Delicious and Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes in 2024

Introduction

If you’ve been baking sourdough bread, you know that maintaining a healthy starter requires regular feeding and discarding a portion of the starter. But don’t let that sourdough discard recipe go to waste! There are many delicious recipes you can make with it, from pancakes to crackers. In this post, we’ll explore some easy and tasty ways to use up your sourdough discard.

What is Sourdough Discard Recipe?

Sourdough discard is the portion of your sourdough starter that you remove before feeding it with fresh flour and water. This discard is essentially a mixture of flour, water, and the wild yeast and bacteria that give sourdough its unique flavor and texture. While it may not be active enough to leaven bread on its own, it still contains valuable ingredients that can add flavor and nutrition to other recipes.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Recipe?

Ingredients and Directions

sourdough discard recipe

Course: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

50

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mix the sourdough discard, flour, softened butter, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs until well combined.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
• Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small squares or desired shapes.
• Transfer the crackers to the prepared baking sheet and prick each cracker with a fork to prevent puffing.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown and crispy.
• Allow the crackers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Why Use Sourdough Discard Recipe?

Using sourdough discard in your cooking and baking has several benefits:

1. Reduces waste: Instead of throwing away the discard, you can use it in other recipes, minimizing food waste.
2. Adds flavor: The tangy, slightly sour flavor of sourdough discard can enhance the taste of many dishes.
3. Boosts nutrition: Sourdough discard contains beneficial bacteria and wild yeast, which can improve the digestibility and nutritional value of your food.

Easy Sourdough Discard Recipes

1. Sourdough Pancakes

These fluffy, tangy pancakes are a great way to start your day. To make them, simply replace a portion of the flour and liquid in your favorite pancake recipe with sourdough discard. Mix the batter as usual and cook on a hot griddle or skillet. Serve with butter and maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.

2. Sourdough Crackers

Homemade sourdough crackers are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for snacking or serving with dips and spreads. To make them, mix sourdough discard with flour, salt, and any desired seasonings (such as herbs or cheese). Roll out the dough thinly, cut into shapes, and bake until crisp. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. Sourdough Biscuits

These tender, flaky biscuits are a great addition to any meal. To make them, mix sourdough discard with flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the discard until a dough forms. Pat out the dough, cut into biscuits, and bake until golden brown.

4. Sourdough Pizza Crust

Give your homemade pizza a tangy twist by using sourdough discard in the crust. Mix the discard with flour, salt, and a little olive oil until a dough forms. Knead briefly, then let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough, top with your favorite ingredients, and bake in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

5. Sourdough Waffles

Like pancakes, waffles can benefit from the addition of sourdough discard. Replace a portion of the flour and liquid in your waffle recipe with discard, and cook in a preheated waffle iron until crisp and golden. Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite syrup for a special breakfast or brunch treat.

Tips for Using Sourdough Discard Recipe

• If you’re not ready to use your sourdough discard right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a stir before using it in a recipe.
• When substituting sourdough discard for flour and liquid in a recipe, start by replacing about 1/2 cup of each. Adjust the amounts as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Sourdough discard can add a tangy flavor to both sweet and savory recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try it in different dishes!

Storage Tips:

These sourdough discard crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispiness, make sure the container is sealed tightly and kept away from moisture. If you notice the crackers starting to lose their crunch, you can pop them back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh them.

Flavor Variations:

While this recipe calls for garlic powder and dried herbs, feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste preferences. Some delicious variations include:

• Parmesan and black pepper
• Sesame seeds and sea salt
• Cinnamon and sugar (for a sweet version)
• Smoked paprika and cumin
  Simply adjust the seasonings in the recipe to create your own unique sourdough discard cracker flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

These versatile crackers can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Spread them with your favorite soft cheese, such as brie or goat cheese
• Use them as a base for mini appetizers, topped with smoked salmon, cucumber, and dill
• Dip them in hummus, guacamole, or your favorite dip
• Crumble them over soups or salads for an extra crunch
• Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack
  The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your sourdough discard crackers!

Conclusion

Sourdough discard may seem like a waste product, but it’s actually a valuable ingredient that can add flavor, nutrition, and variety to your cooking and baking. By trying some of these easy recipes, you can make the most of your sourdough starter and create delicious dishes that your whole family will enjoy. So the next time you feed your starter, don’t throw away the discard – put it to good use in one of these tasty recipes!