As the air gets crisper and fall settles in, it’s the perfect season to enjoy cozy, comforting foods. If you’re into sourdough baking, you know the struggle of dealing with sourdough discard – but don’t throw it away!
Sourdough discard can add a unique tang and depth to many recipes, creating deliciously cozy fall treats. Here are seven delightful ways to use your sourdough discard this season.
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What is a sourdough discard recipe?
A sourdough discard recipe uses the excess starter you remove when you feed your sourdough. To keep a sourdough starter healthy and active, you need to feed it regularly with fresh flour and water. Part of this process involves discarding some of the starter to prevent it from growing too large and unmanageable.
Instead of throwing it away, you can use the “discard” in recipes to add flavor and minimize waste. Discard has the same tangy taste as an active sourdough starter, but it doesn’t have the leavening power needed to make bread rise on its own. However, it’s excellent in recipes for items like pancakes, muffins, cookies, and flatbreads, where you don’t need a strong rise.
Sourdough discard recipes typically use other leavening agents, like baking powder or baking soda, for rise while adding a mild sourdough flavor that makes the recipe unique.
Sourdough Discard Tortillas
Homemade tortillas get an incredible flavor boost with the addition of sourdough discard. The slight tang of the discard perfectly complements hearty fall fillings, like roasted vegetables, shredded meats, or warm beans and cheese. They’re soft, pliable, and perfect for making quesadillas or warm wraps for a quick autumn lunch. Plus, they’re easy to store and reheat, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them all week!
Get the full sourdough discard tortillas recipe.
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sourdough discard brings a subtle complexity to classic chocolate chip cookies. The discard creates a tender, chewy texture with a hint of sourdough flavor that pairs wonderfully with rich, melty chocolate chips. These cookies are perfect for fall evenings, pairing well with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. Whether you’re baking for family or sharing at a cozy get-together, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the full sourdough discard chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Sourdough Dumplings
Sourdough dumplings add a delightful tang to comforting soups and stews. This sourdough twist on a classic dumpling recipe makes them fluffier and adds depth to every bite. Drop these dumplings into a warm pot of chicken soup or a savory vegetable stew to create a meal that’s perfect for chilly fall nights. They soak up the flavors of the broth while maintaining a deliciously soft texture.
Get the full chicken and sourdough dumplings recipe.
Sourdough Frybread
Frybread is already an indulgent treat, and sourdough discard makes it even better. Frybread made with sourdough has a lighter, airy texture and a mild tang, making it ideal for sweet or savory toppings. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or serve it with savory dips, like hummus or cheese. Frybread is easy to make and is perfect for a fall afternoon snack or a fun weekend breakfast.
Get the full sourdough discard frybread recipe.
Sourdough Pancakes
Sourdough discard pancakes are a staple in many sourdough-loving households, especially during fall. These pancakes are fluffy and have a slightly tangy flavor that goes wonderfully with warm maple syrup, fresh apples, or pumpkin butter. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner, sourdough pancakes bring warmth and comfort to any morning (or evening).
Get the full sourdough discard pumpkin spice pancakes recipe.
Sourdough Snickerdoodles
The classic snickerdoodle gets an upgrade with the addition of sourdough discard. The slight tang of the discard pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a uniquely delicious flavor profile. Soft, chewy, and packed with fall spices, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings or as an afternoon treat with tea or cider. Plus, they keep well, so you can make a batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Get the full pumpkin sourdough discard snickerdoodle cookies recipe.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Nothing says fall like the warm, gooey delight of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Using sourdough discard in your dough makes the rolls soft and adds a unique depth of flavor. As they bake, the smell of cinnamon, sugar, and sourdough fills the kitchen, creating the ultimate fall atmosphere. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of icing for a truly comforting experience.
Get the full sourdough discard pumpkin cinnamon rolls recipe.
These cozy sourdough discard recipes will keep your fall kitchen smelling amazing and make the most of every bit of your sourdough starter. Each one is simple to make and brings the warm, comforting flavors we all crave during the fall season.
And More Bonus Recipes from Our Friends!
- Sourdough Dutch Baby Pancakes from Pantry Mama
- Sourdough Hamburger Buns from Farmhouse On Boone
- Sourdough Crackers from Little Spoon Farm
About Us
We are happy to share our collection of “Old Fashioned Cravings” with you! This is our collection of family recipes that we have to collected, modified and created over the years. Our favorite meals are comfort foods tweaked to be a little bit healthier! We hope you enjoy the content and we would love to hear your favorites and suggestions!