15 Sourdough Discard Recipes Ideas

If you’re looking for delicious ways to use sourdough discard, I’ve got you covered! Try making Sourdough Discard Banana Bread, Applesauce Cake, or even Sugar Cookies for a sweet treat. How about Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast? You can’t go wrong with Bagels or Gingerbread with that lovely tang. For something festive, Sourdough Hot Cross Buns are perfect, and in the fall, you’ll love Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins. Plus, Sourdough Bechamel Sauce adds a creamy touch to many dishes. There’s so much more to explore!

1. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

A woman holding a loaf pan of sourdough banana bread.
Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough Discard Banana Bread is a delicious way to make use of overripe bananas and leftover sourdough starter. I love mixing ripe bananas with butter, sugar, eggs, and my sourdough discard. After adding flour and baking soda, the rich batter bakes into a moist loaf, perfect for breakfast or a snack. It’s a wonderful way to reduce waste while enjoying a treat! Using sourdough starter discard can enhance the flavor and texture of the bread, making it even more delightful.

2. Sourdough Discard Applesauce Cake

Sourdough Applesauce Cake
Sourdough Discard Recipes

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking an Applesauce Cake with my sourdough discard. I love using flavorful apples like Honeycrisp and unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients is quick, and I fold in chopped apples and walnuts for extra texture. This cake is a great way to utilize sourdough discard, adding a light tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste. After baking at 350°F, the cake emerges moist and delicious—perfect warm or at room temperature!

3. Sourdough Sugar Cookies

Cut Out Sourdough Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sourdough Discard Recipes

When you want to indulge in a sweet treat, Sourdough Sugar Cookies are a delightful choice that transforms your sourdough discard into something special. I cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla. Mixing in flour and chilling the dough adds to the flavor. This recipe not only creates delicious cookies but also helps in preventing waste by utilizing sourdough discard.

Bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, and enjoy these tangy, sweet delights!

4. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Discard Recipes

After enjoying those delightful Sourdough Sugar Cookies, I can’t resist the temptation of whipping up a batch of Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls. The tangy flavor from the sourdough discard adds a unique twist, and the rolls turn out soft and chewy. With just a quick mix, roll, and bake, I can enjoy these delicious treats in no time! The addition of instant yeast allows for a quick rise, making this recipe perfect for a fast and satisfying dessert.

5. Sourdough Discard Bagel Recipe

New York Style Sourdough Starter Discard Bagels - Thyme For The Table
Sourdough Discard Recipes

Have you ever craved the perfect bagel but didn’t want to go through the hassle of starting from scratch?

I’ve got a fantastic sourdough discard bagel recipe! Just mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, then combine with warm water and sourdough discard. This low-maintenance recipe allows you to create sourdough discard bagels in just one day without the need for a second rise.

Shape, boil, and bake at 425°F for a delicious treat. Enjoy them fresh or store for later!

6. Sourdough Discard Naan Bread

A stack of sourdough naan.
Sourdough Discard Recipes

If you enjoyed making bagels with sourdough discard, you’re in for a treat with naan bread!

I mix 100% hydration sourdough discard, flour, yogurt, and a bit of olive oil. No kneading is required; you simply mix ingredients until a dough forms. After letting the dough rest, I roll it out and cook it in a hot skillet.

The result? Soft, warm naan that’s perfect for dipping or wrapping around your favorite fillings!

7. Sourdough Discard Onion Rings

Sourdough Onion Rings
Sourdough Discard Recipes

While I love experimenting with sourdough discard in various recipes, these sourdough discard onion rings have quickly become a favorite. I mix my sourdough discard with flour and sparkling water to create a batter, dip the onion rings, and fry them until golden brown. They turn out crispy and delicious, especially when served warm with ranch or sriracha aioli. Sourdough starter is used as a batter for onion rings, adding a unique flavor and texture to this delightful snack. Enjoy the crunch!

8. Sourdough Pane Di Casa Bread With Discard

Sourdough Pane Di Casa Recipe - photo shows a loaf of sourdough pane di casa baked in a cast iron pot
Sourdough Discard Recipes

Although I love the simplicity of traditional bread recipes, incorporating sourdough discard into my Pane Di Casa has transformed it into something extraordinary. Using 500g of bread flour, 340g of warm water, and 100g of discard, I create a dense, rustic loaf with a crunchy crust. The blend of commercial yeast and sourdough adds a delightful flavor I can’t resist. This method allows me to enjoy the distinct leavening agents that enhance the bread’s taste and texture.

9. Sourdough English Muffins

four sourdough English muffins placed on parchment paper.
Sourdough Discard Recipes

After enjoying the rich flavors of my Pane Di Casa, I wanted to explore another delicious way to use sourdough discard: Sourdough English Muffins.

I mixed flour, water, and my discard the night before, letting it ferment. This fermentation process is essential as it helps to reduce phytic acid, enhancing the overall nutrition of the muffins. After kneading and shaping, I cooked the rounds in a skillet, achieving that perfect golden crust.

They’re fantastic toasted with butter—definitely worth the effort!

10. Sourdough Discard Pigs in Blankets

Sourdough Discard Recipes

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty snack, Sourdough Discard Pigs in Blankets are a fantastic choice. I mix sourdough discard with sour cream, flour, and baking powder to create a light dough. After chilling, I wrap it around hot dogs and bake until golden. These savory bites are perfect with dijon mustard or ketchup—great for parties or a cozy night in! Not only are they delicious, but they also make a great make-ahead option for convenience.

11. Sourdough Discard Waffles

A fork taking a piece of sourdough waffles with fruit, powdered sugar, and syrup on top.
Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough Discard Waffles make for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that’s both easy to whip up and incredibly satisfying. I mix 1 cup of sourdough discard with milk, eggs, sugar, and flour to create a smooth batter. The use of leftover sourdough starter adds a unique tanginess to the waffles. After a quick rest, I pour it into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden. Top with syrup or whipped cream for a delicious finish!

12. Sourdough Gingerbread Discard Recipes


A slice of gingerbread with a bite taken out on a table.
Sourdough Discard Recipes

Gingerbread made with sourdough discard offers a unique twist on a classic holiday treat, infusing rich flavors and a hint of tanginess into the mix. I love using spices like ginger and cinnamon, along with molasses, to create a warm, comforting aroma. Not only does the sourdough discard enhance the texture, but it also benefits from boiling water activation for better rise and lightness, making them even easier to digest! Whether I’m baking cookies or a cake, the sourdough discard enhances the texture and makes them even easier to digest!

13. Sourdough Hot Cross Buns

Sourdough hot cross buns in a baking dish.
Sourdough Discard Recipes

While the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, there’s something special about making hot cross buns with sourdough discard. I mix my active starter with warm milk, butter, and spices, letting the dough rest before kneading in dried fruits. After a cozy fermentation, I shape and proof them, then bake until golden. A glaze finishes these delightful treats perfectly! Sourdough hot cross buns are traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday to celebrate Easter.

14. Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins

sourdough pumpkin muffins with a crumb topping spread in a wood cutting board on a green towel
Sourdough Discard Recipes

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that celebrates the flavors of fall, you’ll love these sourdough pumpkin muffins. I mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and sourdough discard, then combine it with flour and spices. These muffins are not only delicious but also made with homegrown pumpkin puree for added flavor. Bake them at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, and enjoy a warm, spiced muffin that’s perfect with a cup of tea!

15. Sourdough Bechamel Sauce

Sourdough Starter Bechemel Sauce (White Sauce)
Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough bechamel sauce is a creamy, versatile base that elevates countless dishes. I simply combine 100g of sourdough starter with 30g of softened butter to create a roux, then whisk in 400g of warm milk. Once thickened, I season with nutmeg and pepper, adding cheese for extra flavor. This sauce is perfect for lasagna, pasta, and more! Additionally, the sauce can be enhanced by incorporating cheese once the sauce is cooked, ensuring a rich and silky finish.