Sourdough baking is rewarding, but dealing with leftover discard can feel wasteful. Luckily, there are tons of creative ways to use sourdough discard to make delicious treats. If you’re looking for tasty ways to minimize food waste, check out these top 5 sourdough discard recipes. Not only will you love the flavors, but you’ll also feel great knowing you’re making the most of your sourdough starter!
Jump To Recipes:
- Sourdough Discard Pancakes
- Sourdough Discard Crackers
- Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
- Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust
- Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe
Fluffy and slightly tangy, sourdough discard pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat. The sourdough discard adds a mild sour note that complements sweet toppings like syrup or fresh fruit. Plus, this recipe is quick and easy, making it a great go-to for weekend mornings.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Pancakes:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for cooking
Instructions:
- Whisk the sourdough discard, milk, and egg together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, melt some butter, and pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden.
- Serve with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.
2. Sourdough Discard Crackers Recipe
If you’re looking for a savory snack or a crunchy addition to your cheese board, these sourdough discard crackers are the answer. They’re easy to customize with herbs and spices, and they store well for future snacking.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Crackers:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the discard, flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out thinly on a sheet of parchment paper.
- Score the dough with a knife or pizza cutter into cracker-sized pieces.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Let cool before breaking into crackers.
3. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Recipe
Transform your overripe bananas and sourdough discard into a moist, flavorful loaf of banana bread. This recipe is a great way to reduce waste while enjoying a classic comfort food.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Banana Bread:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: chocolate chips or walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the discard, bananas, butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool before slicing.
4. Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust Recipe
For pizza lovers, sourdough discard pizza crust offers a chewy, flavorful alternative to traditional dough. The natural fermentation of the discard enhances the texture and taste, making for a delicious homemade pizza experience.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the discard, flour, water, olive oil, salt, and yeast until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, then transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Add your favorite toppings and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp.
5. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake Recipe
Yes, you can use sourdough discard to make a rich, moist chocolate cake! The tangy flavor of the discard adds depth to the cake without overpowering the sweetness.
How to Make How to Make Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the discard, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the water, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs, and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before frosting or serving.
Conclusion
These top 5 sourdough discard recipes are not only delicious but also a great way to reduce waste and get creative in the kitchen. From pancakes to chocolate cake, you’ll find something for every occasion. So next time you’re left with extra sourdough discard, give one of these recipes a try and elevate your home baking!