Kitchen Basics

15 Things You Can Make With Your Leftover Sourdough Starter

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Claire Sibboney

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>
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