If you have a sourdough starter, and especially if it's not fully established yet, you likely have sourdough discard! Whether you bake every week or only when you remember your starter exists (no judgment here!), these easy sourdough discard recipes will help you waste less and bake more.
From crusty bagels to cozy banana bread, these are the recipes readers (and myself in my own kitchen) come back to again and again. Every recipe on this list uses sourdough discard (unfed, inactive starter), and a lot of it! Most of these recipes will use up 200g of sourdough discard, so we can get your discard jar under control. Enjoy the baking!
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FAQs
Sourdough discard is what you have left over after you feed your sourdough starter.
When you feed your sourdough starter, you measure out a portion of the starter, then add fresh flour and water. The portion of the starter that you didn't use or feed is the discard. You can either literally discard this (in the compost or trash), or use it forĀ sourdough discard recipes. It has fermented, so it has some natural yeast and will be an added lift and a bit of sourdough flavor for your baking recipes.
Yes, you can! Generally speaking, you can make any sourdough discard recipe with active starter. To do so, you would omit the commercial yeast (if the recipe uses any) and replace the amount of sourdough discard with the same amount of active sourdough starter. You will also need to increase the rise times.
If you're making a recipe that doesn't use yeast (like muffins, or a banana bread), you could use active starter in place of the discard, but it is not needed for leavening purposes.
Short answer: yes. After day 8 of making a new sourdough starter - at which point you should be seeing some amount of acivity, even if not fully established - you can start to keep and use the sourdough discard for baking. During that first week of building a new starter, you should not keep or use the discard.
Breads & Bagels
Sourdough discard breads and bagels are one of my favorite things to make. Bagels, sandwich loaves, rolls, and more! These also freeze well so you can enjoy some now and freeze some for later.
"I make these bagels multiple times per week, and they are gone within minutes of coming out of the oven!" - Kennedy
"Wonderful! This will be in my collection of recipes tested and tried. Even my picky mom and daughter love this sandwich bread." - Eve
"I love this recipe! I've made it about 10 times. I was making bagels with the fed sourdough starter, and this is so much easier and faster! So easy to make!" - Deb
"These are a new family favorite. I've made them several times, and they always come out perfect. My family gets excited when they see I'm making these!" - Barbara
"I made this recipe and I ate the entire loaf in one sitting it was insanely good!! Next time I make it, it'll have to be to share with friends, otherwise I will eat the whole loaf again!" - Anna
"This is the easiest sourdough discard bread I have found. Excellent crust, beautiful soft inside. Thanks so much!" - Shannon
Sweets & Breakfasts
Sweet bakes and breakfasts are perfect made with sourdough discard! Try these scones, waffles, pancakes, brownies, and more.
"We buy extra bananas weekly JUST for this recipe. A family favorite. Even my in-laws ask for a weekly loaf. We add cinnamon and walnuts to our loaves. A perfect recipe for your extra discard! You won't regret it." - Jamy
"This was amazing! So good! Such a yummy but not-too-sweet cake and a good way to use up a bunch of discard." - Christine
"I have made this recipe approximately a dozen times and it does not disappoint!
I can't even get them out the oven and my husband is eating them. Such an easy recipe and very satisfying." - Mari
"I made these and they turned out so good: flavor and texture was perfect and it was a family favorite! I followed the recipe perfectly and they looked great! Can't wait to make them again!" - Afton
"We tried this recipe (twice now, for good scientific method) and WOW! They are a super taste, super texture, easy to make. I am so impressed and so thankful!" - Beth
"I just baked these up and they were absolutely delicious, it was hard to stop myself eating them! The texture was amazing, and they behaved exactly as described in the recipe. I think I've found one of my new favorite way to use up my discard." - Ashley
"Best brownies I've ever had or made! I have been using your bagel recipe, and also 5 stars for that too! And today made your cornbread lol. I love them so much, thank you!" - Shauna
"Yum these are SOO GOOD and easy to make, the whole family loves these." - Morgan
Savory Snacks & Crackers
Savory snacks and bakes are one of my favorite things to make with sourdough discard, as that sourdough tang really comes through. Try these crackers, pizza dough, pretzels, and more!
"My first discard recipe, and they are so good! I did everything bagel on half & cheese/rosemary on the other half. Quick and easy, but so good!!" - Hevan
"Made this tonight and it was so easy, and SUCH A HIT! Husband and I loved it and it will be in steady rotation in our house. Thank you!!" - Briah
"This is my third time making these, and I'm so excited for the oven to go off in 2 minutes. Thank you for this wonderful recipe! These are perfect!" - Lisa
"Followed the recipe exactly and came out perfect! They're like the Dominos ones but way less greasy." - Leah
"Just made these for the first time and they were AMAZING! First time making anything with sourdough/ discard. My kids loved them; they're great for an after school snack!! Thank you, will be making them often!" - Samantha
"I've made this twice now, and this will definitely be my go-to recipe! It is pretty quick and easy, and helps me get through all my discard. Love it!" - Jennifer
Fun Treats & Seasonal Favorites
Looking for something seasonal (pumpkin, apple, and zucchinis galore!) or something a bit unexpected? These treats are for you!
"Wanted to make cinnamon rolls, but didn't want to shape them. I was happy to try this recipe and pleasantly surprised to find that a perfect blend of crispy edges intertwined with gooey areas of topping and icing. I'm definitely keeping this recipe!" - Bev
"Fabulous recipe! I have made this loaf several times - perfectly moist and full of flavor - and freezes really well." - Sherree
"This was easy and fun to make, and oh so delicious! I will definitely be making this recipe again, and sharing with friends." - Jackie
"The best loaf cake ever. Perfect for spring. Will definitely make again." - Cheryl
"Amazing!! I'm relatively new to the world of sourdough and have been looking for great recipes for my discard. This recipe was phenomenal! Easy to follow and great tasting results." - Noelle
"This one made it to my family recipe book, upon my kids' request to write it down and keep it for them when they have families of their own. Thank you for sharing this treasure!" - Joanna
Looking for more sourdough discard recipes? Click the button below to see my full library of recipes.
If you tried any of the recipes on this list, please leave a ā star rating on the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Happy Baking!
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