Got extra sourdough discard in your fridge? Don’t toss it! These easy sourdough discard recipes turn leftovers into delicious baked goods, from breakfast treats to cozy snacks.
What is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove before feeding your sourdough.
Most sourdough recipes only need a small amount of active starter, so the “extra” gets set aside—this is the discard.
How to Store Sourdough Discard
Sourdough discard can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for several days. Many bakers keep a dedicated “discard jar” and add to it as needed. You can also freeze discard for longer storage—simply thaw in the refrigerator before using. Discard can usually be used straight from the fridge in most recipes.
Sourdough Discard. . .Don't Toss It!
Here's the problem that many sourdough bakers face: discard can pile up quickly. The good news? That tangy, bubbly starter is far too valuable to waste.
Even though it isn’t freshly fed, it still brings that signature tang and can add tenderness and flavor to all sorts of bakes. In other words: hang on to it! It's like gold!
Sourdough discard adds flavor, tenderness, and just a hint of complexity to everyday recipes, as I've learned over the past year or so as I've incorporated it into many delicious recipes.
Whether you’re whipping up something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these discard-friendly bakes are a simple way to make the most of every scoop.
Sourdough Discard Recipes
Enjoy this master list of recipes that incorporate sourdough discard.
Sweet Sourdough Discard Treats
Yes, sourdough discard absolutely belongs in desserts. That slight tang deepens flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
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 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.
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!
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!
Savory Snacks & Crunchy Bites
Discard isn’t just for fluffy bakes. It’s fantastic in crispy, salty, snackable recipes that disappear fast.
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
These homemade sourdough discard Cheez-Its are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! A fun and easy no-waste recipe that turns extra starter into the ultimate crunchy snack.
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 Breakfast Recipes
Discard is practically made for breakfast. It adds that subtle tang and softness that makes morning bakes feel extra special.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Sourdough Discard Breads
Sourdough discard shines in baked goods where you want tenderness, flavor, and structure. These recipes are perfect when you're craving something hearty or comforting.
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! In this post I'm going to show you how to make it two ways.
Sourdough Discard Sandwich Loaf
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!
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.
Irish Soda Bread
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!
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!
Sourdough baking doesn’t have to mean constant maintenance and mystery jars in the fridge. (Though, if I'm being honest, I've definitely forgotten about jars of starter in my fridge over the past couple years!)
With a handful of reliable discard recipes in your back pocket, you can turn “extras” into something truly crave-worthy.
Keep this list handy the next time your starter needs feeding — your taste buds (and your thrifty baker’s heart) will thank you.
Explore More Sourdough Recipes
If you love baking with sourdough (discard or otherwise), you might also enjoy browsing these reader favorites:
- Favorite Sourdough Recipes: Sweet & Savory Ideas from My Kitchen: This is my master list, friends! There's a lot to love here.
- Delicious Sourdough Inclusions: What to Add. . .and When. All of your questions are answered in this informative post.
- Sourdough Secrets: Unlock the Secrets to Better Sourdough. Whether you're a novice or pro, these tips will help you on your sourdough journey.
- Which Sourdough Method Should I Choose? Not sure which sourdough method is right for you? Learn the difference between traditional sourdough, same-day natural sourdough, and a same-day hybrid method with yeast—so you can choose the one that fits your time, skill level, and flavor goals.
Please feel free to comment about the recipes you chose from this list. And if you have ideas for more uses of sourdough starter discard, please let me know!
That's it for this post!
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