Homemade sourdough pancakes made from sourdough discard on a plate with fresh berries.

Sourdough Discard Recipes: Delicious Ways to Reduce Waste and Enhance Your Baking

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Sourdough baking has become increasingly popular, with many home bakers nurturing their sourdough starters like treasured family members. However, what do you do with the leftover starter that you need to discard to maintain your sourdough? Instead of throwing it away, you can use your sourdough discard in a variety of creative and delicious recipes.

What is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of the starter that is removed during the feeding process. When you maintain a sourdough starter, you need to regularly feed it with fresh flour and water to keep it active and healthy. However, before feeding, you must discard a portion of the starter to prevent it from growing too large and becoming unmanageable. This discarded portion is what’s known as sourdough discard.

Even though the name “discard” might suggest that it’s waste, sourdough discard is far from useless. In fact, it retains a tangy flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes, adding a unique depth to your baked goods.

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Using sourdough discard in your cooking and baking has several benefits:

  • Reduces Waste: Firstly, instead of throwing away the discard, you can use it in recipes, which is more sustainable and cost-effective.
  • Adds Flavor: Additionally, the natural fermentation process gives sourdough discard a tangy, rich flavor that enhances the taste of baked goods.
  • Nutritional Benefits: Moreover, sourdough discard contains beneficial bacteria and wild yeast that contribute to gut health and improve the nutritional profile of your recipes.

If you’re looking to explore the potential of your sourdough discard, there’s a wealth of recipes to try, ranging from breakfast dishes to savory snacks and indulgent desserts. For example, check out these sourdough crumpet recipes on BBC Good Food and explore how you can make the most of your sourdough starter.

Top Sourdough Discard Recipes

Breakfast Recipes

To start with, breakfast is a great place to begin experimenting with sourdough discard. As a matter of fact, the tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of morning staples.

  • Sourdough Pancakes
    • To illustrate, sourdough pancakes are a perfect way to start the day. The discard adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of maple syrup or the savory notes of bacon.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 1 cup flour
      • 1 cup milk
      • 1 egg
      • 1 tbsp sugar
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • Pinch of salt
    • Instructions:
      1. Firstly, in a large bowl, mix the discard, flour, and milk until smooth.
      2. Then, add the egg, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
      3. Next, heat a griddle or pan over medium heat and lightly grease.
      4. After that, pour batter onto the griddle in ¼ cup portions.
      5. Finally, cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
  • Sourdough Waffles
    • Similarly, sourdough waffles are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a unique depth of flavor from the discard.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 1½ cups flour
      • 1¼ cups milk
      • 2 eggs
      • ¼ cup melted butter
      • 2 tbsp sugar
      • 1 tsp baking powder
      • ½ tsp baking soda
      • Pinch of salt
    • Instructions:
      1. To begin, preheat your waffle iron.
      2. Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the discard, flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, and sugar.
      3. Then, add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
      4. Finally, pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Sourdough English Muffins
    • Likewise, making sourdough English muffins at home is easier than you might think. The discard gives these muffins a delightful texture and flavor.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2 cups flour
      • 1 cup milk
      • 1 tbsp sugar
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1 tsp baking soda
    • Instructions:
      1. First, mix all ingredients in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
      2. Then, roll out the dough on a floured surface to ½ inch thickness.
      3. After that, cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter.
      4. Finally, preheat a griddle over medium heat and cook the muffins for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Sourdough Crumpets
    • In contrast, these classic British treats get an extra depth of flavor from sourdough discard. Perfect with butter and jam for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 1 cup flour
      • 1 cup warm water
      • 1 tsp sugar
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1 tsp baking powder
    • Instructions:
      1. Initially, mix all ingredients to form a smooth batter.
      2. Next, let the batter sit for about an hour to ferment slightly.
      3. After that, pour into greased crumpet rings on a hot griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface.
      4. Lastly, remove the rings and flip the crumpets to brown the other side.
  • Sourdough Banana Bread
    • On the other hand, this moist, flavorful banana bread is a fantastic way to use up both overripe bananas and sourdough discard.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
      • 1½ cups flour
      • ½ cup sugar
      • ¼ cup melted butter
      • 1 egg
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • ½ tsp salt
    • Instructions:
      1. Firstly, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
      2. Then, in a large bowl, mix the discard, bananas, sugar, melted butter, and egg.
      3. Next, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
      4. Finally, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
      5. Moreover, for a unique twist, consider trying a pumpkin banana loaf which combines the richness of pumpkin with the sweetness of banana and the tang of sourdough discard.

Savory Sourdough Discard Recipes

Savory dishes are another excellent use for sourdough discard. It not only adds a delightful tang that complements a range of flavors, from garlic to herbs but also enhances the overall taste.

  • Sourdough Pizza Crust
    • For instance, sourdough pizza crust is chewy, flavorful, and a great way to put your discard to use. You can top it with your favorite pizza toppings for a delicious homemade pizza night.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2½ cups flour
      • 1 cup warm water
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • Instructions:
      1. First, in a large bowl, combine the discard, flour, water, salt, and olive oil.
      2. Then, knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
      3. Next, let the dough rise for 2-4 hours until doubled in size.
      4. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone inside.
      5. Finally, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and place it on parchment paper.
      6. After that, top with your favorite toppings and bake on the hot pizza stone for 10-12 minutes.
  • Sourdough Garlic Naan
    • Similarly, this sourdough naan is soft, chewy, and infused with garlic. It’s perfect for scooping up curry or serving alongside a salad.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2 cups flour
      • ½ cup yogurt
      • ¼ cup warm water
      • 1 tsp sugar
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Instructions:
      1. To begin with, mix the discard, flour, yogurt, water, sugar, salt, baking soda, and minced garlic in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
      2. Then, let the dough rest for 2 hours.
      3. Next, divide the dough into small balls and roll out each one to about ¼ inch thickness.
      4. Finally, cook on a hot griddle until bubbles form, then flip and cook until browned.
  • Sourdough Crackers
    • Likewise, sourdough crackers are a crunchy, savory snack that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 1 cup flour
      • ¼ cup olive oil
      • 1 tsp salt
      • Optional: herbs, spices, seeds for seasoning
    • Instructions:
      1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
      2. Then, mix the discard, flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until a dough forms.
      3. Next, roll out the dough very thinly on a floured surface.
      4. After that, cut into squares or rectangles and place on a baking sheet.
      5. Finally, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
  • Sourdough Pretzels
    • Similarly, these soft sourdough pretzels are chewy and flavorful, perfect for dipping in mustard or cheese sauce.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2 cups flour
      • 1 cup warm water
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1 tbsp sugar
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • Coarse salt for topping
    • Instructions:
      1. Firstly, mix the discard, flour, water, salt, and sugar in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
      2. Then, let the dough rise for 2 hours.
      3. Next, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and bring a pot of water to a boil.
      4. After that, divide the dough into small balls and shape into pretzels.
      5. Then, add baking soda to the boiling water and dip each pretzel for 30 seconds.
      6. Finally, place the pretzels on a baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  • Sourdough Focaccia
    • Additionally, sourdough focaccia is a fluffy, flavorful bread that’s perfect as a side dish or sandwich base.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 3 cups flour
      • 1½ cups warm water
      • 2 tbsp olive oil
      • 1 tsp salt
      • Optional: herbs, garlic, olives for topping
    • Instructions:
      1. Firstly, mix the discard, flour, water, olive oil, and salt in a large bowl.
      2. Then, knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise for 3-4 hours.
      3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
      4. Next, spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet and dimple the surface with your fingers.
      5. Finally, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Dessert Recipes

Furthermore, desserts are an unexpected but delightful way to use sourdough discard. The tanginess of the discard adds complexity to sweet treats.

  • Sourdough Chocolate Chunk Cookies
    • For example, these chocolate chunk cookies are rich, chewy, and have a unique flavor from the sourdough discard.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2 cups flour
      • 1 cup butter, softened
      • 1 cup sugar
      • 1 cup brown sugar
      • 2 eggs
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • ½ tsp salt
      • 2 cups chocolate chunks
    • Instructions:
      1. To start, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
      2. Next, cream the butter and sugars together in a large bowl.
      3. Then, add the eggs and sourdough discard, mixing until well combined.
      4. After that, stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
      5. Finally, fold in the chocolate chunks. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  • Sourdough Zucchini Bread
    • Similarly, sourdough zucchini bread is moist, spiced, and perfect for using up summer zucchini and sourdough discard.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2 cups grated zucchini
      • 1½ cups flour
      • 1 cup sugar
      • ½ cup vegetable oil
      • 2 eggs
      • 1 tsp baking soda
      • 1 tsp cinnamon
      • ½ tsp nutmeg
      • ½ tsp salt
    • Instructions:
      1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
      2. Then, in a large bowl, mix the discard, zucchini, sugar, oil, and eggs.
      3. Next, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until just combined.
      4. Finally, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.
  • Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
    • In addition, these sourdough cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and have a slight tang that perfectly balances the rich filling.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 3 cups flour
      • 1 cup milk
      • ½ cup sugar
      • ¼ cup butter, melted
      • 1 egg
      • 1 tsp salt
      • Filling: ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, ¼ cup butter, melted
    • Instructions:
      1. Firstly, mix the discard, flour, milk, sugar, butter, egg, and salt in a bowl until a soft dough forms.
      2. Then, let the dough rise for 3 hours.
      3. Next, roll out the dough on a floured surface, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
      4. After that, roll up the dough and cut into slices.
      5. Finally, place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another hour. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Sourdough Pie Crust
    • Lastly, this pie crust has a flaky, buttery texture with a hint of tang from the sourdough discard, perfect for both sweet and savory pies.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2½ cups flour
      • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
      • 1 tbsp sugar
      • 1 tsp salt
      • ¼ cup ice water
    • Instructions:
      1. First, in a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt to combine.
      2. Then, add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
      3. Next, add the sourdough discard and pulse until the dough starts to come together.
      4. Finally, gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before rolling out.

Advanced Sourdough Discard Recipes

For experienced bakers, here are a couple of more complex recipes that make excellent use of sourdough discard.

  • Sourdough Pop Tarts
    • For example, these homemade pop tarts are filled with your favorite jam and have a buttery, flaky crust made with sourdough discard.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 2½ cups flour
      • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
      • 1 tbsp sugar
      • 1 tsp salt
      • ¼ cup ice water
      • Filling: Your favorite jam or fruit preserves
    • Instructions:
      1. First, make the dough as you would for sourdough pie crust.
      2. Then, roll out the dough and cut into rectangles.
      3. Next, place a spoonful of jam in the center of half the rectangles.
      4. Finally, top with the remaining rectangles and crimp the edges with a fork. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  • Sourdough Sandwich Bread
    • Similarly, this sourdough sandwich bread is soft, chewy, and perfect for everyday sandwiches or toast.
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup sourdough discard
      • 4 cups flour
      • 1½ cups warm water
      • 2 tbsp sugar
      • 2 tbsp butter, melted
      • 2 tsp salt
    • Instructions:
      1. First, in a large bowl, mix the discard, flour, water, sugar, butter, and salt.
      2. Then, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise for 3 hours.
      3. Next, shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
      4. Finally, let the dough rise for another hour, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can you use sourdough discard straight from the fridge?
    • Yes, you can use sourdough discard straight from the fridge, but let it come to room temperature for best results.
  • How long can you keep sourdough discard?
    • You can store sourdough discard in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
  • Is sourdough discard the same as sourdough starter?
    • Sourdough discard is the portion of the starter that is removed before feeding. It’s less active but still useful in baking.
  • What can you do with old sourdough discard?
    • Older discard can be used in recipes where leavening isn’t critical, like crackers, pancakes, or adding to batters.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to using sourdough discard, helping you turn what could be waste into delicious creations. Furthermore, for more inspiration, explore the various recipes for sourdough discard on The Perfect Loaf and experiment with these versatile recipes in your kitchen. Additionally, you might also want to try a creative twist like this pumpkin banana loaf for a unique flavor combination. Happy baking!

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