Whether you’re looking to reduce waste in your kitchen, these creative and easy sourdough discard recipes have got you covered. From sweet treats like cookies and biscuits to indulgent delights like cake and muffins, there’s something for everyone. Fresh, homemade bread is one of my favorite things in life, but food waste is not. Fortunately, sourdough has so many delightful applications that can help minimize what ends up in the trash.
So next time you feed your starter, be sure to save the excess and get creative with it – think pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast treat. With these recipes, you’ll have no excuse not to make the most of your sourdough discard. Let’s get started on this journey to reducing waste and indulging in some tasty treats!
How to Use Sourdough Discard
Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Highlighting the perfect combination for the winter season, I think thick oatmeal cookies paired with a tangy starter make an ideal platter. The texture of the oatmeal provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the cookie. To achieve this desired texture, ensure that your starter is at room temperature. This will not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the cake-like consistency of the cookies.
When working with these particular recipes, patience is key as they require complete cooling before glazing. Only once they have reached a cold state can you pour on the vanilla frosting and indulge in their deliciousness by dunking them in a glass of milk.
Sourdough Biscuits
Pleasingly flaky, buttery sourdough biscuits are perfect for a morning treat or warm afternoon delight. The addition of sour cream not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the discard, while the scallions provide a fresh pop of oniony goodness that adds depth to each bite. When substituting sour cream, Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a suitable alternative.
However, it’s crucial to use an unfed starter, as this will ensure the biscuits receive the right rise and retain their signature texture. Serving options are plentiful, with a simple slab of butter or sprinkle of cheddar cheese being a quick and satisfying choice. Alternatively, they work beautifully in your favorite breakfast sandwich recipes – I personally enjoy mine topped with eggs and crispy bacon.
Sourdough Crescent Rolls
Wrapped in an irresistible package of flaky goodness, these tender crescent rolls are sure to delight your taste buds. The inside is soft and chewy, providing a pleasant contrast to the subtle crunch from the butter brushed outside. I must admit that I have a bit of a weakness for these sweet treats – I can easily devour a handful all by myself, and I wouldn’t say no to pairing them with some fresh fruit jelly!
Sourdough Bread with Discard
Fundamentally, making sourdough bread from discard is a no-brainer for many enthusiasts. However, I’d like to emphasize that this process yields optimal results when using instant yeast and incorporating a final proofing step. In terms of the quality of the finished product, it’s worth noting that the more established your initial sourdough starter is, the superior the outcome tends to be.
Ultimately, the characteristics of the bread improve with time as the starter matures, resulting in a richer flavor profile and better texture.
Sourdough Pancakes
But for those who’ve never attempted sourdough pancakes, get ready to be blown away by their incredible taste. Unlike store-bought mixes, these homemade treats offer an unparalleled depth of flavor that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. And the best part? You can whip up a towering stack in under 30 minutes – perfect for satisfying those early morning hunger pangs.
The decision is yours: will you opt for a classic combination of maple syrup and butter, or use these fluffy pancakes as the foundation for a hearty, savory breakfast feast?
Sourdough Chocolate Cake
Laden with the potential to transform a straightforward one-bowl chocolate cake into an opulent delight, sourdough discard plays a crucial role. Not only does it provide a plush texture that prevents the cake from drying out, but it also adds a rich depth to the overall flavor profile. A generous amount of high-quality chocolate and a hint of brewed coffee in the mix further elevate this decadent treat.
Sourdough Discard Crackers
Browsing through recipe blogs and online forums, you’ll find that many bakers have discovered the perfect way to repurpose their sourdough discard – turning it into crispy, crunchy crackers. These delicate little bites are ideal for munching on the go or as a snack to accompany your favorite dips. What’s truly impressive is that they achieve a surprisingly cheesy flavor, all thanks to the leftover sourdough starter, rather than any added cheese.
Sourdough Blueberry Muffins
Often, our household is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked muffins, and everyone in my family loves it when I whip up a batch. One of the reasons why these muffins are so well-received is due to their crumb topping, which is similar to what you’d find in a classic coffee cake recipe. This added layer not only provides a nice textural contrast but also injects a burst of sweetness into each bite.
While I typically prefer using fresh blueberries for their vibrant flavor and appearance, frozen ones can be substituted if that’s all that’s available. However, it’s essential to note that you should use them straight from the freezer to prevent the juices from seeping out and discoloring the batter.
Sourdough Discard Waffles
Making the most out of your sourdough discard can be as simple as turning it into a delicious batch of waffles, similar to how pancakes are made. Not only do they have an ideal texture, but also a rich and buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. This option is particularly useful when you’ve accumulated a substantial amount of discard, making it a fantastic way to use up the excess.
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts
Delighting in baking projects on the weekend when I have some spare time is a true pleasure of mine. If you also enjoy indulging in this hobby, you’ll definitely want to try out this exceptional recipe. One of the unique features that makes these donuts stand out is the use of sourdough discard, which not only adds flavor but also gives them a delightful cake-like consistency that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and sugar.
Sourdough Soft Pretzels
Generally speaking, there’s something irresistible about biting into a warm, soft pretzel, isn’t it? The waiting period for the dough to rise is a couple of days, so be prepared to exercise some patience. Rest assured, however, that the end result will be well worth the wait. And for those who prefer their pretzels with a bit more flavor, using sea salt or kosher salt is a simple yet effective solution.
Sourdough Crumpets
Yearning for a taste of tradition, many people have heard of the phrase ‘tea and crumpets’, but how many can say they’ve actually experienced it? This is your chance to try them out. You’ll find that these crumpets strike the perfect balance between being light and buttery – the ideal combination. When serving, I recommend enjoying them warm with a generous dollop of salted butter on top.
Cheesy Sourdough Popovers
Outstanding combinations of food are always a delight to behold, and for me, cheese and carbs are two of my absolute favorites. Given that I’m such a huge fan of these two culinary staples, it’s no wonder I’m utterly thrilled about discovering the recipe for popovers! Each delectable morsel is packed with shredded cheese both inside and out, making them a true treat for the taste buds.
What’s more, they boast a soft interior and crunchy exterior, rendering them completely irresistible to anyone who tries one. As if that weren’t enough, all six ingredients required can likely be found in your pantry already.
Ultimate Sourdough Banana Bread
Sourdough Pizza Crust
Wanting to elevate your pizza game? I’ve got you covered. The secret to my ultimate pizza crust lies in this recipe, which outshines the competition by a mile. Not only does it boast a superior taste and texture, but it’s also a game-changer for anyone who’s tired of relying on instant yeast packets or store-bought options.
One thing to keep in mind is that this recipe uses quite a bit of starter, so make sure you have enough on hand before getting too excited – double-checking your stash will save you from potential disappointment.
Sourdough Brownies
Rarely do desserts live up to their claims of being ‘the best’, but these brownies are truly in a league of their own. With an exceptional texture that’s both super fudgy and boasting a top-notch crackle on the top, it’s no wonder they’ve earned such high praise. But what really sets them apart is their crazy-rich flavor profile, loaded with deep chocolatey goodness that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve these warm with a generous scoop of homemade no-churn ice cream.
Sourdough Crepes
Just when I thought I was doing enough baking, this recipe made me realize that I don’t make crepes often enough. The delicate texture is truly divine and they pair exceptionally well with both sweet and savory toppings. Moreover, they provide an excellent opportunity to utilize sourdough discard, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional recipes. Although achieving perfection does require some time and patience, it’s definitely within the capabilities of any beginner.
Sourdough Pumpkin Bread
Here’s a recipe that will make all pumpkin bread lovers sing with joy! This delightful treat combines the warm, comforting flavors of fall with a tantalizing twist – a hint of fresh orange juice that sets it apart from other sweet breads. The addition of discard adds an extra layer of depth to this moist and tender crumb.
Sourdough Sugar Cut Out Cookies
Make this holiday season a little sweeter by repurposing your discard into a festive treat platter. The process of creating these sweet goodies is not only enjoyable but also an excellent opportunity for kids to get involved in decorating them with their favorite holiday themes. To achieve the best results, ensure that your discard has reached 100 percent hydration before starting to mix and knead the dough.
Additionally, if you’re using salted butter, take note of how much salt you’ll need to add to the cookie dough to balance out the flavors.
Sourdough Discard Dumpling
Making the most of homemade dumpling wrappers requires minimal effort, thanks in part to their simplicity. With just three essential ingredients, you can achieve a perfect chewy texture that surpasses store-bought alternatives. Plus, by preparing them yourself, you’ll be reducing food waste and eliminating any unwanted preservatives found in mass-produced frozen versions.
Sourdough Granola
Unlock the full potential of sourdough discard by using it as a base for homemade granola. This versatile ingredient not only adds flavor but also serves as a natural binder, holding all the other ingredients together in perfect harmony. To create a delicious and crunchy granola, start with a foundation of rolled oats, honey, and coconut oil – a classic combination that sets the stage for endless possibilities.
From there, feel free to get creative by adding your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or even experimenting with unique extracts like almond or hazelnut. The result is a nutritious and scrumptious breakfast treat that’s sure to start your day off on the right foot.
23 Best Sourdough Discard Recipe Collection
Elevate your baking skills with the incredible versatility of sourdough discards! From classic treats like cookies and biscuits to delicious desserts such as cakes and muffins, these recipes are designed to inspire creativity and reduce waste in the kitchen. By repurposing the excess starter, you can create a wide variety of sweet and savory delights that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Instructions
Start by selecting a recipe that you’ve been wanting to try, and take a moment to review the ingredient list. Once you have your chosen recipe, organize all of the necessary ingredients to ensure that you don’t forget anything important. With a bit of planning and some quick cooking skills, you can prepare a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend lunches.
