdough Pancakes
If you’ve never made sourdough pancakes, get ready to be wowed. Trust me, they blow any boxed mix right out of the water.
You can have a sky high stack of the fluffiest pancakes hot and ready in under 30 minutes. Now the only decision: classic maple syrup and butter, or a full on savory breakfast feast?
23. Sourdough Crescent Rolls
These tender crescent rolls practically melt in your mouth. The inside stays soft and chewy while the butter brushed outside gives you that subtle, satisfying crunch. I could easily gobble up a handful all on their own, but a spoonful of fresh fruit jelly makes them even more amazing.