I am sure we can all agree that sourdough makes great bread, but we urge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new this time! Sourdough, active starter or discard, is a perfect way to enhance many baking recipes. Picture buttery French pastries, cookies, cakes and tasty breakfast treats. So let’s make your sourdough journey a lot more exciting and make some delicioussourdough recipes that are not bread!
Jump to:
- Why You Should Add Sourdough To Recipes?
- Active Sourdough Starter vs Sourdough Discard
- Sourdough Recipes Using Active Starter
- Sourdough Discard Recipes
- Christmas Sourdough ebook
- Want to Make Better Sourodugh?
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Why You Should Add Sourdough To Recipes?
If you’ve been making sourdough bread for a while, you are probably already in love with the delicious tang that sourdough bakes all have to offer. But we are here to give you even more reasons to incorporate your sourdough starter into more recipes:
- Wild yeast in sourdough starter can replace commercial yeast in pretty much any recipe!
- Baking with discard sourdough starter is a great way to reduce food waste.
- Sourdough products that undergo the bulk fermentation process can be easier to digest as the effects of phytic acid are neutralised in the digestive tract.
- The good bacteria in sourdough keeps the bakes fresher for longer.
- Dough and pastry made with sourodugh starter are a lot easier to work with – it extends better, it rolls easier and doesn’t contract as much!
Active Sourdough Starter vs Sourdough Discard
An active sourdough starter is a live culture of wild yeast and bacteria, maintained by regularly feeding it flour and water. It’s a bubbly concoction that is a powerhouse behind sourdough bread, providing both leavening and flavour. It’s ready for use when it at least doubles in volume within 4 hours at room temperature (or passes the float test in most cases), meaning small amounts float when dropped in water (this is not the case with sourdough discard).
Sourdough discard, on the other hand, is the portion of the starter removed before feeding. While it doesn’t have the same leavening power as an active starter, it’s still rich in flavour. It’s often used in quick sourdough recipes like sourdough waffles and sourdough pancakes where the tangy taste adds depth, but the bakes depend on other leavening agents like baking powder, baking soda, or commercial yeast.
Below, we separated the scrumptious non-bread recipes into two categories: recipes that use active and bubbly sourdough starter, and those recipes that require unfed sourdough discard.
Sourdough Recipes Using Active Starter
So you already make amazing sourodugh bread, right? What else can you use active sourdough starter for? The answer lies in these delicious recipes below!Most of these have step-by-step instructions and will require an overnight rise and use of kitchen scales for precise measurements, but they will be totally worth it!
1. Sourdough Croissants
Overnight Sourdough Croissants
How nice would it be to enjoy a freshly home-baked Croissant and imagine you've just bought it in a lovely Parisian viennoiserie? Oh yes… This is a recipe that will take you on a journey to France! Flaky and buttery Overnight Sourdough Croissants are made over two days and boast all the lovely features of a traditional Croissant: the crescent shape, the layers created by lamination and the crispy brown exterior! We promise you two things, with a bit of practice, these Overnight Sourdough Croissants will taste even better than the ones you get in a coffee shop and, more importantly, you will feel so very proud of yourself that you may ask your friends and family to call you 'Chef' from then on!
Sourdough Croissant Recipe Here
2. Sourdough Hot Cross Buns
Sourdough Hot Cross Buns
Fluffy, spiced and generously studded with fruit, these soft Sourdough Hot Cross Buns are something I look forward to every year! A recipe for a true British Easter Classic – Hot Cross Bun! Our naturally leaved Easter buns are spiced with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and just a smidge of ginger! They are further improved with a good measure of mixed peel, sultanas and orange zest!
Sourdough Hot Cross Bun Recipe Here
3. Sourdough Pain Au Chocolat
Sourdough Pain Au Chocolat
You can make the best Pain Au Chocolat using your sourdough starter! Yes, these flaky buttery French pastries (that also go by the name of Chocolate Croissant) filled with rich dark chocolate are one of the most delicious breakfast treats enjoyed across the globe! Making the naturally leavened laminated pastry is a long, but extremely satisfying process, and it will be all worth it once you bite into one of the freshly baked Sourdough Pain Au Chocolat!
Sourdough Pain Au Chocolat Recipe Here
4. Sourdough Pretzels
Soft Sourdough Pretzels
Soft and chewy, these Sourdough Pretzels are addictive! Whether you're after a savoury or a sweet snack, something to dip into hummus or soup, this is a great base recipe for soft sourdough pretzels that works every time!
Sourdough Pretzels Recipe Here
5. Sourdough Bagels
Easy Sourdough Bagels | Overnight Recipe
Thick, moreish and with a signature chewy crust, these Easy Sourdough Bagels are utterly delicious! With an extra depth of flavour due to the sourdough tang, these are amazing served with both savoury and sweet toppings! This is an overnight recipe, but with very minimal hands-on time – you won't even need to stretch and fold!
Sourdough Bagel Recipe Here
6. Sourdough Cruffins
Cinnamon Sourdough Cruffins
A cross between a muffin and a croissant, cruffins are a delicious pastry that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Our version is made with a laminated sourdough pastry and then rolled in cinnamon sugar to make a deliciously sweet flaky and decadent treat. If you enjoy traditional French pastries, like croissants and pain au chocolate, give these Cinnamon Sourdough Cruffins a try! This relatively recent innovation is just as good!
Sourdough Cruffins Recipe Here
7. Sourdough Pizza Crust
Our Best Pizza Topping + Sourdough Pizza Base
The thick and slightly chewy sourdough pizza base is for the deep dish and traditional pan pizza crust lovers. Paired with a lovely goat's cheese and piquant pepper topping, we think it's an absolute winner!
Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe Here
8. Sourdough Kouign Amann
Sourdough Kouign Amann
If you are a pastry lover, this one will most likely become your favourite with your first bite! Sourdough Kouign Amann is made with sourdough puff pastry and layers upon layers of sugar, creating a flaky, buttery pastry with the irresistible crunchy caramelised exterior.
Sourdough Kouign Amann Recipe Here
9. Apple and Cinnamon Rolls
Apple and Cinnamon Sourdough Buns
Our Apple and Cinnamon Sourdough Buns are the best buns we've ever made at home. With swirls of sweet cinnamon, lovely and moist dough that's infused with juices from the apples cooking and vanilla-scented icing, these buns are to die for! Extra soft, with juicy bits of apple bursting with flavour, these buns will be gone before they've had time to fully cool down!
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Here
Or if you’re looking for a more traditional recipe, try our Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.
10. Sourdough Stollen
Sourdough Stollen
Originally the 'food of German kings', Stollen is now enjoyed all over the world. Here, we are sharing our home-made naturally leavened Sourdough Stollen version, created without any commercial yeast. Generously studded with rum-infused dried fruit and rolled with luxurious marzipan, Sourdough Stollen undoubtedly presents serious competition to even the best of the traditional British Christmas Cakes.
Sourdough Stollen Recipe Here
11. Sourdough Cheese Sticks
Sourdough Cheese Straws (Cheese Twists)
A combination of sourdough pastry and cheese is what makes one of the best snacks in the world – Sourdough Cheese Straws! Similar to our Cheese Straws with Cumin Seeds, however, these are made completely from scratch, using sourdough starter in the pastry and two types of cheese. Further flavoured with smoked paprika, these are our favourite treat to pack for a picnic!
Sourdough Cheese Sticks Recipe Here
12. Sourdough Apple Doughnuts
Sourdough Apple Fritter Doughnuts
A cross between a doughnut and an apple turnover, these Sourdough Apple Fritters are a delicious treat that will be appreciated by both the children and adults alike! With heaps of chunky apples encased in a fluffy doughnuty exterior, these fried pillows are going to be gone before the icing sets!
Sourdough Apple Doughnuts Recipe Here
13. Sourdough Panettone
Sourdough Panettone
Sourdough Panettone is one of my favourite Christmas treats! A rich buttery Italian bread, generously studded with dried fruit and mixed peel can easily be mistaken for cake! Using an active sourdough starter in this recipe, it does take a bit of patience to make, but the result is oh-so-good!
Sourdough Panettone Recipe Here
14. Various Flatbreads
- Sourdough Naan Flatbread
- Somalian Canjeero (Lahoh) Flatbreads
- Sourdough Pita Bread | Overnight Recipe
Sourdough Discard Recipes
If you have lots of excess sourdough starter from regular feeding, we have a bunch of amazing recipes to help you incorporate sourdough starter discard into baking. We are sure that you’ll find a good use for your discard below:
1. Sourdough Banana Bread With Chocolate Chips
Sourdough Banana Bread (Made With Sourdough Discard)
Traditional Banana Bread just changed for the better! This exceptional Sourdough Banana Bread will captivate your taste buds with its irresistible blend of flavours and textures. Moist and tender, it boasts an extended freshness thanks to the brilliant utilization of sourdough discard, ensuring each slice remains delectably soft for days. With every bite, you'll experience the delightful surprise of dark chocolate pieces generously scattered throughout, adding a touch of decadence to this beloved treat. Whether served as a scrumptious breakfast or a delightful dessert, this Sourdough Banana Bread is bound to become an instant favourite, satisfying your cravings and leaving you yearning for more.
Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe Here
2. Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes
A great recipe that takes our overnight fluffy pancakes to a new level by adding frozen (or fresh) blueberries to the mix!
Sourdough Blueberry Pancakes
A delicious breakfast is the best start to the day! Especially, when it involves delicious pancakes, prepared with love… If you keep a sourdough starter and bake lots of bread, we encourage you to put it to good use and surprise your loved ones with these fluffySourdough Blueberry Pancakesthat can be made with fresh or frozen blueberries – making them a great breakfast recipe all-year round!
Sourdough Blueberry Pancake Recipe Here
3. Sourdough Pie Crust
Extra Flaky Sourdough Pie Crust (Sweet or Savoury)
Whether we make sweet or savory pies, one thing is for sure! We always, and I mean, always, make our pie recipes with sourdough pie crust! The reason is simple – our sourdough pie crust recipe makes the flakiest, most delicious and tender pie crust that is sturdy enough to hold pie filling, but is equally melt-in-the-mouth irresistible! Plus, what better way to use up your sourdough discard and add that sourdough flavor to your bakes?
Sourdough Pie Crust Recipe
4. Sourdough Brownies
Fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies
If you’re pondering the best choice for using your sourdough discard, this is it! The incorporation of sourdough discard not only reduces food waste but also adds an extra rich depth of flavour to these fudgy Sourdough Discard Brownies, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Sourdough Brownies Recipe
5. Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookies
Turn your basic ingredients into delicious cookies, that can be shaped and decorated for any occasion!
Sourdough Sugar Cookies
This Sourdough Sugar Cookie recipe is a treat specifically made for sourdough lovers and those seeking a unique twist on classic sugar cookies! Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these simpleSourdough Sugar Cookiesboast a subtly tangy flavour and can be cut out and iced to suit many different occasions!
Sourodugh Discard Sugar Cookies Recipe Here
6. All Sorts Of Sourdough Crackers
Whether you have a rolling pin to roll a thin layer of dough or not, we have a sourdough cracker recipe for you. Making a big batch of crackers is an easy way to use up lots of discard starter and have a great snack or a sidekick to your cheeseboard any time!
- Sourdough Cheddar Cheese Crackers
- Sourdough Discard Crackers With Herbs
7. Sourdough Lemon Muffins
Easy Sourdough Lemon Muffins
Inspired by a true classic – Lemon Drizzle Cake – these Easy Sourdough Lemon Muffins are a quick and delicious way to use up that sourdough discard to make a wonderful zingy treat! Perfect for a sweet breakfast nibble or a snack to pack for a lunch break at work, these sourdough muffins can also be turned into a decadent cupcake! Simply add icing on top!
Sourdough Lemon Muffin Recipe Here
8. Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies
Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies
Thicker and softer Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies are how we love our ultimate Christmas treats to be! Full of warming spices and treacly flavours from the brown sugar, gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but certainly a fun cookie to make! This is an overnight recipe though, so it will require some patience, but all good things are worth waiting for, right? Make the sourdough discard cookie dough in the evening, then chill it in the fridge overnight. Bake, ice and enjoy the next day!
Sourdough Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Here
9. Sourdough Biscotti With Cocoa & Hazelnuts
Chocolate Sourdough Biscotti with Hazelnuts
Biscotti or Cantucci in Italy, Croquette in France, Mandelbrot in Germany – a crunchy double-baked biscuit with nuts is enjoyed all over Europe. We make our Sourdough Biscotti with Hazelnuts and Cocoa Powder and love them dunked in black coffee, but these are also great with tea or dessert wine!
Sourdough Biscotti Recipe Here
10. Sourdough Yorkshire Puddings
Sourdough Yorkshire Puddings
If you keep a sourdough starter, making Yorkshire Puddings is a great way to use up some of it! No Sunday dinner is complete without a puffy Yorkshire Pudding that soaks up all the beautiful gravy! Our Sourdough Yorkshire Pudding recipe is as simple as it gets, and they puff up, crisp up and brown like a dream!
Sourdough Yorkshire Pudding Recipe Here
11. Sourdough Lime Drizzle Cake
Sourdough Lime Drizzle Cake
If you are a fan of a lemon drizzle cake, try our double twist on the British family favourite – a Sourdough Lime Drizzle Cake! A brilliantly zingy cake that makes great use of sourdough discard.
Sourdough Lime Drizzle Recipe Here
12. Sourdough Puff Pastry
Sourdough Puff Pastry
If you like making your own pastry for those delicious homemade tarts and pies, maybe we can tempt you to try making Sourdough Puff Pastry! Buttery and flaky, just like your usual pastry, this recipe contains sourdough starter discard, giving your pastry an extra layer of flavour! Yes, we are talking that signature sourdough tang! Our Sourdough Puff pastry is great to use in both savoury and sweet dishes.
Sourdough Puff Pastry Recipe Here
13. Sourdough Lemon and Blueberry Scones
Lemon & Blueberry Sourdough Scones
It doesn't get much better than tea and scones on a Saturday afternoon! This weekend, we've made lovely Lemon & Blueberry Sourdough Scones! Light and fluffy, with a slight sourdough bite, our scones are generously studded with blueberries and flavoured with lemon zest. Soft and buttery, Sourdough Scones never last longer than 24 hours in our house, no matter how many we make! Serve with some butter (no jam needed!) and a strong cup of tea!
Sourdough Blueberry Scones Recipe Here
14. Sourdough Grissini
Sourdough Grissini
Another great way to use up your sourdough discard is to make lovely Sourdough Grissini! Delicious with a hint of honey, lots of seeds and a perfectly sharp snap, these breadsticks are a great simple mid-afternoon snack! Furthermore, you can add them next to your crudités to be used as a scoop for hummus and other dips.
Sourodugh Grissini Recipe Here
What are some of your favourite recipes using a sourdough starter? I would love to add some new recipes to my repertoire. Leave a comment or email me at ieva@somebodyfeedseb.com – I’d love to try some new sourdough treats!
Christmas Sourdough ebook
Celebrate the holiday season with a unique twist this year with our 24 Christmas Sourdough recipes! Discover the magic of using active sourdough starter, sourdough discard, and leftover baked sourdough bread to create a memorable and flavoursome Christmas feast.
Want to Make Better Sourodugh?
Speaking from experience, the best way to take your sourdough to the next level is to practice and find what works for you. After all, different types of four, different hydration levels and different methods for kneading and filing the dough may work in different climates and altitudes. But here are some valuable resources to help you get started with an experiment in your own kitchen:
- How To Store Sourdough Bread? Best Ways To Keep It Fresh
- Coil Folds For Sourdough Bread
- How To Freeze Sourdough Starter?
