If you’re a sourdough baker, you probably have a lot of sourdough discard. Instead of throwing it away, why not use it to create delicious sourdough discard breakfast recipes? From fluffy pancakes to savory waffles, there are countless ways to transform your discard into a satisfying meal.
Why Use Sourdough Discard for Breakfast?
Many home bakers don’t realize that sourdough discard can be just as useful as an active starter. While it doesn’t have the same leavening power, it still provides the tangy sourdough flavor and essential nutrients. Using sourdough discard breakfast recipes reduces waste, saves money, and enhances the nutritional value of your meals.
Another reason to use sourdough discard breakfast recipes is that discard contains beneficial prebiotics that support gut health. Whether you prefer sweet or savory options, there’s a recipe that suits every taste.
Essential Tools for Making Sourdough Discard Recipes
Before diving into the sourdough discard breakfast recipes, make sure you have the right tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistency.
- Whisk or Dough Whisk: Helps mix the discard evenly.
- Baking Sheets and Loaf Pans: Useful for baking muffins, breads, and scones.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Non-Stick Pan: Perfect for pancakes, waffles, and crepes.

Having these tools ready will make preparing your sourdough discard breakfast recipes easier and more enjoyable.
Quick and Easy Sourdough Discard Pancakes and Waffles
If you love a classic breakfast, pancakes and waffles made with sourdough discard breakfast recipes are a must-try. They are fluffy, slightly tangy, and simple to make.
Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease with butter.
- Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip.
- Cook for another minute or until golden brown.
- Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Sourdough Discard Waffles
For waffles, use the same pancake batter but increase the butter to 2 tablespoons and cook in a preheated waffle iron until crisp.
Fluffy Breads and Biscuits: Perfect for Breakfast Sandwiches
Homemade sourdough discard breakfast recipes like bread and biscuits are perfect for making hearty breakfast sandwiches.
Sourdough Discard Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in sourdough discard and milk until combined.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut biscuits.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter or jam.
Sweet Treats: Muffins, Donuts, and Coffee Cake
If you have a sweet tooth, sourdough discard breakfast recipes like muffins, donuts, and coffee cakes are perfect morning treats.
Sourdough Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk sourdough discard, milk, butter, and egg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in blueberries.
- Fill muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Savory Options: Bagels, Pizza, and Cheesy Waffles
Sourdough Discard Bagels
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions:
- Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Add sourdough discard, water, and honey. Knead into a dough.
- Divide into pieces, shape into bagels, and boil in water for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle with seasoning and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Serve with cream cheese or eggs.
Make-Ahead Sourdough Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings
Busy mornings? Prepare sourdough discard breakfast recipes in advance and store them for later.
- Freezing Pancakes & Waffles: Make a batch and freeze. Reheat in the toaster.
- Prepping Biscuit Dough: Freeze biscuit dough, then bake fresh.
- Muffins & Bagels: Bake ahead and store in an airtight container.
Long-Fermented vs. Instant Recipes: Choosing the Right Method
Method | Preparation Time | Fermentation Benefits | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Long-Fermented | 8-24 hours | Enhances digestion, reduces gluten, develops deeper flavor | Biscuits, pancakes, waffles, bread |
Instant | 30 minutes – 1 hour | Quick and convenient, maintains sourdough tang | Muffins, scones, crepes, bagels |
Conclusion
Using sourdough discard breakfast recipes is a fantastic way to reduce waste while creating nutritious and delicious meals. Whether you enjoy sweet muffins, fluffy pancakes, or savory bagels, there’s a recipe for every taste. Try these recipes today and transform your sourdough discard into something amazing!