Discover the best sourdough recipes from Out of the Box Baking! From crusty loaves to discard-friendly muffins, crackers, and pancakes, this collection has all your favorite sourdough bakes in one place.
My Sourdough Journey
It all started a year ago when I tried for the first time to make sourdough bread. . .but failed miserably. (How's that for a true confession?)
I could never seem to figure out the "starter" thing. No, really. I'm pretty awful at keeping things alive. Take plants, for instance. I kill them all. (*sigh*)
I tried multiple times. . .and finally gave up, convinced I would never bake a single loaf of edible sourdough bread.
In spite of my tendency to kill sourdough starter, I recently decided to give it another try. In fact, I've spent the past six weeks diving head-first into the world of sourdough. And what a journey it has been!
Sourdough. . .a Spiritual Journey
It all started when I joined a small group at my church called "Bread of Life." We met on Wednesday mornings, read the "bread" sections from the Bible, and then learned how to make sourdough.
I made some precious friends at this group (mostly young moms about half my age). . .and learned a lot from the master of sourdough, my new friend Dianie. I was such a novice! Sure, I'd baked a lot of cakes and cookies over the years but sourdough is a whole different ball game!
The Learning Curve Continues
I'll confess, there's still a lot about sourdough that I don't know. I'm on such a learning curve. The whole process of birthing (and then tending to) a starter? Totally new to me. But I'm enjoying it! And so far I haven't killed my starter, (lovingly named Lovelai).
Sourdough requires patience, and I don't have much of that. So trust me when I say, "If I can do this, anyone can do this." It simply takes a desire to want to learn and patience to stay the course.
Ready. . .Set. . .Roundup!
Over the past six weeks I've baked a lot of sourdough recipes, so I decided it was probably time to merge them into a simple round-up. I've been tickled to discover a lot of "discard" recipes, so my list is growing, even as we speak! (I always have starter discard in my fridge these days.)
I've got a variety of breads and discard recipes listed below. I'll be adding to this list over the coming weeks and months as I try new things. If you have ideas for fun sourdough items I can bake, just leave a note in the comments!
1-2-3. . .Let's Bake Some Sourdough!
Favorite Sourdough Recipes
Enjoy some of my favorite sourdough recipes--everything from bread, to muffins, to pancakes and waffles!
World’s Easiest Sourdough Starter
If you’re ready to tackle sourdough but you don’t have starter, this is the recipe for you. In this post I’m going to share my oh-so-simple starter, so easy that anyone can do it!
Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread (No-Fail Recipe!)
If you’re looking for a delicious sourdough bread recipe, look no further. This yummy bread is crisp on the outside, loaded with texture and flavor on the inside, and simple to pull together.
Quick Sourdough Dinner Rolls (Yeasted Sourdough)
Looking for a fast sourdough roll recipe that doesn’t take all day? These quick sourdough dinner rolls use both sourdough starter and commercial yeast to create soft, fluffy rolls in a fraction of the time. If you love the tang of sourdough but need a shortcut, this recipe is for you!
Same Day Sourdough Bread (with Yeast)
You love sourdough but you don’t have two days to make it. No worries! With this quick hack you can whip up a delicious loaf of hybrid sourdough in just a few hours!
Same Day Sourdough (Without Yeast)
If you’re in a hurry to make a loaf of sourdough but you don’t want to add yeast, this is the recipe for you. Keep reading to discover these same-day sourdough secrets!
Sourdough Discard Focaccia (Two Ways)
If you’re looking for a delicious and simple focaccia recipe, one that’s packed full of flavor and texture, look no further. This one is (literally) perfect!
Sourdough Pizza Dough
This sourdough pizza dough delivers a perfect balance of a crispy crust and chewy interior, with the rich, tangy flavor that only sourdough can offer. Great for artisan-style pizzas, it’s a delicious way to use your sourdough starter and take pizza night to the next level!
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Sourdough Bread
Packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning, this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Sourdough Bread is the perfect savory twist on a classic artisan loaf.
Irish Soda Bread with Sourdough Starter
This Irish Soda Bread is a classic quick bread made with a bit of sourdough starter, along with baking soda, buttermilk, and pantry staples. With its crisp crust and tender, hearty crumb, it’s the perfect addition to any meal, especially around St. Patrick’s Day!
Soft Sourdough Discard Sandwich Loaf (Easy Hybrid Recipe)
This hybrid sourdough sandwich loaf uses sourdough discard and a touch of commercial yeast to create a soft, fluffy crumb with mild tang and faster rise times. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or everyday slicing, it’s an easy and reliable way to enjoy the flavor of sourdough without the long wait!
Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread
This Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread combines the tangy goodness of sourdough with a sweet, spiced cinnamon-sugar ribbon running through each slice. Soft, aromatic, and perfect for toasting, it’s a comforting twist on traditional sourdough that’s great for breakfast or snacking!
Cranberry Sourdough Coffee Cake
If you happen to have sourdough starter on hand, you’re going to want to whip up this simple but delicious cake, which is loosely based on an Amish Friendship Bread. It’s packed full of delicious ingredients and so easy to make!
Starter Discard Banana Bread
If you’ve got some leftover sourdough starter and need a way to use it, then this recipe is perfect for you. This is a delicious and simple banana bread that calls for 8 ounces of unfed starter.
Simple Sourdough Biscuits
These sourdough biscuits are tender, flaky, and full of that signature tangy flavor from sourdough discard. Perfect for breakfast, dinner, or a savory snack, they’re a delicious way to use up extra starter and elevate a classic comfort food!
Honey Oat Sourdough
This Honey Oat Sourdough Bread is soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for same-day baking. Made with sourdough starter, oats, and a touch of honey, it’s an easy sandwich loaf the whole family will love.
Italian Cream Cake Sourdough
If you love the rich flavors of Italian cream cake but you’re in the mood for sourdough, we’ve got you covered! This delicious loaf is based on the flavors of Italian Cream Cake—toasted pecans, coconut, and lots of sweetened cream cheese. Delicious!
Apple Pie Focaccia
This Apple Pie Focaccia combines the chewy, airy texture of sourdough focaccia with the warm, spiced flavors of homemade apple pie. Topped with tender apples, cinnamon sugar, and a golden crust, it's a deliciously unique bake perfect for brunch or dessert!
Cranberry Pecan Sourdough
This Easy Cranberry Pecan Sourdough is a flavorful twist on classic sourdough, packed with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pecans. With its chewy crust, soft crumb, and hint of natural sweetness, it’s perfect for toasting, snacking, or serving at holiday tables!
Loaded Sourdough Discard Muffins
Turn your sourdough discard and ripe bananas into these loaded, tender muffins filled with sweet add-ins like Craisins, coconuts, and pecans. Easy to make, incredibly moist, and perfect for breakfast or snacking!
French Country Bread
This Simple French Country Bread is a classic artisan sourdough loaf with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, airy crumb. Made with just a few ingredients and a sourdough starter, it’s a beautiful rustic bread perfect for slicing, toasting, or serving alongside any meal!
Sourdough Discard Waffles
If you’re a waffle lover who’s looking for a way to use up that sourdough discard, this is a marriage made in heaven! In this post I’m going to show you how to use that discard to create some delicious waffles!
Lemon Berry Sourdough Bread
This Lemon Berry Sourdough Bread is light, tangy, and bursting with fresh lemon zest and juicy berries. A refreshing twist on classic sourdough, perfect for spring and summer baking.
Sourdough Discard Breadsticks (Sourdough Grissini)
Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, these sourdough discard breadsticks (grissini) are the perfect snack or appetizer. A simple, no-waste recipe that makes the most of your extra starter!
Sourdough Discard Crackers
Looking for a quick and tasty way to use up sourdough discard? These buttery, crispy sourdough discard crackers are loaded with flavor and ready in minutes—perfect for snacking, dipping, or charcuterie boards!
Simple Sourdough Discard Cheez-Its
If you like the store bought cheez-its, you're going to flip over this simple recipe!
Pepperoni Mozzarella Sourdough Bread
This Pepperoni Mozzarella Sourdough is packed with bold Italian flavor, featuring melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and savory herbs baked right into the dough. It’s the perfect cheesy, tangy twist on classic sourdough—great for snacking, sharing, or serving with your favorite pasta!
Cinnamon Apple Sourdough
This cozy sourdough loaf is packed with cinnamon, fresh apples, sweet Craisins, and crunchy toasted pecans. A warm, flavorful bread perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime comfort baking.
Carrot Cake Sourdough Bread
If you’re a fan of carrot cake but you love a great sourdough bread, you’re going to flip over this new recipe. Your tastebuds will thank you for this delicious and healthy carrot cake option!
Black Forest Sourdough Bread
This Delicious Black Forest Sourdough Bread is a sweet chocolate loaf packed with juicy cherries and rich dark chocolate chips. A beautiful bake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—no yeast required!
Sourdough Discard Pound Cake (From Scratch)
If you’ve got leftover sourdough discard and you’re in the mood for something sweet and delicious, this recipe is for you! In this post I’m going to tell you how I made a terrific Sourdough Discard Pound cake. . .from scratch.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread
This bold and flavorful jalapeño cheddar sourdough bread is the perfect blend of spicy heat and melty cheese. Made with sourdough starter and a hint of yeast, it's soft on the inside with a golden, cheesy crust—ideal for sandwiches, toast, or snacking.
Sourdough Discard Pancakes
These fluffy, tangy sourdough discard pancakes are quick, easy, and perfect for using up extra starter. Made with basic ingredients and ready in minutes, they’re a delicious way to start your morning!
Same Day Sourdough English Muffins
These same-day sourdough English muffins are soft, tangy, and full of nooks and crannies—perfect for breakfast or brunch! Made with sourdough starter and a touch of yeast, they’re ready to cook in just a few hours.
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
These hearty, chewy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies are made with sourdough discard and come together quickly—no chilling required! A delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Simple Sourdough Brownies
These rich, fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies are the perfect way to use up leftover starter. With deep chocolate flavor and a tender crumb, they’re a no-waste dessert everyone will love.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
These overnight sourdough cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor—perfect for prepping ahead. Made with sourdough starter for a rich, tangy twist, they rise slowly for unbeatable texture and taste!
Lemon Poppyseed Sourdough Bread
If you’re looking for a same-day poppyseed loaf that bakes up great in a loaf pan or artisan style, this is the recipe for you. This bread has a tender crumb and slices up great.
Boxed Cake Mix with Sourdough Discard: A Complete Recipe
If you’ve got a cake mix on hand, as well as half a cup of sourdough discard, you can whip up a cake that’s delicious, moist, and aerated with that lovely “bounce’ you see in sourdough bread. Keep reading for the recipe!
Delicious Sourdough Inclusions
Looking to level up your sourdough baking? Discover dozens of delicious sourdough inclusions—from jalapeño cheddar to cinnamon swirl to coconut chocolate chip—plus tips, variations, and answers to common questions.
Bonus Material
Check out these bonus tips for sourdough baking!
Which Sourdough Method Should I Choose?
There are three methods that i use to bake sourdough. Which one will you choose?
Questions People Are Asking About Sourdough Baking
Since many of the recipes listed above require sourdough starter discard, I thought it might be important to share a few thoughts about it (what it is, how to store it, and how to use it).
1. Why does sourdough bread taste different than regular bread?
Sourdough gets its flavor from natural fermentation, which I've done my best to explain in my World's Easiest Sourdough Starter post. Wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria create a unique tang and depth that you won’t find in breads made with commercial yeast alone. I'm discovering that this "tang" is lovely in products like muffins, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. (Delicious!) You can store leftover starter (known as discard) in the fridge to use in other products besides just bread.
2. How do I go about using the discard to make these new-to-me products?
Sourdough discard is incredibly versatile, as you've probably gleaned from the recipes above! You can use it in both sweet and savory recipes like crackers, pancakes, muffins, brownies, biscuits, and even banana bread. It adds flavor and moisture without needing a long rise time. Follow the links to the recipes above to discover multiple uses for your discard.
2. How long can I store my discard in the fridge?
You can keep sourdough discard in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks, sometimes longer. Store it in a sealed container and label it with the date. If you see liquid (called “hooch”) on top, just stir it in or pour it off. Discard that smells sharply unpleasant, turns pink, orange, or moldy should be thrown out and not used.
Pro Tip:
Use older discard in baked goods where flavor depth works (like crackers or brownies), and fresher discard for lighter bakes like pancakes or muffins.
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoy these delicious recipes.
If you make any of these recipes and love them, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!
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About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.