Got leftover sourdough starter and hate throwing it away? Don’t worry—you can turn that “discard” into mouthwatering recipes that are quick, fun, and budget-friendly.
Whether you’re baking for the family, meal prepping as a busy professional, or just looking for a cozy kitchen project, discard sourdough recipes are your answer.
Best of all, these recipes usually take just 10 minutes of prep and can be baked in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ♻️ Zero Waste – Use up your sourdough discard instead of tossing it.
- 🍞 Quick & Easy – No long fermentation or rise time needed.
- 👩🍳 Beginner-Friendly – Perfect for bakers of all levels.
- 🌿 Versatile – Make pancakes, crackers, muffins, or flatbreads.
- 💰 Budget-Friendly – Stretch ingredients and save money.
Ingredients Needed
For a basic sourdough discard pancake recipe:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for sweet flavor)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Substitutions:
- Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or herbs depending on sweet or savory preference.
How to Make Discard Sourdough Recipes (Pancake Version)
- Mix wet ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, egg, melted butter, and milk.
- Add dry ingredients – Stir in baking powder, sugar, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Heat a skillet – Grease lightly with butter or oil over medium heat.
- Pour batter – Scoop 1/4 cup of batter per pancake.
- Cook until golden – Flip when bubbles form and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes per side.
And there you go—fluffy, tangy pancakes in minutes! 🥞
Recipe Tips & Variations
- 🍫 Sweet Upgrade: Add chocolate chips, bananas, or cinnamon.
- 🧀 Savory Twist: Mix in shredded cheese, scallions, or herbs.
- 🧇 Waffle Option: Use the same batter in a waffle iron.
- ❌ Avoid Flat Pancakes: Don’t overmix—the baking powder needs air to rise.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Idea: Use gluten-free sourdough discard if available.
What to Serve It With
- 🍯 Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- 🍳 Fried eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast
- 🥗 Fresh fruit or a green salad for balance
- 🧈 Butter and jam for a simple treat
- ☕ Coffee or tea for a cozy pairing
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture (avoid microwaving too long—it can make them rubbery).
Nutrition Info (per serving – approx. 2 pancakes)
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
(Varies depending on add-ins and substitutions.)
📌 Printable Recipe Card
Discard Sourdough Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
- Whisk discard, egg, butter, and milk.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Heat skillet and grease lightly.
- Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
FAQs About Discard Sourdough Recipes
1. What can I make with sourdough discard besides pancakes?
Crackers, muffins, waffles, brownies, flatbreads, and even pizza dough.
2. Can I use discard straight from the fridge?
Yes! No need to bring it to room temperature first.
3. Is sourdough discard healthy?
Yes—it’s rich in nutrients, easier to digest than plain flour, and reduces food waste.
4. How long can I keep sourdough discard?
In the fridge, discard lasts up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it.
5. Can I make recipes without eggs?
Absolutely—use flax eggs, mashed bananas, or yogurt as substitutes.
Conclusion
Sourdough discard doesn’t need to end up in the trash—turn it into something delicious instead!
Whether you’re making pancakes, waffles, crackers, or bread, these discard sourdough recipes are quick, versatile, and waste-free.
Perfect for busy mornings, family breakfasts, or meal prepping ahead of time. 🥞🍞
Bonnie Mae is a recipe creator who loves turning simple ingredients into delicious meals. She shares easy, tasty, and family-friendly dishes. Her passion is making cooking fun, quick, and enjoyable for everyone.
