Sourdough Magic: Delicious Ways to Use Your Discard
If you’ve been baking sourdough for a while, you know that a thriving starter means plenty of “discard” — that extra portion you remove to keep your starter healthy and active. But don’t toss it! That leftover sourdough starter is full of flavor and potential. With just a little creativity, you can turn it into delicious treats that make the most of every bit of your hard work.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to put sourdough discard to good use.
1. Sourdough Pancakes or Waffles
This might be the easiest and most delicious way to use your extra starter. Mix it with eggs, milk, a little sugar, and baking soda for light, tangy pancakes or waffles. The fermentation gives them a subtle flavor that pairs perfectly with butter and maple syrup.
2. Crackers with a Crunch
Combine your discard with olive oil, salt, herbs, and a touch of flour to make thin, crispy sourdough crackers. Roll them out, cut into shapes, and bake — they make a perfect snack or cheese board addition.
3. Rustic Flatbreads
Turn your leftover starter into quick flatbreads by mixing it with a bit of water, olive oil, and flour. Cook them on a hot skillet until golden — great for wraps, dipping, or even mini pizzas.
4. Sourdough Biscuits or Muffins
Add a scoop of sourdough discard to your favorite biscuit or muffin recipe. It gives baked goods a deeper flavor and softer texture. Try it with pumpkin or blueberry muffins for a farmhouse favorite.
5. Sweet Treats
Sourdough starter adds a lovely tang to sweets! You can use it in brownies, chocolate cake, or cinnamon rolls for a subtle depth that pairs perfectly with sweetness.
6. Compost It (If All Else Fails!)
Even if you can’t bake right away, don’t feel bad — your discard can still serve a purpose. Add it to your compost pile, where it’ll enrich the soil and feed your future garden.
Waste Not, Want Not
Every bit of sourdough starter represents care, time, and tradition. Finding creative ways to use your discard not only reduces waste but also celebrates the beauty of homemade, from-scratch living — one bake at a time.
