Amazing Sourdough Discard Recipes

Awesome Recipes You Can Make With Your Discarded Sourdough Starter

Table of Contents

1. Sourdough Pancakes
2. Sourdough Crackers
3. Sourdough Pizza Crust
4. Sourdough Biscuits
5. Sourdough Chocolate Cake

Introduction

If you're a sourdough enthusiast, you likely know the challenge of dealing with discarded sourdough starter. Instead of throwing it away, you can turn this “waste” into wonderful baked goods. Here are five fantastic recipes that make the most of your sourdough discard.

Sourdough Pancakes

Start your morning with tangy, fluffy sourdough pancakes. They are quick to prepare and offer a delightful twist on the classic breakfast staple.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup discarded sourdough starter

- 1 cup milk

- 1 egg

- 2 tbsp sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 2 tbsp melted butter

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, milk, egg, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
3. Fold in melted butter.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it.
5. Pour batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Sourdough Crackers

Transform your discard into crunchy, savoury crackers. These are perfect for snacking or serving with cheese and dips, and can be flavoured with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup discarded sourdough starter

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil

- 1/2 tsp salt

- Optional: herbs, spices, seeds

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix sourdough starter, flour, melted butter, and salt until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
4. Cut into desired shapes and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Optionally sprinkle with herbs, spices, or seeds.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Cool completely before storing.

Sourdough Pizza Crust

Upgrade your pizza night with a homemade sourdough pizza crust. The discard gives the crust a rich, complex flavor, making it the perfect base for any toppings.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup discarded sourdough starter

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup water

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp salt

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, flour, water, olive oil, and salt until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes.
3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 2-4 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone in the oven if using.
5. Roll out dough to desired thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
6. Add your favorite toppings.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Slice and serve.

Sourdough Biscuits

Flaky and buttery, sourdough biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal. They’re easy to make and have a wonderful tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup discarded sourdough starter

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tbsp baking powder

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp salt

- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add sourdough starter and milk. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly.
6. Pat or roll dough to 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter.
7. Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with butter and jam.

Sourdough Chocolate Cake

Yes, you can even make dessert with sourdough discard! This rich, moist chocolate cake has a unique depth of flavor thanks to the sourdough starter.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup discarded sourdough starter

- 1 cup milk

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 cups sugar

- 1 cup vegetable oil

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 2 eggs

- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 3/4 cup cocoa powder

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix sourdough starter, milk, and flour until smooth. Let sit for about 15 minutes.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
5. Add the sugar mixture to the sourdough mixture and stir until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
7. Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frost with your favorite frosting and serve.

By utilising your sourdough discard in these creative and delicious recipes, you’ll not only reduce waste but also add exciting new flavours to your baking repertoire.

Interested in making your own Sourdough? Make sure to check out our Sourdough Starter Kit; a great place to start your Sourdough journey. It contains all the equipment you'll need to make your first Sourdough bread; from starter through to the finished product!