10 Sourdough Discard Recipes: From Pizza Dough to Bagels and More

Are you looking to make the most out of your sourdough life? One of the beautiful elements of sourdough baking is the ability to use every part of the process creatively. Sourdough discard, which is the leftover starter that you remove during the feeding and maintenance process, can be a powerful ingredient in a wide range of recipes. Whether you're a seasoned artisan bread baking aficionado or new to homemade sourdough, you will find these sourdough discard recipes both delicious and resourceful.

To learn more about sourdough and find the best tools for your sourdough journey, visit Italian Sourdough.

1. Sourdough Pizza Dough

Pizza night gets an upgrade with sourdough discard in the mix. Incorporating your excess starter can enrich the dough, contributing to a wonderfully chewy texture and a deeper, slightly tangy flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to transform discard into scrumptious pizza dough.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¾ cup warm water
• Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the dough rise for about 3-4 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven with your Pizza Stone for Baking for the best results.

This sourdough pizza dough will bring new life to your pizza nights, showing that sourdough is so much more than just basic bread.

2. Sourdough Pancakes

Start your day with the fluffiest pancakes ever. Sourdough discard is the key to creating pancakes that are light yet full of depth in flavor due to the wild yeast fermentation.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients until just combined.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in ¼ cup of batter.
3. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until browned.

Enjoy these pancakes with your favorite toppings and embrace the benefits of sourdough fermentation even at breakfast!

3. Sourdough Crackers

Next time you’re entertaining, impress your guests with homemade sourdough crackers. They’re the perfect accompaniment to cheese and wine or simply enjoyed as a crunchy snack.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Assorted seeds for topping
• Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients except seeds in a bowl until a dough forms.
2. Roll out the dough to about 1⁄8 inch thick.
3. Sprinkle with seeds and press lightly.
4. Cut into desired shapes and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

With a crispy crunch and a nutty flavor, sourdough crackers prove that sourdough baking tips can be fun and playful!

4. Sourdough Bagels

Bagels made with sourdough discard offer a unique spin on a classic favorite. The inclusion of the discard in the dough adds an intriguing complexity you won't find in store-bought versions.

• Ingredients:
• ½ cup sourdough discard
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 ½ cups bread flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients and knead into a smooth dough.
2. Let rise for an hour.
3. Shape dough into bagels and let them rise again.
4. Boil for 1 minute on each side in water, then bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

Check out the best sourdough scoring techniques to add a unique touch to each sourdough bagel.

5. Sourdough Focaccia

Focaccia gets an added boost with sourdough discard, creating a pillowy soft interior with a gorgeously crispy crust.

• Ingredients:
• ½ cup sourdough discard
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water
• Fresh herbs for topping
• Steps:

1. Combine discard, flour, salt, oil, and water to form a dough.
2. Let rise until doubled, then dimple dough with fingertips and top with herbs.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

Use an Oval/Round Bread Rattan Fermentation Basket to achieve that amazing artisan look.

6. Sourdough Muffins

Inject some flavor complexity into your muffins with sourdough discard. These muffins are perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 egg
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Steps:

1. Mix discard, egg, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
3. Spoon into muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

These muffins bring the ease of sourdough feeding and maintenance right into your kitchen.

7. Sourdough Quickbread

A delightful no-knead sourdough quickbread is achievable with sourdough discard. This recipe provides a rich, hearty balance of flavors, perfect for sweet or savory add-ins.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• Steps:

1. Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients to combine.
2. Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes.

This quickbread is set to become a stable part of your easy sourdough bread lineup.

8. Sourdough Brownies

Indulge your sweet tooth while enjoying the nutritional benefits of sourdough fermentation with these gooey sourdough brownies.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• Steps:

1. Melt butter and combine with sugar and cocoa.
2. Beat in eggs, then mix in discard.
3. Pour batter into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

These brownies are sure to satisfy both traditional and sourdough dessert cravings.

9. Sourdough Waffles

Bring a tangy twist to your brunch with sourdough waffles. These waffles offer a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior thanks to the fermentation magic of wild yeast.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• Steps:

1. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy, then stir in discard and remaining ingredients.
2. Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden.

These waffles demonstrate the versatility of sourdough starter, making breakfast an experience.

10. Sourdough Flatbread

Finally, sourdough flatbread is a must-try for all fans of Italian sourdough bread. It's perfect for dipping, topping, or rolling into wraps.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup water
• Steps:

1. Mix discard, flour, salt, oil, and water into a dough.
2. Divide into balls and roll flat.
3. Cook on a skillet over medium heat until bubbles form, then flip.

Flexibility and flavor make this flatbread a reliable addition to any meal plan.

In conclusion, the possibilities are endless with sourdough discard. Whether you’re making sourdough pizza dough for Italian night or sourdough bagels for breakfast, you’re not just reducing waste — you're expanding your sourdough baking repertoire. For more recipes and tips on how to feed sourdough starter, or how to store sourdough starter for optimal flavor and longevity, explore Italian Sourdough and discover the best tools to aid you on your sourdough journey.

Happy baking!