Got sourdough discard piling up in your kitchen? Don’t toss it! There are plenty of creative ways to use up that leftover starter and turn it into something tasty. Let’s dive into 10 easy and delicious ways to make the most of your sourdough discard—because every bit counts!
What Is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of sourdough starter that’s removed during the feeding process. When you refresh your starter by adding fresh flour and water, you have to remove some of the old starter to maintain the proper balance. Many folks think they should just throw it away, but that would be a waste of both food and flavor. Instead, sourdough discard can be repurposed in tons of delicious recipes!
1. Sourdough Pancakes
One of the most popular ways to use sourdough discard is by making pancakes. They’re fluffy, slightly tangy, and incredibly easy to whip up.
How to make them:
- Mix your discard with flour, milk, eggs, a pinch of sugar, and a bit of baking soda.
- Cook them just like you would regular pancakes—golden brown on each side—and serve with syrup or fruit.
Tip: The sourdough adds a lovely complexity to the flavor, making these pancakes a weekend favorite.
2. Crispy Sourdough Crackers
Who doesn’t love a crunchy snack? Crackers made from sourdough discard are super simple to make and are perfect for cheese boards or snacking on their own.
How to make them:
- Combine your discard with flour, olive oil, and seasonings (like garlic powder or rosemary).
- Roll the dough thin and bake until crisp.
Tip: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Sourdough Pizza Crust
Turn pizza night up a notch by using your sourdough discard in the crust. It adds a bit of tang to balance out your favorite toppings.
How to make it:
- Mix the discard into your regular pizza dough recipe (it can replace some or all of the water or yeast).
- Let the dough rest and rise for a couple of hours, then top with sauce, cheese, and your go-to toppings before baking.
Tip: For extra flavor, let the dough ferment for a day or two in the fridge before baking.
4. Sourdough Muffins
Want to add a little twist to your morning routine? Use your sourdough discard in muffins! The natural fermentation from the starter adds depth to the flavor, and it works well with all kinds of fillings like blueberries, bananas, or even chocolate chips.
How to make them:
- Combine discard with flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder, then mix in your favorite muffin additions.
- Bake until golden brown.
Tip: Sourdough discard can make your muffins softer and moister than traditional recipes.
5. Sourdough Waffles
Looking for a breakfast that feels fancy but is still super easy to make? Sourdough waffles are just what you need.
How to make them:
- The discard gets mixed with flour, eggs, milk, and butter. Let the batter rest a little (if you can), then pour into your waffle iron.
Tip: These waffles freeze beautifully, so make a big batch and reheat during the week for quick breakfasts.
6. Sourdough Banana Bread
Banana bread is already a beloved favorite, but using sourdough discard takes it to a whole new level. The slight tang from the starter beautifully balances the sweetness of the bananas.
How to make it:
- Mix discard into your usual banana bread batter, along with mashed bananas, sugar, flour, and eggs.
- Bake until golden and set.
Tip: Add walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
7. Sourdough Tortillas
You might not have thought of this one, but using sourdough discard to make tortillas results in soft, flavorful flatbreads that can be used for tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.
How to make them:
- Mix discard with flour, water, and a pinch of salt, then roll into thin circles.
- Cook each tortilla in a hot skillet until bubbles form and they develop golden spots.
Tip: Use a tortilla press if you have one to get them perfectly thin.
8. Sourdough Cookies
Yes, you read that right—cookies! You can make delightful cookies with sourdough discard, giving them a slightly chewy texture and a unique flavor.
How to make them:
- Mix your discard with your regular cookie ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour.
- Bake as usual and enjoy!
Tip: Try this with chocolate chip cookies for an extra special twist.
9. Sourdough Biscuits
Biscuits are the perfect comfort food, and sourdough discard takes them up a notch. They’re fluffy, buttery, and have just a hint of tang that pairs perfectly with jam or gravy.
How to make them:
- Mix discard with flour, butter, baking powder, and a little milk.
- Roll the dough, cut into circles, and bake until fluffy and golden.
Tip: Serve warm with honey butter for an indulgent treat.
10. Sourdough Dumplings
Perfect for soups and stews, sourdough dumplings are an easy way to add a little extra oomph to your comfort food dishes.
How to make them:
- Combine sourdough discard with flour, eggs, and seasonings.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into simmering soup and cook until they puff up.
Tip: They absorb the flavors of the soup, making them extra tasty.
Final Thoughts: Waste Not, Want Not!
Now you know that sourdough discard isn’t just “leftovers”—it’s a treasure trove of potential for all kinds of baked goods and dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, dinner, or snacks, there’s a way to use that discard. So next time you refresh your starter, don’t toss the discard—turn it into something delicious!
FAQs
Q: How long can I store sourdough discard?
A: You can store discard in the fridge for about a week or even freeze it for longer periods. Just bring it back to room temperature before using it in recipes.
Q: Can sourdough discard go bad?
A: Yes, if it starts to smell off (think moldy or rotten), it’s time to toss it. Otherwise, it’s good to use in recipes.
Q: Can I use sourdough discard in gluten-free recipes?
A: Sourdough discard typically contains gluten, but you can experiment with gluten-free flours if you’re maintaining a gluten-free sourdough starter.
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