Don’t Toss It! 11 Best Sourdough Discard Recipes to Try
Got leftover sourdough starter? Don’t throw it out—bake it into something amazing! This roundup of the 11 best sourdough discard recipes features everything from chocolate chip cookies and banana bread to crispy focaccia and chewy bagels. These ideas will help you turn every batch of discard into a crave-worthy success.
What to Make With Sourdough Discard: 11 Easy Recipes That Taste Amazing
If you’re anything like me, the sourdough journey started with a wild curiosity, and quickly turned into a full-blown obsession.
I still remember my first starter bubbling away on the counter like some kind of science experiment. And of course, with every feeding came that question: what do I do with all this discard?
At first, I tossed it. (Cringe.) Then I learned better.
Sourdough discard isn’t waste—it’s potential. It’s depth, flavor, and texture just waiting to be transformed.
Whether you’ve got a teaspoon or a cup, these recipes prove that leftover starter is one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen.
From gooey cookies to pillowy donuts and ultra-fluffy focaccia, this list is my go-to every time I feed my starter and don’t want to waste a drop.
These 11 sourdough discard recipes are family-tested, crave-worthy, and loaded with fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re experimenting with sourdough bread, reviving a sourdough starter, or building your collection of go-to sourdough recipes, these ideas make it easy to bake something amazing with every batch of discard. Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
🍪 1. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are everything a cookie should be: crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and full of gooey chocolate.
The sourdough discard gives them a subtle tang that takes the flavor up a notch. My kids devour these before they’re even cool.
🍌 2. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
This banana bread is soft, moist, and filled with cozy flavor. The discard adds just the right amount of depth and complexity.
I usually double the recipe and freeze one loaf—it’s that good.
🥖 3. Crispy, Airy Sourdough Focaccia
This focaccia is golden, crispy on the edges, and beautifully airy inside. Made with sourdough discard, it’s full of flavor and perfect as a side, sandwich bread, or just dipped in good olive oil.
It’s one of my favorite ways to show off the savory side of sourdough.
🍩 4. Sourdough Donuts
These are my go-to for brunch parties or just treating myself on a Sunday morning.
Baked instead of fried, these donuts are fluffy, sweet, and dangerously easy to eat by the dozen. Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing.
🥯 5. Sourdough Bagels
Chewy, golden, and so much better than store-bought. The discard adds a chewy bite and helps with a nice crust during boiling.
Pro tip: top them with everything bagel seasoning and freeze extras for easy breakfasts.
🥨 6. Sourdough Pretzels
Soft, twisted, and salty—in the best way. These sourdough pretzels are perfect for movie nights or pairing with cheese dip and mustard.
They’re surprisingly fun to make with kids too. Let them twist their own!
🧈 7. Sourdough English Muffins
Toasty, buttery, and packed with those perfect nooks and crannies. Nothing beats a fresh homemade English muffin.
I keep a batch in the freezer and pop them in the toaster for a quick, cozy breakfast.
🍔 8. Sourdough Hamburger Buns
Soft, fluffy, and sturdy enough to hold any burger or sandwich without falling apart. These sourdough hamburger buns are one of my favorite ways to use discard in a savory bake.
They rise beautifully and toast up like a dream. Top with sesame seeds for that classic finish.
🥞 9. Sourdough Pancakes
Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor—these sourdough pancakes are perfect for slow weekend mornings.
The discard gives them a gentle tang and a golden crust you’ll crave. Add berries, bananas, or a drizzle of maple syrup to take them over the top.
🍫 10. Sourdough Discard Brownies
Yes, brownies. Rich, fudgy, and incredibly moist—these sourdough discard brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream with a hint of tang that deepens the flavor in the best way.
The discard helps keep them soft in the center with those irresistible crackly tops. They’re a great way to surprise people who think sourdough is only for bread.
🧇 11. Sourdough Discard Waffles
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of subtle sourdough flavor. These waffles are the ultimate weekend breakfast—and a brilliant way to use up discard.
Serve them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy the tangy crunch.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: From Waste to Wow
So, the next time you feed your starter and hold that jar of discard wondering what to do with it—remember this list. These aren’t just ways to avoid waste.
They’re genuinely delicious recipes that just happen to be sustainable too.
Every one of these recipes has earned a spot in my kitchen rotation, and I hope they’ll find a home in yours too.
Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or just for fun, these sourdough discard recipes are here to make it easier, tastier, and a little more resourceful.
If you loved this post, don’t forget to Pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest at @Dealiciousness for even more sourdough goodness, quick dinners, and seasonal favorites.
And if you try any of these recipes, tag me on Instagram @Dealiciousness — I’d love to see your creations and share them with our foodie family!
👉 Want more? Browse the full Sourdough Recipe Collection for even more ways to use your starter year-round.
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One quick click, and it’s on your board for next time—easy, right?
❓ Sourdough Discard FAQ
What exactly is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove before feeding the rest.
It’s made up of flour and water that’s gone through fermentation—so it’s full of flavor, but not quite active enough to rise bread on its own.
Can I store discard to use later?
Yes! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
If you don’t have time to use it right away, freeze it in portions and thaw when needed.
Do I have to use it in sweet recipes?
Not at all. Discard works beautifully in savory dishes too—like crackers, pizza dough, flatbreads, and even savory muffins. It’s a great way to add flavor and cut food waste.
Will using discard make my food sour?
It depends on how mature your starter is and how much you use. Most discard gives a mild tang—nothing overpowering.
If you want a stronger flavor, you can increase the amount in recipes gradually.
