Don’t throw away your sourdough discard, instead try these 6 sourdough discard recipes that are easy to make and absolutely delicious!
FAQs
What is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of an established sourdough starter that is thrown away to maintain the size of the starter prior to feedings of water and flour. It is often “unfed” and not as active as a fed starter that has levaining capabilities. Without discarding a portion of the starter, it would simply be too large.
How do you store sourdough discard?
If you choose to store your discard as opposed to discarding it in the trash, you can store it in an airtight container, preferably glass, until you need it. It’s best to use the discard sooner than later as the longer it is unfed, the more acidic it becomes, which could affect the taste of anything you make with it.
Can I use sourdough discard right out of the refrigerator?
You definitely can, although I always like to allow it to come to room temperature because it’s easier to work with and gets slightly bubbly. However, even if it becomes bubbly, it doesn’t have the same power that an active sourdough starter does in terms of rising dough.
What do you do with sourdough discard?
Some people throw sourdough discard away, but a better no-waste option is to add the discard to various baked goodies or use it on its own to make pizza crusts and savory pancakes. To convert recipes to use sourdough starter, I simply subtract equal amounts of flour and liquid from the recipe and add that same amount back in with sourdough starter. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of water, I subtract 1/2 cup from flour and 1/2 cup from water and add 1 cup of sourdough discard. Therefore, the final measurements would be 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup water and 1 cup sourdough discard. This is assuming that your starter is 100% hydration, meaning you feed it equal amounts of flour and water. However, I’ve found sourdough discard recipes to be very forgiving so it doesn’t have to be 100% perfect.
7 Sourdough Discard Recipes
1. Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Pancakes are a great way to use up your sourdough discard. We love sweet sourdough pancakes around here, but you can also make delicious savory sourdough discard pancakes as well.
2. Sourdough Discard Crackers
One of our favorite homemade snacks are sourdough crackers. Not only are they super easy to make, but they are some of the best crackers you’ll ever have. Our favorites we’ve made so far are everything sourdough discard crackers, cheesy sourdough discard crackers and cinnamon sugar pumpkin sourdough discard crackers.
3. Sourdough Discard Muffins
Adding discard to muffins adds a wonderful depth of flavor and is one of my favorite ways to use up extra sourdough starter. Try these lemon blueberry sourdough discard muffins, sourdough discard pumpkin spice muffins and sourdough discard sweet potato muffins.
4. Sourdough Discard Tortillas
If you’ve never made homemade tortillas, you’re really missing out. These sourdough discard tortillas are so tasty for tacos, flatbread pizzas and even with a little butter and cinnamon sugar.
5. Sourdough Discard Donuts
Similar to sourdough discard quick breads and muffins, using discard in homemade baked donuts is so delicious! We love these simple sourdough discard powdered sugar donuts and baked sourdough discard pumpkin donuts.
6. Sourdough Discard Batter
Another of the many ways I love to use sourdough discard is to use it as a batter. You literally only need the discard itself and you can dip chicken tenders or fish into the batter and fry it up the same way you would any other battered item. It’s so delicious!
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