If you’re like me, you know the joy of nurturing a sourdough starter. But let’s be real: the discard can sometimes feel like a waste. While I don’t have any sourdough discard recipes of my own (yet, stay tuned!), I bake sourdough often and am sharing my all-time favorite sourdough discard recipes from around the internet. As I try new sourdough discard recipes, I will add the best ones to this list.Â
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Sourdough discard recipes are great because they can help you use up the extra sourdough starter with a quick baked good instead of baking another loaf of bread. Without further ado, here are my favorite tried and true sourdough discard recipes.
Sourdough Discard Brownie Recipe
Sourdough discard brownies are a brilliant idea for a sourdough discard recipe because they transform what might otherwise be waste into a decadent, delightful treat. Incorporating sourdough discard into brownies not only adds a unique depth of flavor, but it also enhances the texture, making them exceptionally moist and fudgy. The slight tang from the discard perfectly complements the rich chocolate, creating a complex, irresistible taste.Â
I absolutely love these sourdough discard brownies from Little Spoon Farm for so many reasons.
First, they are thick and fudgy, bursting with ooey, gooey goodness that makes every bite a chocolate lover’s dream. The fudgy centers and crackly tops create the perfect texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make! This simple brownie recipe requires just a few steps and common pantry ingredients, making it a go-to treat for any occasion.
Sourdough Discard Pancake Recipe
I bake sourdough pancakes once a week and keep a stash in the freezer because my daughter is absolutely obsessed with them. Every morning, she wakes up asking for pancakes, and these delicious, fluffy sourdough pancakes never fail to make her smile.
Freezing them is a lifesaver for busy mornings, allowing me to quickly heat up a batch and provide her with a homemade, nutritious breakfast that she loves. It’s become a cherished routine, and knowing that I’m using our sourdough discard efficiently is an added bonus.
The sourdough discard in these pancakes adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with maple syrup, making them a hit in our household.
I absolutely love these sourdough pancakes because they’re an easy, one-bowl recipe that yields fluffy, homemade goodness using leftover sourdough starter discard. The simplicity of the recipe means I can whip up the batter in less than 10 minutes, whether I prepare it the night before or on the same day. This flexibility, combined with the deliciously light and airy texture of the pancakes, makes them a staple in our breakfast routine.
Sourdough Discard Waffle Recipe
Sourdough discard adds a delightful tanginess to the waffles, enhancing their flavor profile and making them uniquely tasty. Additionally, the natural leavening properties of the sourdough help create a wonderfully crisp exterior and a light, airy interior. This not only elevates the texture of the waffles but also makes them a more nutritious option compared to traditional recipes.
One morning my pancake-loving daughter asked for waffles and I tried this recipe from Little Spoon Farm.Â
My whole family exclaimed that these were the best waffles they ever had, restaurant quality!
I like to let the batter sit overnight to reap the fermentation benefits. This extra time allows the flavors to develop more fully and gives the waffles an even better texture.
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Sourdough Chocolate Chip CookiesÂ
Here I am sharing another recipe from Little Spoon Farm (can you tell I have my go-to recipe bloggers?) but this sourdough discard chocolate chip cookie recipe is phenomenal. I make them for my church community group dinners and it has quickly become my signature dessert. Everyone asks me to make them over and over again.
These are bakery style chocolate chip cookies. Thick, crispy exterior and gooey inside, they are a crowd-pleaser.
The interesting thing about this recipe is that it uses a combination of bread flour and all-purpose to give the cookies a substantial texture.
Dutch Baby Pancake Sourdough Discard Recipe
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If you have never had a dutch baby pancake, you are missing out! I love making dutch baby pancakes because they use a lot of eggs, along with the sourdough starter so I know my family is getting a highly nutritious breakfast.Â
I love this easy sourdough Dutch baby because it bakes up puffy and golden in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
It’s a fantastic way to use leftover sourdough discard, allowing me to whip up a delicious treat without any advance preparation. The batter comes together quickly and can be baked immediately, resulting in a light, airy, and slightly tangy delight that’s versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. Whether topped with fresh fruit, a drizzle of syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this sourdough Dutch baby is always a hit in our home.
Sourdough Cake Sourdough Discard Recipe
When I first came across this recipe on Youtube, I immediately had to try it. This cake can be made in as little as 3 hours, although I let my batter sit overnight. It had a really interesting tang from the sourdough, but was incredibly moist and delicious. It didn’t even last one day in our house. Try the icing recipe too, it’s unique and makes the cake!
This sourdough chocolate cake is hands down one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve ever had!
 It’s incredibly decadent and dark, with an amazing depth of flavor that sets it apart. Finished with a silky smooth chocolate frosting, this cake is the perfect indulgence for any occasion!
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Sourdough Blueberry Muffins
Sourdough blueberry muffins are one of my all-time favorite sourdough discard recipes. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a tasty snack. These muffins are lofty, and have such a unique texture. Plus the sourdough makes them gentle on the stomach, and using half whole wheat flour adds a hearty, delicious twist.
These sourdough blueberry muffins are a family favorite. We went through a phase where we made them 3 times per week.
They are incredibly easy to make, but be sure to make them the night before. When my mom tried these she claimed that they were the best muffins she had ever had, and my 5 year old son can eat half the batch himself.
I hope these sourdough discard recipes inspire you to make the most of your sourdough starter and create delicious treats that everyone will love. Each recipe has been personally tested and perfected, so you can be confident they’ll turn out great every time. Happy baking, and don’t forget to check out my favorite kitchen finds for ideas to elevate your kitchen.
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