If you bake sourdough bread at home, you probably know the frustration of wasting sourdough discard. Every time you feed your sourdough starter, you end up with some leftover starter that typically gets thrown out. However, this discard can be a hidden treasure in your kitchen. Not only does it help reduce food waste, but it also adds a tangy, flavorful twist to a wide variety of recipes. Whether you prefer sweet or savory dishes, sourdough discard can be the secret ingredient that takes your baking to the next level.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the most of your sourdough discard. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of using discard to the best recipes you can create with it. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of sourdough discard recipes and discover why you should never throw away your discard again.
What is Sourdough Discard?
Before we get into the recipes, it’s essential to understand what sourdough discard actually is. Sourdough discard is the portion of the starter that you remove when you feed it with fresh flour and water. Feeding your starter is necessary to keep it active, but the discard is often thrown away. While it may not be strong enough to leaven bread on its own, it’s still packed with flavor and nutrients.
By using sourdough discard, you not only reduce waste, but you also get to enjoy the tangy flavor it brings to your food. Its acidic nature can enhance both sweet and savory dishes, making them more complex and exciting to eat.
Why Should You Use Sourdough Discard?
There are plenty of reasons to use sourdough discard in your cooking and baking. Not only does it prevent waste, but it also adds a unique flavor to recipes that other ingredients simply can’t match. Here’s why you should start using your sourdough discard today:
1. Reduce Food Waste
One of the most significant benefits of using sourdough discard is that it helps you cut down on food waste. When you bake sourdough bread regularly, you often have to discard some of the starter to maintain the balance between flour and water. Instead of throwing this away, you can use it in various recipes. By incorporating discard into your cooking, you’re being both economical and environmentally conscious.
If you’re interested in more tips on reducing food waste, check out these creative ways to reduce food waste that will make you rethink how you handle food scraps in your kitchen.
2. Add Flavor
Sourdough discard has a tangy, slightly sour flavor, thanks to the natural fermentation process. This unique flavor can enhance both sweet and savory recipes. The acidity of sourdough discard balances the sweetness of baked goods like cakes, cookies, and muffins, while it adds depth and complexity to savory dishes such as crackers, flatbreads, and pizza crust.
3. Create Healthier Recipes
The fermentation process involved in sourdough baking increases the digestibility of grains. This is because the lactic acid bacteria in sourdough break down some of the gluten and starches in the flour, making them easier to digest. By using sourdough discard, you can add a fermented element to your recipes, which may provide benefits such as improved gut health and better nutrient absorption.
If you’re new to using sourdough starter, take a moment to read up on the basics of sourdough starter to ensure you’re maintaining it properly and making the most of your discard.
Sweet Sourdough Discard Recipes
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the variety of baked goods you can create using sourdough discard. From banana bread to pancakes, the tangy flavor of the discard adds a whole new dimension to your favorite sweets. Here are some of the best sweet recipes to try with your discard.
1. Sourdough Banana Bread
Banana bread is a beloved staple in many households, but adding sourdough discard takes it to the next level. The discard adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness of ripe bananas, making for a moist, rich loaf. Plus, this recipe is an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas and avoid waste.
Here’s how to make sourdough banana bread:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 overripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix the wet ingredients together, add the dry ingredients, and bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes. The result is a banana bread that’s moist and flavorful, with a subtle tang that elevates it above the ordinary.
If you’re a banana lover, check out creative ways to use old bananas for more ideas to reduce food waste and make the most of your pantry.
2. Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a classic chocolate chip cookie? Adding sourdough discard to your cookie dough can make them even better. The discard gives the cookies a chewy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate chips. You can also add oats, nuts, or dried fruit to create variations on this classic recipe.
Here’s a quick recipe for sourdough chocolate chip cookies:
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the sourdough discard, egg, and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
For more inspiration, check out this ultimate cookie recipe guide and discover other ways to make your cookies stand out.
3. Sourdough Pancakes and Waffles
Nothing says “weekend breakfast” like pancakes or waffles. Sourdough discard makes these breakfast staples even better by adding a light, airy texture and a hint of tang. These pancakes are fluffy, flavorful, and easy to make, which makes them perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.
To make sourdough pancakes or waffles:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Cook pancakes on a greased griddle or make waffles in a waffle iron until golden brown. Serve with syrup, fresh fruit, or even whipped cream for a decadent breakfast.
Savory Sourdough Discard Recipes
Sourdough discard isn’t just for sweet treats; it also works wonderfully in savory dishes. From crackers to pizza crust, the tangy flavor of sourdough discard can add depth to a wide variety of savory foods. Here are some of the best savory recipes to try with your discard.
1. Sourdough Pizza Crust
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? By using sourdough discard in your pizza dough, you’ll create a crust that’s both chewy and crispy, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. This sourdough pizza crust pairs well with any topping, making it perfect for your next pizza night.
To make the pizza crust:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast (optional for faster rising)
Combine the ingredients and knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size. Roll out the dough, top it with your favorite toppings, and bake at 450°F for about 12-15 minutes.
Need ideas for side dishes to go with your pizza? Check out what to serve with jambalaya for some inspiration.
2. Sourdough Crackers
Crackers are an easy and delicious way to use sourdough discard. These crunchy, tangy crackers are perfect for serving with dips, cheese, or as a snack on their own. You can also customize the flavor by adding herbs, spices, or seeds to the dough.
To make sourdough crackers:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Herbs, seeds, or spices (optional)
Mix the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. Roll the dough out as thin as possible, cut it into squares or shapes, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
3. Sourdough Naan
Naan is a type of soft, chewy flatbread that’s traditionally served with Indian dishes. By using sourdough discard in the dough, you can give naan a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful curries and stews.
To make sourdough naan:
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup yogurt
Mix the ingredients together until you have a smooth dough. Let it rise for about an hour, then divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball out and cook on a hot griddle or skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Pair this naan with homemade lasagna or your favorite stew. Need a lasagna recipe? Try this oven-ready lasagna recipe for a delicious combination of savory flavors.
Advanced Sourdough Discard Recipes
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with more advanced recipes that use sourdough discard. These recipes may take a bit more time, but the results are well worth it.
1. Sourdough Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are a comfort food classic, and using sourdough discard makes them even better. These sourdough biscuits are light, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or as a side dish with dinner.
To make sourdough biscuits:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
Cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the sourdough discard and milk, and mix until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough out and cut into rounds, then bake at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes.
2. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking for the perfect treat for a weekend brunch, look no further than sourdough cinnamon rolls. These rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon flavor. The discard adds a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar filling.
To make sourdough cinnamon rolls:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for filling
Mix the dough ingredients together and let it rise until doubled in size. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar filling. Roll up the dough, slice into rounds, and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes.
Tips for Storing and Using Sourdough Discard
To make the most of your sourdough discard, it’s essential to know how to store and handle it properly. Luckily, sourdough discard is easy to store, and you can keep it fresh for future use with just a few simple steps.
How to Store Sourdough Discard
If you plan to use your discard within a week, you can store it in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the discard in an airtight container. Simply thaw the discard overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it. Properly stored, sourdough discard can last for months.
Adjusting Recipes for Sourdough Discard
When using sourdough discard in a recipe, you may need to adjust the liquid and flour content. Because sourdough discard contains both flour and water, you’ll want to reduce the amount of liquid and flour in the recipe accordingly. Keep in mind that discard also adds a tangy flavor, so consider balancing it with other ingredients, especially in sweet recipes.
FAQs About Sourdough Discard
Can I Use Sourdough Discard Immediately?
Yes, you can use sourdough discard immediately after removing it from your starter. However, if it’s been sitting for a while, the flavor may become more tangy, so consider that when choosing a recipe.
How Long Does Sourdough Discard Last?
Sourdough discard can last up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it for several months. Just be sure to thaw it before use.
What Can I Make with Sourdough Discard Besides Bread?
Sourdough discard is incredibly versatile. Besides bread, you can use it in pancakes, waffles, cookies, crackers, pizza dough, biscuits, and much more. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your favorite way to use discard.
Conclusion
Using sourdough discard is not only an excellent way to reduce food waste, but it also allows you to create delicious, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re making sweet treats like sourdough banana bread or savory favorites like sourdough pizza crust, you’ll find that sourdough discard adds a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
Don’t let that discard go to waste—turn it into something delicious today! For more inspiration and recipes, check out this oven-ready lasagna recipe to pair with your savory sourdough creations.