
Introduction
If you’ve ever baked sourdough bread, you know the dilemma—what to do with all that discard? Instead of tossing it out, you can turn it into delicious recipes that elevate your meals. From breakfast to dinner, these sourdough discard recipes help you reduce waste while enjoying flavorful and nutritious dishes. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your sourdough journey, this guide will show you how to transform discard into mouthwatering meals.
Table of Contents
What is sourdough discard recipes ?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s clarify what sourdough discard is. It’s the portion of your sourdough starter that you remove before feeding it. While it may not have enough strength to leaven bread, it still contains a wealth of flavor and beneficial bacteria. Instead of throwing it away, you can incorporate it into a variety of baked and cooked goods.
Benefits of Using sourdough discard recipes
- Minimizes food waste – Every bit of discard you use reduces kitchen waste.
- Enhances flavor – Adds a deep, tangy taste to baked goods.
- Boosts gut health – Fermentation increases beneficial bacteria.
- Improves texture – Creates soft, chewy, or crispy textures depending on the recipe.
Breakfast Recipes with Sourdough Discard

1. Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Start your morning with these light, flavorful pancakes that come together in minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Sourdough discard | 1 cup |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Milk | 3/4 cup |
Egg | 1 |
Sugar | 2 tbsp |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the sourdough discard recipes , milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Stir until just combined, leaving some lumps for a fluffier texture.
- Pour onto a hot, greased skillet and cook until bubbles form.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or yogurt.
Lunch Recipes with Sourdough Discard

2. Crispy sourdough discard recipes Flatbread
This easy flatbread is perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or dipping.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Sourdough discard | 1 cup |
Flour | 1 cup |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Water | As needed |
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and knead into a smooth dough.
- Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide into balls and roll out thin.
- Heat a skillet and cook each flatbread for about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with hummus, cheese, or as a pizza base.
Dinner Recipes with Sourdough Discard
3. Cheesy Sourdough Discard Biscuits
These tender, flaky biscuits are packed with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Sourdough discard | 1 cup |
All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
Baking powder | 1 tbsp |
Butter (cold) | 1/2 cup |
Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Milk | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sourdough discard and milk until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in grated cheese.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
- Serve warm with butter or soup.
Snack Recipes with Sourdough Discard

4. Savory Sourdough Crackers
These crispy crackers are a perfect snack or accompaniment to cheese boards.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Sourdough discard | 1 cup |
Whole wheat flour | 1/2 cup |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Herbs (optional) | 1 tsp |
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
- Roll out thin and cut into squares or shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until crispy.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
FAQs About Sourdough Discard Recipes
1. Can I store sourdough discard?
Yes! You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for months.
2. Does sourdough discard need to be active?
No, discard does not need to be bubbly or active—it still works in non-leavened recipes.
3. Can I use discard in yeast bread?
Yes, but it won’t provide enough rise on its own. Use it alongside commercial yeast.
4. What’s the best way to use sourdough discard recipes ?
Try incorporating it into pancakes, waffles, muffins, crackers, and pizza dough.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Now that you have a variety of sourdough discard recipes, it’s time to put them to use. Next time you refresh your sourdough starter, don’t throw away the discard! Instead, try one of these easy, tasty meals and enjoy the benefits of homemade, zero-waste cooking.
Have you tried any of these sourdough discard recipes ? Share your experience in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!