25 Unbelievably Good Sourdough Discard Recipes

The age old problem of all sourdough bakers is what to do with the discard? There are so many amazing ways to use sourdough starter discard! Discard is a byproduct of maintaining a sourdough starter. When you feed and refresh a starter, you typically discard a portion of it before adding fresh flour and water to maintain its balance and vitality.

The discarded portion is often referred to as “sourdough discard.” Many bakers choose to repurpose it in various recipes. It ultimately adds flavor, texture, and leavening properties to other baked goods. It has a tangy taste from the fermentation process that many people rave about. 

Recipes that commonly use sourdough discard include pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits, crackers, and even some bread recipes. Making discard recipes reduces waste and provides the flavor and texture of sourdough without the need for a fully active and mature starter.

While it’s not exactly the same as the active and bubbly sourdough starter used for bread-making, it does do wonders and will change the way you bake forever! You can make anything from cinnamon rolls, muffins, and waffles to crackers, cornbread, and more! 

1. Sourdough Cheddar Crackers with Discard

Sourdough Cheddar Crackers with Discard are salty, crispy, and simple to make. Crackers made with discarded sourdough starter are perfect for parties, school lunches, and so much more. A mouthwatering way to use your discard, this cheddar cracker snack is ready in less than 30 minutes. The salty treat you just have to serve with cocktails! Grab 3/4 cup sourdough starter, 1 cup all purpose flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar. You will also need Kosher salt for sprinkling! 

2. Sourdough Discard Pretzels

Sourdough Discard Pretzels are fabulous! My family loves them especially when we sprinkle them with cheese and crunchy salt. I give it 5 stars because it’s an easy recipe and they taste great. I’m new at sourdough baking and this is definitely a keeper. If you find the dough hard to roll out by hand you can even run it through a pastry attachment on a kitchen-aid stand mixer! Two weeks ago I tried to make my own sourdough starter from scratch- it turned out pretty good too. 

3. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Dessert or breakfast style sourdough discard recipes are fun and easy. My kids and I loved this recipe for cinnamon rolls, the only thing I changed was adding some sprinkles on top! I gave this dish 5 stars and I made it exactly how the recipe says, they were gone in ten minutes! One time I tried to make them gluten free with almond flour, but don’t waste your time because it was horrendous. King Arthurs gluten free flour blends are my favorite replacement for flour. 

4. Sourdough Pie Crust

Using a sourdough discard starter, you can make Discard Pie Crust. I used to be intimidated by making Pie Crust, but now I can make it without any issues! This step-by-step recipe will show you how to make the Pie Crust too. I have a confession to make: I’m addicted to making sourdough discard Pie Crust. There are just so many ideas for pie filling from key lime and chocolate mousse to cherry, blueberry, and pumpkin! And they are extraordinarily delicious! If you’ve never had a sourdough Pie Crust l before, you’re in for a real treat. 

5. Quick Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough [No Yeast]

Every time I make a batch of sourdough starter, I can’t help but think about the delicious pizzas I can make with the discarded starter. Could you do this with different cheeses? Yes and I think a smoked gruyere would be heavenly! Just don’t use any cheese that’s too soft. While getting your ingredients together make sure your butter is cold.  If you’ve always wanted to make pizza from scratch, then this is your sign to try! Why spend hours making a recipe when it’s not necessary? 

6. Sourdough Pizza Bombs Recipe

Making this Sourdough Pizza Bombs Recipe was my first time using discarded sourdough starter and It worked out great! It is definitely a 5 star snack and a delicious way to use discard.I have made these on 3 separate occasions so far! I found that sprinkling them with hot sauce before serving adds a special extra kick! A dash of cayenne pepper in a batch with extra sharp cheddar was our favorite and doesn’t hurt either! 

7. Easy Sourdough Cornbread

Easy sourdough discard recipes like this cornbread will delight the whole family. It is fluffy and moist with a sweet tangy kick. The added tang from the sourdough starter really elevates the flavor of the entire meal. So if you’re looking for an easy and delicious appetizer or snack, be sure to give this snack a try! Serve it up for Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, and so much more 

8. Sourdough Cheese Scones

I baked these for the first time last week. My 18 month old loves sourdough scones. I found the dough kind of hard to mix together at first, but once rolled out, it worked out perfectly! I ended up using a butter baste, and they turned out super tasty and very easy to make. The dough can be tricky without the parchment; it would probably be impossible!

9. Sourdough Discard Onion Rings 

Are you ready to whip up the crispiest, crunchiest, yummiest onion rings you’ve ever tasted? Then get ready to make onion rings with the perfect amount of coating! When using sourdough starter discard you can achieve just that with minimal effort. So why are these onion rings so much better? Well because normally with raw onions dipped straight into buttermilk or eggs – it’s a bit harder to hold it’s coating. But with SD started it holds up so much better! Plus the flavor is next level amazing. 

10. Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake

Tasty sourdough discard recipes like this dessert will have you jumping for joy! I am adoring this fabulous Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake! It whips up in a flash and it’s moist, tangy, and oh-so crumbly. The sourdough flavor combined with the sweet crumble topping is something made in food heaven. With allergy friendly substitutes like gluten free flour! My favorite gluten free flour is King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure! Make it vegan by using Earth Balance vegan spread and JUST Egg. 

11. Super Yummy SD Pancakes

So Much Discard! What to do with it all? Well these Super Yummy SD Pancakes are a great start! Ditch the Biquick mix and Hungry Jack pancake mix and get familiar with this recipe. Did you know that sourdough discard is easier to digest on your stomach than regular flour? I had no idea until I started researching it for this post! These pancakes are light, creamy, fluffy, and so easy to make. They taste amazing with maple syrup or coconut whipped cream. 

12. Sourdough Waffles 

Sourdough waffles are a must make! Now that I know how to make recipes with sourdough starter discard I feel like a whole new world has opened up for me. I never realized I would learn so many new ideas and skills from one ingredient! Learning how to make it from scratch is a game changer too. These light and fluffy sourdough discard waffles are devine! Serve them up with fresh juice and some fruit! 

13. Sourdough Discard Flatbread

Flatbread sourdough discard recipes are just about the easiest things you’ll ever make. Plus they are so versatile and delicious! The best part is that you can top them with anything you like. From cheddar cheese to garlic butter and everything in between. The base of the flatbread is made with ONLY sourdough starter discard without the use of baking powder or other ingredients! Just grab it from the counter or fridge and fry it up in a skillet in less than 10 minutes. 

14. Sourdough Donut Holes 

This recipe shows you how to make the softest sweetest glazed donut holes with sourdough discard. Whether you eat them the same day or the next they are equally delicious. These are the best donut holes I have ever eaten. You can add cocoa powder or sprinkles, whatever you desire. However this recipe calls for a super simple glaze using 3 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and pinch salt. 

15. SD Chocolate Chip Muffins

Are you ready for a new sourdough recipe? These SD Chocolate Chip Muffins are a favorite of my kids and myself! These sourdough discard chocolate chip muffins are the most delicious treats I have tasted using sourdough starter. It’s become a custom to make muffins every weekend in my house. All you need is eggs, melted butter, sourdough starter, sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate chips and milk. Tools needed include a large wooden spoon, a large mixing bowl, and a muffin pan! 

16. Sourdough Discard Challah Bread

Today you’re going to learn how to make something incredibly delicious! Do you have some leftover sourdough starter but you’re not sure what to do with it? I’ve got the best recipe idea for you, Sourdough Discard Challah Bread! This bread turned out so light, fluffy and delicious. Nothing is quite as scrumptious as waking up and having fresh Challah Bread. This bread would win SD recipe of the year! The best thing about this fluffy bread is that there is no rise time, you can eat it right away or the next day. Plus, it is really easy to make. Give it a try today!

17. Easy Sourdough Tortillas

Easy sourdough discard recipes like tortillas make life so much better. Sourdough discard tortillas are whipped up easily, are soft, fluffy, full of flavor and the best substitute for pre-made tortillas from the store. Transform any recipe for tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and fajitas! Helpful tools include: a stand mixer and dough hook, measuring cups, measuring spoons, a bench scraper, a rolling pin, and a flat surface. Ingredients include all purpose flour, sourdough starter, salt, olive oil, and warm water. 

18. Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots

The best garlic knots you’ll ever have! Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots are made with 6 ounces (177 ml) warm water, 1/2 cup (135 grams) sourdough discard, 2 cups (285 grams) bread flour, 1 teaspoon (3 grams) instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon (7 grams) sea salt. For the garlic sauce grab 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus more for brushing, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/3 cup (40 grams) parmesan or mozzarella shreds, and minced parsley or basil for garnish!

19. Sourdough Banana Muffins

If you liked the chocolate chip muffins you are going to adore these sourdough banana muffins! They are tender, soft, and full of creamy and tangy banana sourdough flavor. Banana muffins are a healthy and nutritious grab-and-go breakfast or late night dessert. Did you know the sourdough discard helps them last longer? Plus they are ready in no more than 30 minutes flat. They come out of the oven warm and delicious, plus you can store them for a week!

20. Pan Bread With SD 

Easy sourdough discard recipes like this Pan Bread are great any time of the year. This particular recipe was developed to be especially easy, tasty, quick, and fail-proof. Also it’s very soft and airy on the inside, with big air holes, and a lovely crispy golden brown crust that is thin and delicate. Most recipes for bread take a lot of time and experience to get it perfect. That’s why this one is so amazing! It’s literally impossible to make it wrong! 

21. Easy Sourdough Peach Cobbler (Discard)

Easy sourdough peach cobbler is a wonderful flavor combination and it’s fabulous any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious summer dessert or holiday treat to impress your guests- this peach cobbler is a real winner. It is buttery like a crumbly cookie. Key ingredients include butter, flour, eggs, sourdough discard starter, baking soda, salt, milk and 1 (15 oz) can of peaches. 

22. Sourdough Pasta

You will adore this sourdough discard starter pasta! It has a flavor unlike anything else! I bet you thought homemade pasta from scratch was an impossibly difficult task! Something only chefs and professional bakers do. Think again! With this recipe using SD anyone can be a professional pasta maker! The best part is that you can use any sauce or make any sauce you’d like. My personal favorite topping to use with this pasta is pesto or roasted tomato. 

23. Sourdough Granola Bars: How to Use YOUR Sourdough Discard

Granola bars are the best snack to make with discard! This recipe is nutrient-dense, and has appetite-suppressing qualities. That means they’re perfect for an on the go snack or pre-work out treat. My favorite nuts to add are pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamia, peanuts that are shelled and roughly chopped. Next up are the seeds, try chia seeds or sunflower, flax, or hemp seeds- yum! 

24. Dutch Baby or German Pancake

Simple sourdough discard recipes for breakfast make your day a million times better! Like this Dutch Baby or German Pancake recipe that you will love. It’s a fuss free recipe that has your blender doing all the work. You can customize the pancake however you want with seeds, nuts, jams, syrups, anything you like. All you need is 6 large eggs, all-purpose flour room temperature sourdough discard, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and butter!

25. Sourdough Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

There are so many reasons why you will love this Sourdough Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! For one thing it is an easy “stir n’ go”, fuss free, last minute dessert for any occasion. It’s also the best spring and summer dessert! This cake is a delicious crowd pleasing treat that makes good use of discard! Are you a planner and organizer? Good- because this recipe can be doubled, and frozen for later! It’s also a frugal treat making gourmet desserts on a budget!