How to Use Discarded Sourdough Starter: 51 Delicious Recipes

Learn how to use sourdough discard to make 51 delicious recipes.  This has sourdough starter recipes other than break, including breakfast, dessert, quick breads, and more.  

How to Use Sourdough Discard

If you make sourdough, then you have discard.  Each week, you feed your starter and discard half of it.  

You don't have to toss it though.  You can use it make one of these 51 sourdough starter recipes other than bread.  

Sourdough starter discard recipes are a great way to use your sourdough discard.  The sourdough gives the food a deeper and richer flavor.

If you don't have a sourdough starter right now, learn how to make a sourdough starter.  You can then use it to make sourdough bread or one of these sourdough discard recipes.

You can also buy a live sourdough starter to use to make your own sourdough culture.

For more cooking from scratch recipes, check out these posts:

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• Homemade Onion Soup Mix
• Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe
• How to Make Fruit Powder
• How to Make Dry Onion Powder

How Long is Sourdough Discard Good For?

Sourdough discard will last about 1 to 2 days at room temperature.  You can also store it in the fridge for about a week.  

You can also freeze sourdough discard indefinitely. 

You should use fresh discard to make sweet recipes and older discards in savory dishes for best flavor.

What is the Difference Between Starter and Discard?

Sourdough starter and sourdough discard are the same thing.  When you feed your sourdough starter, you will discard half of it.  

Both sourdough starter and sourdough discard can be used in these sourdough starter recipes discard.

Do You Have to Discard Sourdough Starter Every Time You Feed It?

You don't technically have to discard half of your sourdough starter each time you feed it.  However, your sourdough starter will quickly grow to be large and need a lot of flour to feed it.

Can I Use Sourdough Discard Straight From the Fridge?

You can use sourdough discard straight from the fridge.  Your dough may need a few more minutes to proof, but it is fine to use cold discard.

What Can Be Made From Discarded Sourdough Starter?

So what to do with sourdough discard?  You can learn how to use discarded sourdough starter to make pancakes, waffles, crackers, quick breads, and so much more.

Also try these 25 sourdough start breakfast recipes of 15 sourdough discard dessert recipes.

51 Sourdough Discard Recipes

Wondering what to do with sourdough discard?  Save it and place it in the fridge in an airtight container or in the freezer 

Quick Bread and Dough Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough Banana Bread

Sourdough banana bread is a rich banana bread recipe you just can't skip! Get rid of some sourdough discard with this yummy treat.

Homemade Pretzel Rolls

Homemade Pretzel Rolls are chewy, salty and tasty. Use as a sandwich roll, hamburger bun or a fun side with lunch or dinner. 

Sourdough Discard Cornbread

This sourdough discard cornbread is a cinch to make, with true cornbread flavor! Great for serving with your favorite soups, stews, and chilis. 

Sourdough Focaccia

The only focaccia recipe you will ever need! Bakes up beautifully with a crispy golden brown crust, and the sourdough discard adds complex flavor. Don't wait to try this recipe!

Sourdough Naan

With its slight chew and charred flavor, this Sourdough Naan is sure to delight as a standalone snack or a foundational flatbread. Perfect for sopping up your heartiest stews, showcasing your tastiest spreads, or supporting your tallest pile of toppings, this naan is a versatile vessel for a variety of yumminess.

Sourdough Drop Biscuits

These sourdough drop biscuits require NO rolling, and no cutting. All you need to do is mix up the dough, drop them on the sheet and bake! Packed with buttery flavor, these flaky buttermilk drop biscuits are the perfect way to use up some of that sourdough discard! 

Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits

These flaky sourdough buttermilk biscuits are my take on a southern classic made with sourdough discard!

Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

This easy sourdough pumpkin bread is made with leftover sourdough discard and topped with roasted pumpkin seeds!

Sourdough Irish Soda Bread

Sourdough Irish Soda bread is an easy and delicious way to use sourdough discard. Homemade soda bread is so much better than what you’ll find in the grocery store. 

Sourdough Pretzel Buns

These sourdough pretzel buns are soft and fluffy, but still have that signature pretzel taste and chewy texture.

Sourdough Crescent Rolls

These sourdough crescent rolls are a fabulous way to use some starter discard. The process to make them is really quite easy and the results are every bit as delicious as you would want them to be. 

Sourdough Pizza Crust

This sourdough pizza crust is going to change your pizza nights forever! Not only is it very easy to make, but the sourdough in this crust elevates the flavor beyond any homemade pizza you've made before. 

Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread

This sourdough discard pumpkin bread is a fall favorite packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and an entire can of pumpkin flavor. 

Sourdough Banana Bread

This delicious sourdough banana bread will quickly be a new favorite! Not quite as cake like as some other banana breads can be, with also a bit more spice due to the lemon zest and ginger, its makes a great breakfast or snack – especially warmed and slathered with butter! This is a perfect use of your sourdough starter discard! 

Sourdough Discard Biscuits

These delicious sourdough discard biscuits are extra flaky, buttery, and you need just 5 ingredients to make them! You can literally peel apart the layers, and savor every bite. 

Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

This easy to make pumpkin bread is the best way to use up sourdough discard in Fall! No mixer required, just a whisk. It's extra moist thanks to almost a whole can of pumpkin puree, and drizzled with a delicious maple glaze. 

Dessert Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Avoid waste and use up that sourdough discard with this decadent and rich Sourdough Texas Sheet Cake recipe. Full of chocolatey flavor, and made easily in a sheet pan, this is the PERFECT sourdough chocolate cake recipe. Topped with a perfect buttery, chocolate frosting, loaded with crunchy pecans. 

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sourdough chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy with crisp edges. They are loaded with coarsely chopped milk chocolate, nutty browned butter, and sourdough discard. You'll love these! 

Sourdough Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

These Sourdough Oatmeal Walnut Cookies have a beautiful mix of chewy oats, crunchy walnuts, aromatic nutmeg. So very delicious! 

Blueberry Sourdough Scones

These blueberry sourdough scones are light and flaky with crispy crumbly edges, juicy blueberries, and fresh thyme. 

Sourdough Shortbread Cookies

Sourdough Shortbread Cookies! Buttery shortbread cookies are enhanced with powdered sourdough discard. These cookies have an absolutely haunting flavor. 

Plum Apricot Sourdough Galette

Plum Apricot Sourdough Galette – beautifully rich from the colors of baked plums and apricots, all tango-ing with the best pie crust ever! 

Cranberry Crumb Sourdough Coffee Cake

In this moist, buttery Cranberry Crumb Sourdough Coffee Cake, fresh cranberries provide a tart contrast to the sweet vanilla pound cake and double layer of rich, walnut-crumb topping. Perfect for a relaxing weekend morning or afternoon snack. 

Sourdough Brownies

Sourdough brownies are a rich, fudgy indulgence. This delicious brownie recipe, made with sourdough discard is packed with chocolate flavor and a tender texture that you simply can't beat.

Sourdough Peanut Butter Brownies

The sourdough peanut butter brownies are sublimely moist with a barely perceptible tang. The delicious ribbons of peanut butter running over the fudgy interior made them delectably soft! 

Chocolate Sourdough Cake Recipe

This decadent and rich chocolate sourdough cake recipe is a show stopping dessert! Made with sourdough starter, this is a fun recipe to use your starter in a way that isn’t bread. Rich, moist, and so chocolatey, and topped with a chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers! 

Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake

This sourdough discard coffee cake is so easy to make. It is sweet, delicious, and the perfect way to use your discard! 

Breakfast Sourdough Discard Recipes

Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes

This fluffy sourdough pancakes recipe is a delicious way to use your sourdough starter or discard.  They have a rich and deep flavor, and they can be made the night before to save time.   

Chocolate Chip Sourdough Muffins

These chocolate chip sourdough muffins are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day! They are quick, easy and full of oatmeal and whole wheat goodness yet they are soft and yummy. 

Sourdough Applesauce Muffins

These sourdough applesauce muffins are SO easy to make and the perfect low sugar lunchbox treat! 

Morning Glory Sourdough Muffins

These morning glory sourdough muffins make the most of shredded carrots, apple, and seeds, for a delicious breakfast muffin that uses up some of your sourdough discard. 

Sourdough Discard Apple Muffins

These sourdough discard apple muffins are packed with apples. Hello, breakfast! 

Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes

These sourdough blueberry pancakes are a fluffy, delicious breakfast! They’re made with sourdough discard, milk kefir (or buttermilk), flour and fresh or frozen berries.

Pumpkin Spice Scones

These tender, orange-infused Pumpkin Spice Scones smell like heaven, and they taste even better! 

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Buttery and easy sourdough cinnamon rolls which are flaky and melt in your mouth. These vegan cinnamon rolls are made without yeast but with sourdough discard. Delicious and not too sweet!

Sourdough Granola

Sourdough granola is a healthy alternative to the regular granola that is made by fermenting the oats. It is made with unfed or discard sourdough starter which is added to the oats and is fermented. 

Sourdough Crepes

Sourdough crepes are surprisingly easy to whip up! With a slight tang from discard, they’re also a great way to use up your leftover sourdough starter.

Sourdough Baked Pancake

Use up a TON of that sourdough discard you have stored away with this easy recipe for a sourdough baked pancake. Filled with frozen blueberries and chunks of cream cheese, it’s a real treat! 

Sourdough Waffles

Use your sourdough discard to make these delicious Sourdough Waffles. They are a treat that can be enjoyed savory or sweet for either breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner any day of the week.

Sourdough English Muffins

Did you know you can make delicious English muffins at home with your sourdough discard? This recipe shows you how to make English muffins and English muffin bread so you can make whichever suits your style best.

Sourdough Bagels

Sourdough bagels are a cinch to make, and they have a deep, rich flavor. Top them with everything bagel mix and smear them with good cream cheese for an easy breakfast.

Sourdough Waffles

The easy sourdough waffles are everything waffles are known for – crispy crust, tender interior, and airy texture! 

Other Sourdough Discard Recipes

Sourdough Pasta 

Whip up the ultimate comfort food with your sourdough discard - a big batch of homemade sourdough pasta! This pasta has a subtle tang and a hearty bite that pairs perfectly with any of your favorite sauces. 

Bread Kvass

Bread kvass is a traditional fermented drink that uses stale bread and just a bit of sourdough starter. In no time, you'll have a naturally fizzy drink that tastes like a cross between blond beer and mead.

Everything But the Bagel Sourdough Discard Crackers

These thin and crispy Everything But The Bagel Sourdough Discard Crackers are the perfect solution to your sourdough discard!

Sourdough Soft Pretzels

These sourdough soft pretzels are made with leftover sourdough starter discard and served with a creamy homemade beer cheese dip. 

Sourdough Fried Chicken

Sourdough fried chicken is a great way to use up excess sourdough discard. Plus they are tender, juicy, and crispy. 

Cheesy Homemade Crackers

These cheesy homemade crackers are made with leftover sourdough starter discard, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs and are easy to make! 

Rosemary Sourdough Crackers

These Rosemary Sourdough Crackers are a perfect fun way to use up that sourdough discard! A great addition to a charcuterie board or appetizer spread. 

Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers

If you’re looking for a way to use up some of that sourdough starter, you just have to try these addictive (and from scratch) Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers. They are delightfully savory, and made with simple ingredients. You’ll never want to buy cheese crackers from the store again! 

Fresh Sourdough Pasta

Fresh sourdough pasta is easy to make at home! This 3 ingredient recipe is full of flavor and totally worth the effort. 

Now you have 51 sourdough starter recipes other than bread!  I hope you enjoy!

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