15 Things You Can Make With Your Leftover Sourdough Starter
Whether you just started your sourdough baking journey or you’ve been a convert for a long time, one of the most unexpected rewards is all the delicious sourdough discard recipes you can make with leftover starter — that go way beyond bread. So next time you’re feeding your sourdough starter, don’t toss the discard. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite sourdough baking recipes and ideas — from pancakes, waffles and crackers to cinnamon rolls, scones and brownies. (We’ve even included a couple recipes for your leftover sourdough bread, so absolutely nothing goes to waste!).
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Sourdough Discard Crackers
<p> Making your own crackers from scratch is a fancy way to use your sourdough starter — but your patience will be rewarded. They are so much better than store-bought. You could also try topping plain crackers with dried herbs and sea salt. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/these-easy-sourdough-discard-crackers-come-together-with-just-5-ingredients/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sourdough Discard Crackers</a></strong> </p> -
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Sourdough Banana Bread
<p>This is an obvious win-win: the ultimate way to use both leftover sourdough starter and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/15-ingenious-ways-to-use-overripe-bananas/#!Basic-Banana-Bread-anna-olson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">overripe bananas</a>. Many sourdough bakers say the starter helps to give the banana bread a spongier, lighter texture, as well adding a little bite to the flavour. See here for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/best-banana-bread-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our very best banana bread recipes</a>.</p> -
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Sourdough Pancakes
<p>You can make the overnight sponge for your sourdough <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/pancake-recipes-shrove-tuesday/#!chocolate_chocolate_say_it_twice_pancakes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pancakes</a> using your own sourdough starter discard — or use a shortcut with instant yeast. Simply combine the water, instant yeast and honey before mixing in the flour. Then cover and let rest overnight.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sourdough-pancakes-recipe-1913028" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sourdough Pancakes</a></strong></p> -
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Sourdough Pizza Crust
<p>Sourdough gives <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/pizza-recipes-everyday/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pizza</a> crust a crispy and chewy texture like no other. You may find that the distinct sourdough flavour goes best with bold toppings, but we love it with any kind of pie, including a classic Margherita.</p> -
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Sourdough Waffles
<p>For this sourdough waffle recipe, you’ll want to use a starter that’s been fed on a 12-hour schedule. The resulting mild tang and pillowy texture is a delight.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sourdough-waffles/22944/"target="_blank"><strong>Sourdough Waffles</strong></a></p> -
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Sourdough Muffins
<p>Put your leftover sourdough starter to use with perfectly soft and dense sourdough muffins. A filling bursting with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-summer-berry-recipes/#!blueberry-skyr-cheesecake" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fresh berries</a> is the perfect complement to the mildly tart flavour of the dough.</p> -
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Sourdough Rolls
<p>Sourdough dinner rolls or bread rolls can give you that distinct tangy flavour and chewy texture you crave — and they're far less labour intensive than making a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/sourdough-bread-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sourdough loaf</a>. We're fans of both the crusty type and the soft ones that pull apart.</p> -
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Sourdough Pretzels
<p>Light and springy sourdough pretzels are yet another great way to give your starter a workout. They’re not quite as easy as rolls or muffins, but it’s worth it for soft warm pretzels straight out of the oven.</p> -
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Sourdough Brownies
<p>Don’t get us wrong, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/best-brownie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">regular brownies</a> are amazing. But adding some sourdough discard to the mix just gives them that slightly acidic magic that works so well with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/anna-olson-best-chocolate-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dark chocolate</a>.</p> -
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Sourdough Scones
<p>Another guaranteed way to impress with leftover discard? Elegant sourdough <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/sweet-savoury-scones/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">scones</a>. Just add your favourite dried fruits, nuts or chocolate. Dried cherries or cranberries and lemon zest are especially delicious additions to enhance flavour.</p> -
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Sourdough Cinnamon Buns
<p>It’s fair to say <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/gooey-cinnamon-buns/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">classic cinnamon buns</a> don’t need any enhancing, but hear us out. The sourdough starter truly adds a welcome contrasting tang to the sticky-sweet flavours. It’s a perfect combo.</p> -
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Sourdough Crumpets
<p>Sourdough starter will take your crumpets to the next level too, with an extra soft and sponge-like crumb and rich tang. Top with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/best-recipes-with-jam-jelly/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jam</a>, syrup or poached eggs for a savoury treat.</p> -
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Sourdough Focaccia
<p>Many bakers begin their sourdough journeys with a simple and rustic focaccia. It’s a much less complicated, yet impressive way to use that sourdough starter. The soft texture and mild sourness are the perfect base for your favourite fresh toppings. Here are our <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/favourite-quarantine-food-trends/#!food-trends-regrow-own-food-getty-images" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fave food trends to come out of quarantine</a>.</p> -
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Sourdough Bread Pudding
<p>If you have extra sourdough bread, look no further than this decadent sourdough bread pudding baked with raisins and coconut, topped with a caramel sauce cooked with Yukon Jack liquor.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sourdough-bread-pudding-with-yukon-jack-caramel-sauce/13370/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sourdough Bread Pudding</strong></a></p> -
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Sourdough Croutons
<p>The chewy texture of sourdough bread was made for homemade croutons. We guarantee you’ll be eating more salads if you top them with these.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pumpkin-caesar-salad-with-sage-sourdough-croutons/19025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sage Sourdough Croutons</strong></a></p>