Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
If you’ve ever baked with sourdough, you know that one of the challenges is dealing with the inevitable sourdough discard.
Rather than letting it go to waste, why not turn it into something delicious?
With a little creativity, sourdough discard can be transformed into a variety of scrumptious breads, from soft rolls to crunchy crackers and hearty loaves.
Not only do these recipes help you reduce waste, but they also bring a unique tang and flavor to your baked goods.
Here, we’ve rounded up 15+ mouthwatering sourdough discard bread recipes that will elevate your baking game and make use of that starter discard in the best way possible.
15+ Must-Try Sourdough Discard Bread Recipes for Every Baker

No matter how much sourdough discard you have on hand, these 15+ recipes offer a variety of ways to make use of it in your kitchen.
From soft, fluffy rolls to crisp crackers and savory flatbreads, there’s a recipe for every occasion.
Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also get the added benefit of the unique flavors and textures that sourdough discard imparts.
So, next time you’re left with leftover starter, don’t throw it away—use it to create something delicious!
1. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking to transform your sourdough discard into something irresistibly sweet and soft, try making these delicious cinnamon rolls!
This recipe uses your sourdough discard to add a slight tang, balancing the rich cinnamon filling for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
With a fluffy, buttery dough, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
The addition of the sourdough starter gives the dough a subtle depth of flavor, while the gooey cinnamon sugar filling ensures each bite is heavenly.
Drizzle with a simple glaze for the finishing touch.
Ready to enjoy these delectable rolls? Click the button below for the full recipe and step-by-step guide!
[Full Recipe]
2. Crispy Sourdough Discard Crackers
Say goodbye to store-bought crackers and hello to homemade crispy sourdough discard crackers.
This recipe is the ultimate way to use up your sourdough discard while making a savory snack that’s easy to prepare.
By combining your discard with flour, olive oil, and seasonings like rosemary, garlic, or sea salt, you can create thin, crispy crackers that are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.
The slight tang from the sourdough discard adds a unique flavor that enhances the savory spices.
Plus, these crackers are highly customizable—you can experiment with your favorite herbs or spices!
Craving these crispy snacks? Click below to get the full recipe and impress your taste buds.
[Full Recipe]
3. Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Start your morning right with a stack of sourdough discard pancakes!
These pancakes are light, fluffy, and have a beautiful tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Using sourdough discard gives the pancakes a subtle depth, making them a fun twist on your traditional breakfast.
The batter is easy to whip up, and the pancakes cook to golden perfection with crispy edges and a soft interior.
They are a fantastic way to reduce waste from your sourdough starter while enjoying a comforting breakfast.
Excited to try these pancakes? Click below to get the full recipe and start flipping!
[Full Recipe]
4. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic comfort food, and when combined with sourdough discard, it takes on a deliciously tangy twist!
This recipe uses ripe bananas and your sourdough discard to create a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
The slight sourness from the discard enhances the sweetness of the bananas, while the rich, fluffy texture makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
Add in a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of walnuts, or even some chocolate chips for extra flavor.
It’s a great way to use up that sourdough discard while creating a crowd-pleasing treat!
Want to bake this delightful banana bread?
Click the button below for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions!
[Full Recipe]
5. Sourdough Discard Flatbreads
These easy, soft sourdough discard flatbreads are perfect for any meal—whether as a side to your curry, a wrap for your favorite fillings, or as a simple snack with a spread of hummus.
Made with your sourdough discard, these flatbreads have a mild tanginess and a chewy texture that is irresistible.
The dough comes together in just a few simple steps, and they can be cooked on a hot skillet in minutes.
No yeast is required, making them a quick and convenient way to use up your sourdough starter. Enjoy them warm, straight from the pan!
Craving these chewy flatbreads? Click below to find the full recipe and make your own batch today!
[Full Recipe]
6. Sourdough Discard Pizza Crust
Transform your sourdough discard into a crispy, flavorful pizza crust that will take your pizza night to the next level.
This recipe combines your leftover starter with simple ingredients to create a crust that’s wonderfully chewy in the center, yet crispy on the edges.
The tangy flavor from the discard gives the crust a unique taste, making it the perfect base for your favorite toppings, whether you’re a fan of classic margherita or prefer something more adventurous like a BBQ chicken pizza.
Plus, you can easily prep the dough ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Excited for pizza night? Click the button below to get the full recipe and create your perfect pizza crust!
[Full Recipe]
7. Sourdough Discard English Muffins
These homemade English muffins are a delicious way to use your sourdough discard!
With a slightly tangy flavor and a beautifully chewy texture, these muffins are perfect for toasting and slathering with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads.
The sourdough discard adds an extra depth to the flavor, while the griddle-cooked method creates a golden-brown crust and soft, airy interior.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory sandwich base, these muffins are surprisingly easy to make and a great way to use up your starter without any waste.
Want to make these irresistible muffins? Click the button below for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions!
[Full Recipe]
8. Sourdough Discard Waffles
Take your breakfast game up a notch with these fluffy, crispy waffles made with sourdough discard!
These waffles have a light texture and a slight tanginess, thanks to the discard, which makes them stand out from regular waffles.
You can top them with everything from fresh berries and whipped cream to maple syrup or chocolate chips.
The best part? The sourdough discard adds natural leavening, so there’s no need for additional yeast or baking powder, making it a quick and simple recipe that uses ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Ready to make the perfect waffle? Click below to get the full recipe and start cooking up a delicious breakfast!
[Full Recipe]
9. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, try this recipe that incorporates your sourdough discard for a chewy, flavorful treat!
The tangy sourdough perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips, adding depth to every bite.
These cookies are crispy on the edges and soft in the center, just like the perfect chocolate chip cookie should be.
You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference, and they store wonderfully, so you’ll have a batch ready for whenever you need a sweet snack.
Craving a sweet treat? Click below for the full recipe and make these sourdough discard cookies today!
[Full Recipe]
10. Sourdough Discard Bagels
Who doesn’t love a fresh, chewy bagel? This recipe uses sourdough discard to make homemade bagels that are golden on the outside with a soft, airy interior.
The slight tang from the discard adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these bagels stand out.
After boiling the bagels in water with a touch of honey (for that perfect shine), they are baked to perfection, and you can top them with your favorite seasonings—like sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even just a bit of sea salt.
Whether you enjoy them toasted with cream cheese or as a sandwich base, these bagels are sure to impress.
Want to make these irresistible bagels? Click below for the full recipe and step-by-step guide to baking your own!
[Full Recipe]
11. Sourdough Discard Focaccia
Make the most of your sourdough discard by baking a soft and flavorful focaccia!
This rustic Italian bread is known for its airy texture and delicious olive oil-infused flavor.
The sourdough discard not only helps the bread rise, but it also adds a tangy depth that elevates the simplicity of the ingredients.
You can top your focaccia with fresh rosemary, garlic, olives, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor.
This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a side to any meal, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time.
Ready to bake your own focaccia? Click the button below for the full recipe and detailed instructions to make this delicious bread at home!
[Full Recipe]
12. Sourdough Discard Muffins
These moist and fluffy muffins are the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard!
The tanginess from the starter adds a subtle flavor to these muffins, which you can customize with your favorite mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
The texture is light and tender, with a slightly crisped top that’s irresistible.
These muffins are perfect for breakfast on the go, a snack, or even a sweet addition to your brunch spread.
Whether you prefer them plain or packed with fruit, this recipe is a great way to reduce waste while treating yourself to something delightful.
Excited to try these muffins? Click below to get the full recipe and enjoy baking these tender treats!
[Full Recipe]
13. Sourdough Discard Soft Pretzels
Turn your sourdough discard into soft, golden-brown pretzels with this delicious recipe! These pretzels are perfect for snacking, game day, or even as a homemade gift.
The sourdough discard adds a unique tang to the dough, while the boiling step in baking soda water gives the pretzels that iconic chewy texture on the inside and a perfectly crispy crust on the outside.
Top them with coarse salt or experiment with different seasonings like garlic butter or cinnamon sugar for a twist.
Whether served with mustard, cheese, or eaten on their own, these pretzels are a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ready to make these chewy pretzels? Click the button below for the full recipe and follow our simple steps to get perfect results!
[Full Recipe]
14. Sourdough Discard Biscuits
Light, flaky, and buttery, these sourdough discard biscuits will elevate your breakfast or any meal.
The discard gives these biscuits a mild tang, making them a perfect pairing for everything from eggs and bacon to jam or gravy.
The key to these biscuits is cold butter and quick mixing, which ensures a tender, flaky texture.
They come together quickly, making them an ideal choice when you need something fast but delicious.
These are also fantastic served alongside soups, stews, or as a savory snack.
Craving these fluffy biscuits? Click below for the full recipe and easy instructions to bake a batch!
[Full Recipe]
15. Sourdough Discard Zucchini Bread
This moist and flavorful zucchini bread is made even more special with the addition of sourdough discard.
The tanginess from the starter complements the sweetness of the zucchini, making it a perfectly balanced treat.
This bread is tender, rich, and infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The zucchini keeps the bread moist, while the sourdough discard adds depth and a slight tang.
This recipe is fantastic for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, and it’s a great way to use up both zucchini from your garden and any sourdough discard you might have.
Want to bake this delicious zucchini bread? Click the button below for the full recipe and follow the steps to make it yourself!
[Full Recipe]
Conclusion
Baking with sourdough discard opens up a world of creative possibilities, and with these 15+ bread recipes, you’ll have plenty of options to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet banana bread or a savory focaccia, sourdough discard can elevate your baked goods in unexpected ways. So why not start experimenting? By using these recipes, you’ll not only enjoy a variety of tasty breads but also make the most out of your sourdough starter, reducing waste and expanding your baking repertoire.