Creative Sourdough Discard Recipes: Delicious Ways to Use Your Extra Starter
If you’re an avid sourdough baker, you likely have plenty of sourdough discard—extra starter that gets removed before feeding your main batch. Instead of tossing it out, why not use it to create some delicious sourdough discard recipes? Sourdough discard is a versatile ingredient that can add a tangy flavor and moist texture to various baked goods, from pancakes and waffles to crackers and cookies.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ways to use sourdough discard, including pancakes, crackers, and brownies. Let’s get started with these flavorful and sustainable recipes!
What Is Sourdough Discard?
Before diving into specific sourdough discard recipes, it’s important to understand what sourdough discard is. Sourdough discard is the portion of your starter that you remove before feeding it with fresh flour and water. This discard is still active and full of beneficial bacteria and yeast, making it a great addition to various recipes.
Why Use Sourdough Discard?
- Flavor: Adds a subtle tanginess to baked goods in sourdough discard recipes.
- Texture: Enhances the moisture and crumb of your recipes, whether you’re making pancakes or crackers.
- Sustainability: Reduces food waste by repurposing your discard into tasty treats like brownies and bread.
Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes
One of the most popular sourdough discard recipes is Sourdough Pancakes. These pancakes are fluffy, slightly tangy, and perfect with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sourdough discard, egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve your sourdough pancakes with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Savory Sourdough Crackers
For a savory snack, try making Sourdough Crackers. These crispy crackers are easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices and are a great addition to your list of sourdough discard recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (or any herbs of your choice)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and score into squares or desired shapes using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crackers are golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container for a tasty, crunchy snack anytime.
Moist Sourdough Banana Bread
Sourdough Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful twist on the classic banana bread, with an added depth of flavor from the sourdough discard. This is one of the best sourdough discard recipes to make when you have overripe bananas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in the sourdough discard until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decadent Sourdough Brownies
For a rich and decadent treat, try these Sourdough Brownies. They are fudgy, chocolatey, and have a subtle tang that makes them stand out among other sourdough discard recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the sourdough discard until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and enjoying your delicious creation.
Tips for Storing Sourdough Discard
If you have extra sourdough discard that you’re not using immediately, here are some tips for storing it, which is essential for making sure you always have discard on hand for your sourdough discard recipes:
Refrigeration:
- Sourdough discard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep it in a clean, airtight container.
- Stir the discard before using it in a recipe to ensure an even consistency.
Freezing:
- For longer storage, sourdough discard can be frozen. Place the discard in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw the discard in the refrigerator overnight before using it in any of your baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use sourdough discard directly from the fridge? Yes, you can use sourdough discard directly from the fridge in most recipes. Just make sure to stir it well before incorporating it into your dough or batter.
2. What can I do if my discard smells very sour? If your sourdough discard smells overly sour or unpleasant, it may be too old. It’s best to use fresh discard or discard that has been refrigerated for no more than a week.
3. Can I use discard in any baking recipe? While sourdough discard works well in many recipes, it’s best suited for those that benefit from a slight tang and extra moisture, such as pancakes, quick breads, and crackers.
4. How often should I refresh my sourdough starter? To keep your sourdough starter healthy, you should refresh it (feed it) every 24 hours if kept at room temperature or once a week if stored in the refrigerator. This ensures that your discard is fresh and ready for use in your baking.
5. What are some other recipes I can make with sourdough discard? Other great ideas include sourdough muffins, waffles, pizza crust, and even cookies. The possibilities are endless!
For more recipes using sourdough discard, check out our Comprehensive Sourdough Baking Guide.
Conclusion
Using sourdough discard is an excellent way to reduce food waste while creating delicious and flavorful baked goods. Whether you’re making pancakes, crackers, or brownies, your discard adds a unique tang and texture to each recipe. By following these ideas and tips, you can make the most of your sourdough starter and enjoy the benefits of homemade baking.