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If you find it difficult to throw away sourdough starter discard, here are some helpful tips on storing it, delicious recipes, and more creative uses.
Sourdough Starter Discard doesn’t have to be thrown out. Add that tang to some baked crackers or a soft texture to cake and cookies. You’ll find the recipes for these and more right here!
What is Sourdough Bread Starter?
Bread starter is a combination of flour and water that with time develops bacteria and wild yeast that gives bread its rise.
Can I make my own bread starter?
You can make your own starter and bake with it in less than 8 days. Our Overnight Sourdough Starter post will show you everything you need to know.
Why would you want to use a sourdough starter discard in recipes?
Sourdough discard is liquid gold in the kitchen! Instead of throwing it away, you can use it in all sorts of delicious recipes. Since discard still has some wild yeast and tangy flavor, it adds depth and complexity to baked goods.
We also feel good about not letting it go to waste between feedings.
How long can you store sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard can last about 7-14 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
The high acidity of sourdough discard helps preserve it and prevents harmful bacteria from growing. You’ll know it’s still good if it has a pleasant sour smell and no visible mold. A thin layer of liquid (hooch) on top is normal and can be stirred back in.
For longer storage, you can freeze sourdough discard for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
My advice is not to keep sourdough discard unless you know you will be using it. Don’t be a bread starter hoarder!
After feeding the starter, those little microbes go to town munching on the sugar provided in the new flour. Remember Pac Man? That’s what I envision.
The used sourdough starter loses its vigor once the food is depleted so it will not be sufficient for a beautiful loaf of bread unless it’s fed again. But it still has enough energy to act as a leaven in baking goods that use baking powder or baking soda.
Sweet Sourdough Discard Recipes
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies have a moist cake-like middle, slightly crispy outside, and delightful cookie flavor. This cookie recipe is the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard and treat your family.
This one bowl sourdough banana bread is a fantastic way to repurpose your sourdough starter discard! It makes a fluffy, moist snack perfect with coffee.
Serve these tasty sourdough blueberry lemon muffins as a stand-alone fast breakfast on your way out the door or make a batch to have as part of a delicious brunch for guests or family.
It may seem like these sourdough morning glory muffins have lots of ingredients, but most, if not all, are basic pantry and kitchen staples! Lightly sweetened with honey and molasses, they’re a-ok for a hearty morning snack.
Enjoy these scrumptious baked sourdough donuts with cinnamon and sugar topping with a big glass of milk any time you want to give your family a special treat.
Easy and Quick Sourdough Donuts Recipe – The Gingered Whisk
This easy and quick sourdough donut recipe is the perfect way to use sourdough discard. Delicious donuts with a slight sourdough tang, these will become the favorite weekend breakfast for the sourdough lover!
The BEST Overnight Sourdough Waffles – House of Nash Eats
These fluffy-crisp Sourdough Waffles have the most amazing flavor and texture and are made with your sourdough discard so nothing goes to waste! The overnight batter is made in advance so there is hardly any work to do in the morning to enjoy fresh, hot waffles!
Make your own recipe by replacing an equal weight or volume of flour and liquid for bakery recipes that use baking soda and/or baking powder.
For example, if I use a cup of starter, I reduce the flour and the liquid by 1/2 cup each since my starter is a straight 50/50 flour to water mix.
More useful ideas…
Sourdough Fried Chicken – Dip chicken in the sourdough starter.
Batter for other fried food such as shrimp or zucchini.
Frie Bread or Naan – Add starter in drops to fried oil for a donut or naan-like fry bread. Season with herbs or add cinnamon and sugar for a savory or sweet fry bread.
Pie Crust – Starter will tenderize pie crust the way vinegar can. Use it for a savory pot pie.
Glue – Yep, my mother mixed flour and water together for our craft projects when I was little.
This is great. I know so many people that have started a sourdough starter. This will help out so much. I’ve had one for years. Now, which recipe to make first?
First of all, as usual these are fabulous tips! Love them all! Second, cannot wait to try some of these discard recipes Julie! Thanks!
Thank you, Kathleen!
Well this is so useful! Live the idea of using it in fried chicken and also in blondies! I’ll keep your tips handy for next time I make starter.
Thank you!
I have a jar in my fridge as we speak — and the first thing I am using it for is your fried chicken idea!! Brilliant!
This is fantastic, thank you for sharing all of these resources and recipes. I just hate discarding the starter. Now I don’t have to yay!
This is great. I know so many people that have started a sourdough starter. This will help out so much. I’ve had one for years. Now, which recipe to make first?