The holiday season is packed full of traditional and untraditional recipes. But for this homemaker, the holiday season is prime for sourdough starter discard recipes!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here.
I love a warm, hearty soup full of nutrient-dense broth and seasonal vegetables, but what I love even more is the creativity that flows out of my kitchen during this season. And that creativity usually stems around the thought: what can I make with sourdough discard today?
I feed my sourdough starter every one to two days depending on the meals I have scheduled for that week. Which gives me plenty of sourdough discard for recipes.
The issue with sourdough starter is everyone believes it’s sole purpose is to make the traditional artisan loaf. It’s certainly the most “trendy” recipe right now! However, sourdough starter can be used in so many more applications.
HOW DOES SOURDOUGH STARTER WORK?
Feeding your starter sounds like the strangest thing in the world, but it is a simple process of feeding live bacteria a concoction of water and flour. Sourdough starter is identified by the symbiotic relationship between a colony of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
The yeast microbes produce carbon dioxide bubbles (i.e. when the starter “doubles” in size) when consuming the simple carbohydrates (sugars) in flour.
This relationship is a cycle, which is why feeding your starter must be done often when kept at room temperature. If you store your starter in the fridge (totally OK!) the process slows, just as anything else placed in the fridge.
You might be wondering, can I freeze my starter then? Can I dehydrate my starter? And the answer is YES!
Keeping your sourdough starter fed is important. If you feed it too little the starter will not perform to its peak and likely begin to develop hooch (a strong, unpleasant vinegar smell), not rise well, and potentially even grow “bad” mold. Check out my post on identifying if your starter has gone bad here!
HOW DO I USE SOURDOUGH STARTER DISCARD?
So you might be wondering: what do I do with all my excess sourdough starter if I’m not making artisan loaves every day? I’m here to answer that question for you!
It’s important to note many sourdough discard recipes don’t call for more than a cup of discard on average. Oftentimes you’re only using ¼ to ½ cup of discard, but using your discard in a recipe that will feed your family is always better than feeding the trash can. I mention in hopes to encourage the homemaker with a small discard (me!) that it can be done with just a little starter discard.
HOLIDAY DISCARD RECIPES FOR THE HOMEMAKER (YOU):
I’ve included a list below of some of my favorite sourdough discard recipes for the holiday season. These will be sure to spruce up the spirit in your home!
- SOURDOUGH THUMBPRINT COOKIES
1. SOURDOUGH THUMBPRINT COOKIES
These soft and tender cookies are sure to usher in the holiday spirit for your sweet-tooth friends and family! Plus, you can uniquely create this sourdough starter discard cookie with your preferred filling. Perhaps even one you’ve stored fresh from locally sourced ingredients. A red center is sure to bring the Christmas spirit, especially when topped with some green sprinkles and powdered sugar.
2. APPLE AND CINNAMON SOURDOUGH SCONES
What’s better than seasonal apples picked locally down the road or in your own backyard? This sourdough starter discard recipe is!! I made these scones for a women’s event at church this fall and they were an absolute hit. I already can’t wait to make them again!
3. SOURDOUGH CHEDDAR BISCUITS
Remember those Red Lobster Cheddar biscuits? Well Lisa hits that recipe right on the head with these sourdough starter discard cheddar biscuits. My family hosts a Thanksgiving soup party every year and these biscuits are a sure way to step up the soup game! I enjoy a drop biscuit to dip in my soup, as well as to save for B&Gs the next morning!
4. HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH SAUSAGE GRAVY + BISCUITS
Using sourdough starter discard as a thickening agent in gravy is just next level. I remember when I first heard of this technique, I was surprised and not surprised all in one moment. Discard is just SO versatile. Replacing flour in a gravy recipe with discard is brilliant. Try Mckenna’s gravy recipe, as well as the bonus biscuit recipe here(LINK)!
5. EASY SOURDOUGH PIE CRUST
The Holiday season is stamped by its vast array of pies and goodies. Jenni shares a brilliant use of sourdough starter discard by replacing the liquid in this pie recipe with sourdough starter. It’s sure to lock in that traditional flaky, buttery and delicious crust profile paired perfectly with your pie of choice.
6. CHEWY SOURDOUGH BAGELS
This recipe is sure to replace your store-bought bagels! Through the process of boiling and baking, Katie brings a traditional recipe that you can even personalize. Add in ingredients like raisins, berries, cinnamon or even veggies for a nutrient-dense option. This is a great recipe to introduce kiddos to using sourdough starter discard!
7. SOURDOUGH DISCARD CLAFOUTIS
This french-originating recipe is sure to provide a delicious breakfast (or dessert) on those busy holiday mornings when there’s little time. Try replacing your quick breakfast with this sweet tart next time. Rebecca’s recipe includes the traditional sweet or tart cherries, but give another fruit a try if your family isn’t a cherry family. This sourdough starter discard recipe is quite forgiving!
8. SOURDOUGH DISCARD CRACKERS
Crackers are one of the quickest and easiest ways my household gobbles up sourdough starter discard. Plus, you can flavor them however you prefer! Though, we’ve normally opt for this Everything Bagel Seasoning. It’s hard to beat! Discard crackers are also the best way to use up a large portion of your starter. Don’t be afraid to double (or even triple) the recipe.
9. SIMPLE SOURDOUGH FOCACCIA: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Focaccia is probably the second most popular sourdough starter recipe that I see on the internet! This bread is a canvas for creativity. Focaccia’s are traditionally made with instant yeast and starter discard. The reason I love Ali’s recipe is because it calls for just starter, no yeast added (note: active/bubbly sourdough starter is evidence of active yeast; instant yeast will need to be added if you’re using a true discard that is flat and inactive). Focaccia is a carb that pairs well with any dish because you can truly personalize the flavor and aesthetics of the bread to your preference!
10. SOURDOUGH PUMPKIN DINNER ROLLS (NO YEAST)
Change up the traditional dinner rolls with these delicious, sourdough pumpkin rolls! Now this recipe does require an active, bubbly starter, but sourdough starter discard can be used if you supplement the yeast with active or instant yeast.
11. HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH PRETZELS
These sourdough starter discard pretzels are sure to bring some joy to your household during the holidays! Pretzels are so common in the fast-food world, but when’s the last time you can recall enjoying homemade pretzels? Plus, you can personalize them – make them buttery, savory or sweet!
12. SOURDOUGH PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS
I had to include one of my favorite cinnamon roll recipes! Waking up to the sweet smell of warm cinnamon rolls is one of my favorite childhood memories. This is another sourdough starter discard recipe that is perfect to prepare beforehand for a busy holiday morning. Try replacing the sugar with honey for a healthier alternative.
13. SOURDOUGH NAAN: SOFT, FLUFFY, AND EASY TO MAKE
Indian cuisine has easily become one of my favorites. I’ve also learned that naan is delicious in many other hearty meals that I make. It’s a great replacement for a slice of bread! Pair this sourdough starter discard recipe with curry, or try it with your next pot roast or soup.
14. EASY SOURDOUGH DISCARD GRANOLA
Granola is one of my favorite snacks to keep around the house. Especially during the holidays when sweets are so tempting on a hungry stomach. Brandon’s sourdough starter discard granola recipe is perfect to replace those sugary cereals in the morning and plays as the perfect ingredient for your next dish of yogurt or parfaits!
15. SOURDOUGH PUMPKIN MAPLE COOKIES
This delectable maple cookie recipe includes one of my favorite cooking secrets… brown butter! Check out Brandon’s recipe to learn more. There’s nothing cozier than a warm, seasonal sourdough starter discard cookie that’s chewy and dense in all the right ways. You’ll be going back for more!
16. THREE INGREDIENT SOURDOUGH BANANA PANCAKES
If you haven’t tried the traditional banana pancakes (thank you Jack Johnson), these will suffice. Adding sourdough starter discard in your recipes is a great way to bring in some gut-healthy bacteria. But even more so, Katie brought together bananas and sourdough – how fun!
17. SOURDOUGH MORNING GLORY MUFFINS
These muffins are SUCH a unique way to add in nuts, seeds and other seasonal foods like carrots or apples to your menu. I love that the Baked Collective curated a recipe that is untraditional in “muffin nature”. Hearty sourdough starter discard muffins are a win! Especially if you include some honey.
18. SOURDOUGH DISCARD ENGLISH MUFFINS
Here’s another kitchen “staple” to replace with a sourdough starter discard version. English muffins are the perfect carb for breakfast sandwiches, afternoon snacks or to pair with a savory dinner or soup!
19. SOURDOUGH CREPES (SWEET OR SAVORY)
Our family makes butter and sugar crepes for every holiday and special event. I should say, I was married into this tradition and I’m not upset about it! Sourdough starter discard crepes are not only fun to make, but a great way to include kiddos in creating their own, unique dish. Try adding fruit, sugar, honey, cream cheese filling or savory foods like eggs and sausage!
20. HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH POPTARTS
I grew up on the traditional, over processed pop tarts. You, too? Well you might remember their addicting yet delicious nature. Try this homemade sourdough starter discard recipe next time to replace those store-bought Pop Tarts! Bonus: make the filling what you want it to be!
21. SOURDOUGH CHEDDAR CRACKERS (GOLDFISH STYLE)
OK, I know what you’re thinking… these are a bit extra. And it’s true. BUT they’re adorable, easy to make, and toddler-approved! Replacing common snacks with a sourdough starter discard recipe is one of the best next steps any homemaker can take for their family, and especially for their children.
22. THE BEST SOURDOUGH CORNBREAD
A great recipe to replace the store bought pre-assembled box of cornbread. This sourdough starter discard cornbread recipe is perfectly paired with a hearty, seasonal soup or casserole. Keep the leftovers and top with scrambled eggs and chili! Bonus: Jenni uses maple syrup as a sweetener in this recipe. Score!
23. FRIED SOURDOUGH BATTERED CHICKEN
Using sourdough starter discard as a thickening agent is my first secret weapon, but using it in a batter is the second! Erica incorporates discard in this fried chicken recipe. Even better, use this recipe and the one below to complete a “Chicken and Waffles” meal fully made with sourdough discard!
24. QUICK SOURDOUGH DISCARD WAFFLES
This quick recipe is perfect for a busy holiday morning! Pair it together with the recipe above (FRIED SOURDOUGH BATTERED CHICKEN) for a warming and easy dinner. Waffles are a staple in our home. They freeze perfectly for future breakfasts and are a great way to include those little toddler fingers. Add in fruits, chocolate or spinach to make a unique waffle of your choice!
25. SOURDOUGH DISCARD GARLIC KNOTS
How fun are these?! Garlic knots bring an aesthetically pleasing display to your holiday table. These garlic knots are so easy to make. Plus, they’re perfect to pair together with a tomato-based or creamy soup, or to dip in your next pot roast! Replace your dinner buns for Thanksgiving or Christmas with these unique looking, little knots of sourdough starter discard deliciousness!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here.
If you try any of these recipes and love them, I’d appreciate your 5 star review! And don’t forget to tag myself and the author of your recipe on social media! @TheHeartOfHome_WithCourtney
Leave a Reply