10 Sourdough Discard Recipes You'll Actually Want to Make

If you're feeding a sourdough starter every day (like we feed Myrtle), you're generating discard every single time. And if you're throwing it away — friend, we need to talk.

Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove before each feeding. It's still full of flavor, fermentation benefits, and potential. It just needs a purpose. Here are ten of our favorites.

1. Sourdough Discard Brownies

Rich, fudgy, and absolutely addictive. The discard adds a subtle tang that deepens the chocolate flavor in a way regular brownies just can't match. This is our most-requested recipe — and we give it away free on our Stan Store.

Grab the free brownie recipe here →

2. Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Light, fluffy, and slightly tangy. Mix your discard with eggs, a little butter, baking soda, and a pinch of sugar. Cook on a hot griddle and serve with real maple syrup. Weekend mornings will never be the same.

3. Sourdough Discard Crackers

Roll your discard thin on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil (we use our own homegrown basil-infused olive oil), sprinkle with flaky salt and herbs, and bake at 350°F until golden and crispy. Shatter-crisp and addictive.

4. Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough

Add your discard to a simple pizza dough recipe for extra flavor and a chewier crust. We love topping ours with our homemade garlic-infused olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and herbs from the garden.

5. Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

Take your favorite banana bread recipe and swap in a cup of sourdough discard. It adds moisture, tang, and a more complex flavor. Add chocolate chips if you're feeling indulgent — we won't judge.

6. Sourdough Discard Waffles

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The fermentation gives these waffles an incredible depth of flavor. Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of our homemade vanilla extract, and whipped cream.

7. Sourdough Discard Flatbread

Mix discard with a little flour, salt, and olive oil. Roll thin and cook in a hot cast iron skillet. Perfect for dipping, wrapping, or eating warm with butter. Ready in under 15 minutes.

8. Sourdough Discard Muffins

Blueberry, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate chip — the discard makes muffins incredibly tender and moist. Great for meal prep and school lunches.

9. Sourdough Discard Cornbread

Southern cornbread with a sourdough twist. The tang of the discard pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cornmeal. Bake in a cast iron skillet for that golden, crispy edge.

10. Sourdough Discard Pasta

Yes, really. Mix discard with flour and eggs for homemade pasta with incredible flavor and texture. Roll it thin, cut into fettuccine, and toss with our garlic-infused olive oil and parmesan.

Tips for using sourdough discard

• Store it in the fridge: Discard keeps for up to a week in a sealed jar in the fridge. Accumulate it and use it all at once for bigger recipes.
• Room temperature is best: Let refrigerated discard come to room temp before baking for best results.
• Unfed discard works great: You don't need active, bubbly starter for these recipes. The “spent” discard is perfect.
• Adjust hydration: Discard adds liquid to recipes, so you may need slightly less milk or water than usual.

Don't have a starter yet?

We sell both live starter (ready to bake with) and dehydrated starter (shelf-stable, ships anywhere) on our Etsy shop. Or learn how to make your own from scratch with our beginner starter guide.

FAQ

Can I use sourdough discard that's been in the fridge for a week?

Yes! As long as it doesn't have any pink, orange, or fuzzy mold, refrigerated discard is fine to use for up to a week. It may have a stronger sour smell — that's normal and will add more tang to your baking.

Is sourdough discard the same as sourdough starter?

Discard is the portion of starter you remove before feeding. It contains the same wild yeast and bacteria, but it's less active. It's perfect for recipes that use baking soda or baking powder for rise (like pancakes, brownies, and crackers) rather than relying on the starter alone.

Do you sell sourdough starter?

Yes — live and dehydrated starter available on our Etsy shop. Ships nationwide.