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Looking for a way to use sourdough starter discard other than tossing it? I’ve rounded up the best recipes for sourdough discard for you right here on the blog!

recipes for sourdough starter

So about a year ago, I actually quit making sourdough bread and let my starter die. Wah! It’s not that we stopped loving it, but honestly I was tired of feeding the darn thing and wasting so much of the starter every time I fed it. I wish I had done more research into recipes using the discard, because I’ve been doing some research, and there are some DELICIOUS options out there!

Since so many of you are now starting your sourdough journeys amidst a yeast shortage and fear that you won’t be able to buy bread at the grocery store, I thought I would roundup a few of great recipes for the discard from your starter! All of the recipes in this post are actually from other bloggers, since I don’t have any of my own. 

How long can you keep sourdough discard?

You can keep your discard after feeding your sourdough for a week or two in the refrigerator. If it looks moldy or takes on a terrible smell, don’t use it and DISCARD it!

Can you freeze sourdough discard for later?

Turns out that, yes, you can freeze your sourdough discard! I was surprised to learn that freezing cold temperatures don’t kill all of the yeast in the starter; in fact, most remain dormant while frozen!

Try freezing it in small portions so you can take it out and use it for any of the recipes below!

Enjoy the roundup!

1. Blueberry Banana Sourdough Muffins by Melissa Torio

2.  Sourdough Plum Cinnamon Rolls by Dish n’ the Kitchen

3. Overnight Sourdough Spelt Waffles by Occasionally Eggs

4. Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Sourdough Muffins by Cooking with Carlee

5. Sourdough Focaccia by BAKED the Blog

6. Sourdough Crackers with Homemade Za’atar by BAKED the Blog

7. Mega Chocolate Sourdough Brownies by The Gingered Whisk

8. Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes by My Fermented Foods

The Best Recipes for Sourdough Discard

About Katherine

Heeey! Thank you for stopping by! I like 30-minute dinners and giant peanut butter cups made with only 3 ingredients. I LOVE food! If you do too, you're in the right place.

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28 Comments

  1. I just recently started my starter! I will definitely keep this list in mind for the discard – thanks for the great ideas!

    1. Oh awesome! I’m considering getting one going again, but I’ll need to stock up on extra flour! Thanks Alexandra!

  2. This is a great collection of recipes! I have been trying to get a starter going, but haven’t had much success yet, and share your sentiment about “wasting” so much at each feeding. (Especially since I’m at least as worried about finding flour as I am about finding yeast!) Can’t wait to try some of these with the discard, that will help a TON!

    1. Ah, yes! It’s hard wasting that much flour when people keep talking about not being able to find any, right!? If you do get that starter bubbling away, I hope some of these recipes will come in handy for you! XO

  3. Love these ideas! What a great way to repurpose something…into lots of delicious eats! Now, just have to decide where to start 😉 Happy Easter, my friend! XO

    1. So many delicious options, right!? Thank you Dawn!! I hope you’re having a terrific Easter!

  4. Katherine, I totally love this post! I hate the waste from feeding sour dough. Thanks so much for the ideas!

    1. I do too – it feel SO wasteful doesn’t it!? Thank you so much Kelly! Happy Easter! XO

  5. Katherine
    This is such a useful post especially now during this lockdown. I can use your ideas to make the best and repurpose the leftover from the sour dough. Happy Easter.

    1. Thank you!! I hated throwing out so much discard. Hope you find it useful! 🙂

  6. Thanks for pulling this together Katherine! Starting a starter and making sourdough is on my list to try this year, so this is super helpful! Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

    1. I hope you give it a try! I loved doing it but couldn’t keep up with the maintenance. I might have to try it again soon though!

  7. What a great list… I’m always looking for creative ways to use my sourdough discard, and I love these ideas!!

  8. Such an informative post Katherine! And so many delicious recipes. Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to get baking.

    1. Thanks Mary Ann! I found out so much when I did my research. I need to get my starter going again!