Just getting started with sourdough and wondering why you have to throw away some of your starter? Good news, you don't have to! This beginner's guide will explain what sourdough discard really is, why it's part of the sourdough process, and how you can turn it into delicious recipes instead of throwing it out. Learn practical tips to reduce waste and bake delicious treats using every bit of your starter.
Jump to:
- What is sourdough discard?
- Why do I need to discard?
- Why use sourdough discard?
- How to store sourdough discard
- Do I need to feed my sourdough discard?
- How do you use starter discard in recipes?
- Sourdough Discard FAQs
- What can I make with my sourdough discard?
- Sourdough Discard Pasta
- Sourdough Discard Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast & No Rise Time)
- Sourdough Discard Brownies
- Sourdough Discard Zucchini Bread
- Light and Fluffy Sourdough Discard Cornbread
- Sweet Potato Sourdough Pierogi with Miso Butter Sauce
- Mini Sourdough Discard Fruit Galettes
- Sourdough Discard Cranberry Muffins
- Sourdough Chocolate Biscotti
- Moist Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookies
- Sourdough Flour Tortillas
- Sourdough Discard Pie Crust
- Sourdough Crinkle Cookies
- Sourdough Crepes
- Easy Same Day Sourdough Discard Waffle Recipe
- Buttermilk Sourdough Discard Pancakes
- Moist Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
- Sourdough Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Flaky Sourdough Discard Biscuits
- The Shortcut to Fresh Flavorful Bread
- No-knead Sourdough Discard Bread
- Quick and Easy Soft Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls
- Sourdough Discard Focaccia
- Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters
- Sourdough Discard Bagels
- Sourdough Discard Crescent Rolls
- Sourdough Discard Stromboli
- Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza
- Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Brioche Buns
- Sourdough Discard Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
- Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
- Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
- Sourdough Discard English Muffins
- Sourdough Discard Hot Cross Buns
- Sourdough Discard Hot Dog Buns
- Sourdough Discard Soft Pretzels
- Sourdough Discard Challah
- Sourdough Discard Marble Rye Bread
- Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
- Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels
I still remember the excitement of creating my first sourdough starter and the confusion when I was told to throw most of it away at the first feeding. Not wanting to waste any starter, I immediately started exploring ways to use sourdough discard. What I found was a world of possibilities that still inspires my baking today and it's what motivated me to start this blog.
If you're like me, you want to make the most of every bit of your starter. This guide will help you do just that. You can also sign up for my free 1-week sourdough discard email course-where I'll walk you through everything you need to know about discard, plus send recipe inspiration straight to your inbox.
What is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of your sourdough starter that you remove during regular feedings or don't use to bake bread.
Why do I need to discard?
If you're new to sourdough, this step might seem wasteful, but discarding is actually an essential part of maintaining a healthy, active starter.
To keep your sourdough starter healthy, you need to feed it regularly with fresh flour and water. But before you do, you have to remove some of it, this part is called the "discard." Discarding helps ensure you don't end up with more starter than you can manage. Without this step, you'd have to an unsustainable amount of flour to maintain it.
The good news is, you don't have to throw it away. As long as it hasn't become moldy, sourdough discard is perfectly safe to use and it's actually a fantastic ingredient. You can make everything from Sourdough Pancakes to Sourdough Pasta, adding a subtle tang, deeper flavor, and sometimes even nutritional benefits, all while cutting down on food waste.
Why use sourdough discard?
Better Flavor: Sourdough discard adds a mild tang that makes baked goods taste more interesting. It won't make them too sour - just adds a little something extra.
Moist and Fresher Baked Goods: Since sourdough discard has a lot of water in it, it helps your baked goods stay soft and fresh instead of drying out too quickly.
Better Texture: The slight acidity in sourdough discard softens gluten and reacts with baking soda or baking powder, helping your baked goods turn out softer and fluffier.
Easier to Digest: In some recipes, sourdough discard adds the magic of fermentation that begins to break down the flour. This can make baked goods easier to digest and may help your body absorb more nutrients from the wheat.
How to store sourdough discard
You can store your discard in a glass jar or plastic container. Each time you feed your sourdough starter, just add any excess into this container. You can use it right away in recipes or continue building it up and store it in the fridge indefinitely. Your discard will continue to develop more flavor and acidity overtime.
TIP: If you notice any pink or orange streaks, or if it smells really off and particularly unappetizing, then it's time to throw it out.
Do I need to feed my sourdough discard?
No, you don't need to feed your sourdough discard. It can be stored in the fridge and used in recipes without any upkeep. Since your sourdough discard won't be used to leaven bread or make dough rise, there's no need to keep it active or healthy.
How do you use starter discard in recipes?
Sourdough discard is just flour and water that's been fermented-meaning it can be used in all kinds of doughs and batters to add flavor, moisture, and complexity.
My recipes use a 100% hydration starter (equal parts flour and water). To use discard in your own recipe, replace equal amounts of flour and liquid. For example, if you add 113g (½ cup) of discard, remove 56g of flour and 56g of water.
Just keep in mind: discard adds extra water and acidity, which can change texture especially in delicate bakes like cookies or cakes. When in doubt, start with carefully developed and tested recipes like the sourdough discard recipes on my blog.
That's why baking with sourdough discard comes down to careful testing. If you're just getting started, I recommend using trusted discard recipes that are already designed to work-like the ones I've developed and tested here.
Sourdough Discard FAQs
Yes, sourdough discard does affect flavor. Fresh discard tends to taste mild and slightly sweet, while older discard becomes more tangy and acidic over time. Both can be used in recipes, but they'll change the taste of the final bake.
Sourdough discard is naturally resistant to mold and bacteria that cause spoiling. However, if you see any fuzzy growth or blue, green, orange or pink on the surface of your discard throw all of it away immediately.
Absolutely! The dark liquid that you see on your sourdough discard is hooch, a byproduct of the fermentation process. Hooch is safe to consume, you can either stir it in to your sourdough discard or simply pour it out.
Yes, you can! Sourdough discard still contains live yeast and bacteria. To turn it back into an active starter, just feed it with equal parts flour and water. It might take a few feedings to become strong enough to bake bread.
What can I make with my sourdough discard?
There are so many amazing savory and sweet recipes you can make using leftover sourdough starter. If you have lots of sourdough discard in your refrigerator, use it to add a delicious depth of flavor to these classic recipes.
Sourdough Discard Pasta
Fresh pasta is so much easier to make than it seems. Just like baking bread, I was always intimidated by making fresh pasta but after making Sourdough Pasta for the first time, it's been my absolute favorite way to use up my excess discard.
Sourdough Discard Flatbread Recipe (No Yeast & No Rise Time)
Sourdough Discard Flatbread is a quick and easy way to put fresh, delicious, fluffy bread on the table. This one-bowl recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes from start to finish with no rising time required.
Sourdough Discard Brownies
Rich, and chewy with an irresistible shiny top, this Sourdough Brownie recipe is pretty darn close to perfect. Sourdough discard adds a delicious tang that makes this ultimate chocolate treat even more satisfying.
Sourdough Discard Zucchini Bread
An incredibly moist and flavorful loaf cake with aromatic cinnamon and hearty walnuts this Sourdough Discard Zucchini Bread is a great way to use up excess sourdough starter and zucchinis.
Light and Fluffy Sourdough Discard Cornbread
With its soft, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness this moist sourdough cornbread recipe will be the star of your next get-together.
Sweet Potato Sourdough Pierogi with Miso Butter Sauce
Light and pillowy pierogi with a sourdough twist! These Sweet Potato Sourdough Pierogi feature a tender wrapper made from excess sourdough discard. Roasted purple sweet potatoes and cottage cheese create a rich, flavorful filling, finished with a simple miso-onion butter sauce.
Mini Sourdough Discard Fruit Galettes
Flaky sourdough crust filled with seasonal fruits, these free-form pies are individually portioned and can be personalized with your favorite fruits.
Sourdough Discard Cranberry Muffins
Turn leftover cranberries into Cranberry Sourdough Muffins! Tart cranberries, orange zest, tangy sourdough, and a crunchy top for a burst of seasonal delight in every bite.
Sourdough Chocolate Biscotti
Light, crisp and full of chocolate flavor, these Sourdough Chocolate Biscotti are a delicious way to use up your excess sourdough discard. The tanginess of sourdough discard compliments the rich flavor of these crunchy cookies.
Moist Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Recipe
Use your unfed starter and overripe bananas to make this moist banana bread recipe. This quick bread recipe comes together in one bowl and in less than 2 hours.
Soft and Chewy Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookies
Sourdough discard adds a delicious tang that complements the sugary sweetness of these Chewy Sourdough Sugar Cookies. Enjoy fresh-baked cookies in just 30 minutes, without the need for chilling!
Sourdough Flour Tortillas
Inspired by Sonoran tortillas, these Sourdough Flour Tortillas are soft, chewy, and made with just five simple ingredients, including sourdough starter for extra flavor. They're perfect for burritos, wraps, or on their own fresh from the skillet.
Sourdough Discard Pie Crust
This Sourdough Pie Crust is buttery, flaky, tender and impossible to mess up! Butter and sourdough discard impart a rich flavor that serves as the perfect backdrop for any delicious fillings.
Sourdough Crinkle Cookies
Light, airy with a rich chocolate flavor, these Sourdough Crinkles are quick and easy to make. Rolled in powdered sugar with a crackly top, these cookies are perfect for gift giving.
Sourdough Crepes
Make the most delicious, delicate, tender Sourdough Crepes with crispy edges using your sourdough discard and just a few simple ingredients.
Easy Same Day Sourdough Discard Waffle Recipe
Making these Crispy Sourdough Discard Waffles has become my favorite way to start the day. Topping them with a super easy homemade blueberry syrup makes for an extra special (but low effort) breakfast.
Buttermilk Sourdough Discard Pancakes
There's no better way to start your day than fluffy, golden brown Buttermilk Sourdough Discard Pancakes. The combination of buttermilk and sourdough imparts a delicious tangy flavor that tastes delicious with a large pat of cultured butter and maple syrup or homemade blueberry preserves.
Moist Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
If you want an intensely rich, fudgy and tender Chocolate Cake made completely from scratch using sourdough discard, then look no further. This Sourdough Chocolate Cake is so decadent, you won't believe how simple it is to make.
Sourdough Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy, sweet, loaded with oatmeal and raisins with just a hint of cinnamon, I'm a bit biased but I think these Sourdough Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are the perfect cookie. This one bowl recipe is simple to make and takes less than an hour from start to finish.
Flaky Sourdough Discard Biscuits
Use your sourdough discard to make these flaky, buttery Sourdough Discard Biscuits. You'll love peeling apart the delicious fluffy layers. Made with just a few simple ingredients, sourdough discard adds a depth of flavor to this easy biscuit recipe.
The Shortcut to Fresh Flavorful Bread
You can even add your sourdough discard to bread. While you'll need to add active-dry yeast or instant yeast, it adds sourdough flavor perfect for getting fresh-baked bread on the table, even when you're short on time.
No-knead Sourdough Discard Bread
Short on time but still want delicious crusty bread? Get the flavor of sourdough with the convenience of commercial yeast so that you can have bread on the table in just over 2 hours!
Quick and Easy Soft Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls
These Sourdough Discard Rolls are so unbelievably soft, pillowy and plush. By using a combination of sourdough discard and instant yeast, you can have delicious, flavorful rolls on your dinner table in less than 2 hours.
Sourdough Discard Focaccia
Tender, spongy and full of flavor this Sourdough Discard Focaccia is easy to make and is perfect for beginners and pro sourdough bakers.
Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters
Better than the donut shop! These Sourdough Discard Apple Fritters are made with pillowy sourdough discard brioche and packed with juicy apples
Sourdough Discard Bagels
The most satisfying weekend bake. Chewy, flavorful, with a shiny golden crust, like bagels from the store - but better! They're easy to make by hand with just 30 minutes of active time, and thanks to a mix of sourdough discard and commercial yeast, you can make them in a single afternoon. Freeze the extras and breakfast is set for the entire week.
Sourdough Discard Crescent Rolls
Soft, pillowy, and wrapped in a beautifully flaky crust, these Sourdough Discard Crescent Rolls are bound to be a hit! Made with commercial yeast, sourdough discard, and a handful of pantry staples, they come together quickly and offer a healthier, more flavorful option than anything from a can.
Sourdough Discard Stromboli
Not sure what to make for dinner? This easy sourdough discard stromboli is a satisfying meal that's ready in just a few hours, with soft, fluffy bread filled with gooey cheese, cured meats, and garlic butter.
Sourdough Discard Focaccia Pizza
This sourdough discard focaccia pizza has a thick, airy crust with crisp, golden edges. A poolish and sourdough discard give the dough the flavor of a long-fermented pizza, while commercial yeast keeps the recipe quick and easy. Top it with your favorite toppings and enjoy homemade pizza in just a few hours.
Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Brioche Buns
Inspired by the famous chocolate cramique from Aux Merveilleux de Fred, this copycat version features a rich, buttery brioche studded with melty chocolate chips. Sourdough discard adds depth of flavor, while a little yeast speeds up fermentation so you can bake this pastry in a single afternoon.
Sourdough Discard Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
Infused with aromatic rosemary and rich olive oil, the Sourdough Discard Rosemary Olive Oil Bread delivers a savory and flavorful loaf.
Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites
Soft, pillowy, and infused with a delightful buttery essence, these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are ready from start to finish in just over an hour.
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and pillowy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls with a gooey cinnamon sugar filling. By using commercial yeast with sourdough discard, you'll have fluffy cinnamon rolls ready in just over 2 hours.
Sourdough Discard English Muffins
Don't toss your sourdough discard! Give your breakfast routine a delicious upgrade by transforming leftover sourdough starter into these flavorful Sourdough Discard English Muffins.
Sourdough Discard Hot Cross Buns
These Sourdough Discard Hot Cross Buns put a sourdough spin on the classic. They're soft and lightly sweet, filled with plump raisins and bits of candied citrus, and finished with the traditional cross on top.
Sourdough Discard Hot Dog Buns
These Sourdough Discard Hot Dog Buns are quick, easy, and the perfect addition to your summer barbecue. Enjoy light and fluffy buns with a delicious sourdough flavor and slight tang in a few hours instead of days.
Sourdough Discard Soft Pretzels
Baking these Sourdough Discard Soft Pretzels will make your kitchen smell like heaven. Sourdough discard in the dough and a coating of melted butter after baking make these pillowy pretzels extra special.
Sourdough Discard Challah
This sourdough apple honey challah has all the best qualities of a challah, eggy, sweet flavor and an incredibly soft and pillowy crumb, with all of the health benefits of naturally-leavened breads.
Sourdough Discard Marble Rye Bread
Soft and springy is the only way I can describe this Sourdough Discard Marbled Rye Bread. The flavor of this lightly spiced loaf is inspired by hearty German rye bread, but adding a little bit of all-purpose flour keeps it light and airy.
Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
Nothing beats a classic, this soft, fluffy Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread is perfect for sandwiches and toast. This recipe marries the convenience of commercial yeast and the flavor of sourdough discard for a loaf that comes together in a few hours instead of days.
Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels
I love making these bagels especially when blueberries are in season. The fresh berries add a burst of flavor and a gorgeous purple hue. This dough uses both sourdough discard and a little commercial yeast, so it comes together quickly-perfect for an afternoon bake. They also freeze well, so you can keep a stash on hand for an easy, satisfying breakfast.
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