25 Sourdough Discard Recipes You'll Make Again

If you keep a sourdough starter — especially one that’s still developing — you probably have sourdough discard. Whether you bake weekly or only when you remember your starter, these easy sourdough discard recipes will help you reduce waste and make delicious baked goods.

From crusty bagels to cozy banana bread, the recipes here are reader favorites and staples in my kitchen. Every recipe uses sourdough discard (unfed starter) and many use around 200g, so you can bring that jar under control while enjoying fresh baked treats.

FAQs

What is sourdough discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of your starter you remove when feeding it. Instead of feeding or using that portion immediately, many bakers set it aside for discard recipes. It’s fermented and contains natural yeast and acidity that lend flavor and some leavening to baked goods.

Can I use active starter instead of discard?

Yes. You can often substitute active starter for discard, but you may need to omit commercial yeast if the recipe calls for it and extend rise times when using active starter for yeasted breads. For quick breads, muffins, or pancakes, active starter will work but won’t be necessary for leavening.

Can I bake with discard before my starter is fully established?

Yes. Around day 8 after starting a new starter you’ll usually see enough activity to begin saving and using discard. During the first week while building a starter, avoid keeping or using discard.

Breads & Bagels

Sourdough discard is excellent for breads and bagels — bagels, sandwich loaves, rolls and more. Most freeze well, so you can bake some now and save some for later.

1. Sourdough Discard Bagels

A go-to bagel recipe that produces chewy, golden bagels ready for your favorite toppings like everything bagel seasoning, sesame or poppy seeds.

“I make these bagels multiple times per week, and they are gone within minutes of coming out of the oven!” – Kennedy

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2. Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Soft, fluffy sandwich bread that holds up well to hearty fillings and makes excellent toast the next day.

“Wonderful! This will be in my collection of tested recipes. Even my picky mom and daughter love this sandwich bread.” – Eve

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3. Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

Fruity bagels bursting with blueberry flavor — a family favorite and freezer-friendly.

“I love this recipe! I’ve made it about 10 times. So easy to make!” – Deb

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4. Sourdough Discard Rolls

Perfect dinner rolls for soups, sandwiches or holiday sides. Soft inside, golden outside.

“These are a new family favorite. They always come out perfect!” – Barbara

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5. Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Garlicky, buttery layers that pull apart for an indulgent appetizer or side dish.

“I ate the entire loaf in one sitting — insanely good!” – Anna

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6. Easy Sourdough Discard Bread

A same-day, beginner-friendly discard loaf with a great crust and soft crumb — ideal when your starter isn’t fully active yet.

“This is the easiest sourdough discard bread I have found. Excellent crust, beautiful soft inside.” – Shannon

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Sweets & Breakfasts

Discard shines in sweet bakes and breakfast treats: scones, waffles, pancakes, brownies and quick breads are all great ways to use it.

7. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

A moist quick bread that turns overripe bananas and discard into a family-favorite loaf — add walnuts or cinnamon if you like.

“We buy extra bananas weekly JUST for this recipe. A family favorite.” – Jamy

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8. Sourdough Discard Strawberry Cake

A lightly sweet cake topped with summer strawberries — great for dessert or an afternoon treat.

“Such a yummy but not-too-sweet cake and a good way to use up discard.” – Christine

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9. Sourdough Discard Scones

A versatile base scone recipe — add chocolate chips, fruit or nuts for variety. Flaky and quick to make.

“I have made this recipe about a dozen times and it does not disappoint!” – Mari

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10. Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Light, fluffy pancakes that benefit from discard’s subtle tang — a great weekend breakfast.

“Flavor and texture were perfect — a family favorite!” – Afton

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11. Sourdough Discard Waffles

Waffles with a hint of orange zest and nutmeg — aromatic and crisp on the outside.

“Super taste, super texture — easy to make!” – Beth

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12. Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy centers, crispy edges and lots of chocolate — a playful way to use discard in cookies.

“The texture was amazing — one of my new favorite ways to use discard.” – Ashley

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13. Sourdough Discard Brownies

Rich brownies that showcase sourdough flavor without additional flour — fudgy and intense.

“Best brownies I’ve ever had or made!” – Shauna

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14. Sourdough Discard Blueberry Muffins

Light, fluffy muffins loaded with blueberries — a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

“SO GOOD and easy to make, the whole family loves these.” – Morgan

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Savory Snacks & Crackers

Discard’s tang elevates savory snacks — crackers, focaccia, pretzels, pizza dough and garlic knots are standouts.

15. Sourdough Discard Crackers

Quick, crunchy crackers that use up a lot of discard and are great topped with flaky sea salt or herbs.

“My first discard recipe and they are so good! Quick and easy.” – Hevan

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16. Sourdough Discard Focaccia

An airy, olive oil–rich focaccia perfect as a side, sandwich base, or appetizer topped with herbs and sea salt.

“Made this tonight and it was so easy, and SUCH A HIT!” – Briah

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17. Sourdough Discard Pretzels

Soft pretzels with that classic chew and golden crust — a real crowd-pleaser for snacks and game day.

“This is my third time making these — they are perfect!” – Lisa

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18. Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots

Buttery, garlicky knots that make a fantastic appetizer or side — simple to prepare and highly addictive.

“Followed the recipe exactly and came out perfect! They’re like the takeout ones but less greasy.” – Leah

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19. Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites

Small, dunkable pretzel bites that are kid-friendly and ideal with dipping sauces for parties or snacks.

“Just made these for the first time and they were AMAZING! My kids loved them.” – Samantha

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20. Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

A thin-crust pizza dough that uses discard for flavor and texture — perfect for homemade pizza night.

“This is definitely my go-to pizza dough now — quick, easy and delicious.” – Jennifer

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Fun Treats & Seasonal Favorites

Seasonal flavors and playful bakes: cinnamon roll focaccia, pumpkin bagels, zucchini bread and more for holidays and everyday treats.

21. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

A hybrid of cinnamon rolls and focaccia — focaccia texture with a sweet cinnamon roll topping and icing.

“A perfect blend of crispy edges and gooey topping. Definitely keeping this recipe!” – Bev

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22. Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread

Moist, flavorful pumpkin bread finished with a vanilla glaze — a fall staple that freezes well.

“Fabulous recipe! Perfectly moist and full of flavor.” – Sherree

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23. Sourdough Discard Apple Pull Apart Bread

Layered apple pull-apart bread with cinnamon-sugar goodness — fun to make and delightful to eat.

“Easy and fun to make, and oh so delicious!” – Jackie

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24. Sourdough Lemon Raspberry Loaf Cake

A bright, tangy loaf cake layered with lemon and raspberry — ideal for spring gatherings or afternoon tea.

“The best loaf cake ever. Perfect for spring.” – Cheryl

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25. Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bagels

Seasonal pumpkin bagels with a cinnamon crunch topping — a cozy fall twist on a favorite.

“Amazing!! Easy to follow and great results.” – Noelle

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26. Sourdough Zucchini Bread

A sweet, moist zucchini bread that’s great with or without chocolate chips — a family favorite that freezes well.

“This one made it to my family recipe book — a treasure!” – Joanna

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Want more sourdough discard ideas? Explore the full library for dozens of recipes that use discard in creative, crowd-pleasing ways.

More Sourdough Discard Recipes

If you try any recipes from this list, please leave a star rating on the recipe and share how it went in the comments — I’d love to hear from you. Happy baking!