Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough discard is the latest thing you may have heard of within the baking industry. When feeding your sourdough starter, there’s always a bit leftover; sourdough folk call it discard. Since people are not sure about how to go about it many end up disposing it. That being said, sourdough discard stands entirely different – it is an incredibly useful ingredient that can be utilized in numerous recipes.

I look into a wide range of brilliant and tantalizing options for how to make use of sourdough discard. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook, here are the recipes of how to make a ‘waste’ into your favorite breakfast food, pancake to snack savory cracker.

What is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of dough that you take off once you refresh the sourdough starter with more flour and water. However, as they point out, even though it is called discard, it remains active and can be incorporated into numerous recipes with a pre-ferment instead of with an active yeast, or rather, with dough that has not been made using yeast: pancakes, waffles, muffins, etc.

Discard is generally less acidic than the fully fed starter and can easily be used for adding a slight tang to your food without becoming overpowering.

Sourdough discard breakfast recipes

Sourdough discard is best used in the mornings. Whether you’re flipping pancakes for a stack of fluffy and tender cakes or cooking waffles for a crispy, savory batter, beginners can add sourdough discard, and the results will be a slightly tangy and complex flavor to your breakfast foods.

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• Butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, milk, egg, and sugar until smooth.
2. Add baking soda and salt to the batter and mix gently.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a pat of butter.
4. Pour the batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface.
5. Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Sourdough Discard Waffles

Sourdough waffles are a game-changer. The tanginess of the sourdough discard creates a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings. Here’s how to make the perfect batch:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Butter or oil for greasing the waffle iron

Instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt, then mix until smooth.
4. Grease your waffle iron with butter or oil.
5. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as syrup, whipped cream, or even savory options like bacon and eggs.

3. Savory Sourdough Discard Snacks

Sourdough discard isn’t just for sweet recipes. It can add a unique twist to savory dishes, making it an excellent ingredient for appetizers and snacks.

Sourdough Discard Crackers

Sourdough discard crackers are a perfect snack for dipping in hummus or enjoying with cheese. They are easy to make and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or other herbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, olive oil, and salt.
3. Add rosemary or your preferred herbs for seasoning.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Cut into cracker shapes and place on a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
7. Allow to cool before serving.

If you’re a fan of incorporating savory elements into your cooking, you might also like Chicken Taco Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion.

4. Sourdough Discard Bread Variations

While sourdough discard lacks the full rising power of a well-fed starter, it can still be used in certain types of bread. These recipes don’t require the long fermentation time of traditional sourdough, making them quicker and easier to prepare.

Quick Sourdough Discard Focaccia

Focaccia is a versatile bread that works well as a snack, side dish, or even a base for sandwiches. Using sourdough discard adds an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh rosemary and sea salt for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the sourdough discard, flour, and salt, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Spread the dough onto an oiled baking sheet, dimple the surface with your fingers, and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pair this delicious focaccia with some Mediterranean-inspired dishes from Ground Beef and Rice Recipes for a perfect meal.

5. Desserts with Sourdough Discard

Believe it or not, sourdough discard can also be used in desserts! The slight tang of sourdough pairs wonderfully with sweet flavors, creating balanced and rich desserts.

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake

A rich and moist chocolate cake made with sourdough discard might sound unconventional, but the results speak for themselves. The tang of the discard balances out the sweetness, making for a perfectly flavorful dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let cool before frosting or serving as is.

If you’re a fan of decadent desserts, you may also enjoy trying a variation of this recipe by exploring the No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake for a simpler yet equally delicious treat.

Sourdough discard is a hidden gem in the world of baking. From breakfast pancakes to savory snacks, and even desserts, this versatile ingredient has endless possibilities. By using your discard, you not only reduce waste but also add a depth of flavor to your recipes that you can’t get anywhere else. So, the next time you feed your starter, think twice before tossing that extra sourdough — instead, try one of these delicious sourdough discard recipes!

For more great recipes and ideas on how to elevate your baking, check out Ground Beef Recipes or explore other savory dishes.