What to Make With Sourdough Starter (Besides Bread)
Creative uses for sourdough starter & discard: cookies, crackers, waffles, and even dog treats.
Maybe it’s the homesteading wave taking over TikTok, the endless how-to guides making sourdough starter feel more approachable, or the fact that you can buy a live starter online, but one thing’s for sure—sourdough’s popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Our Hotline producer recently did a deep dive on all things sourdough, covering everything from how to make your own starter to where to buy one.
As someone who barely knew the basics but suddenly found my feed flooded with fermentation updates, I was shocked to learn that sourdough starter isn’t just for bread—the options are truly endless. Pancakes, English muffins, brown butter cookies? Yep. Pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, even dog treats? Absolutely. If you’ve got an active starter, or discard, here’s how to put it to work. We rounded up 24 sourdough baking recipes (and even a salad dressing) to elevate your charcuterie spreads, brunches, and more.
Wait, What’s Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough starter is a living culture that needs regular feeding. When you refresh it, you remove a portion—this is called discard. While some people toss it, but that’s a waste of potential deliciousness. Discard still has all that tangy flavor and works beautifully in baked goods, adding depth without extra leavening. Many of the recipes below make use of it.
Sourdough Recipes Beyond Bread
Light, fluffy, and with a subtle tang, these are the ultimate weekend breakfast upgrade.
What’s better than homemade bagels? Homemade sourdough bagels.
The sourdough flavor perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon filling—these are next-level brunch material.
Rich, buttery cookies with a hint of sourdough complexity. This might just be the best chocolate chip cookie recipes.
5. Crackers
Super crispy, super easy—perfect for cheese boards or snacking straight from the jar.
That crispy, chewy crust you love? Even better with a little sourdough depth.
Yes, even your pup can get in on the sourdough fun.
A classic, but with homemade sourdough and little fresh mint—it’s next-level good.
Put your leftover sourdough to good work with this creative salad dressing. Yes, this requires baking a loaf, or having one on hand, but it’s worth it!
10. Pesto Knots
Soft, garlicky, and twisted with basil pesto—so snackable.
11. Drop Biscuits
Flaky, buttery, and somehow even better than classic biscuits with a little sourdough magic.
12. Corn Fritters
Crispy edges, soft centers, and that sweet-savory combo.
A custardy, crispy-edged delight that makes something new out of sourdough.
Fall flavors + sourdough = a match made in heaven.
Flaky, airy layers infused with a slight sourdough tang—totally worth the effort.
16. Naan
Pillowy soft and perfect for pairing with your favorite curry or hummus.
Savory, cheesy, and ideal for soup-dipping.
18. Bread Pudding
Sourdough takes this comforting dessert to the next level.
19. Hamburger Buns
Because homemade burger night deserves homemade buns.
The perfect spring dessert (or for when you’re dreaming of warming weather). Turn your discard into these lemony-lavender cupcakes.
21. Kanelstang
Inspired by a Danish kanelstang, or “cinnamon stick,” which is similar to an American-style cinnamon roll in dough and flavor.
Another great recipe to impress (yourself or others) the next time brunch rolls around.
Homemade grissini—essentially Italian-style breadsticks—are an easy upgrade to any dinner table. Try making them with your starter or discard.
Mazanec is a traditional Czech Easter bread. This version is studded with almonds and dried fruit, with a golden, sugar-dusted crust—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Got a sourdough starter but not sure what to make next? Share your favorite ways to use it for inspiration!
Originally Published: March 30, 2025