40+ Best Sourdough Discard Recipes that Kids Will Love
If you have hopes of baking all the sourdough things but wondering if your picky kids and family will actually eat them? Keep reading! I have 40+ recipes made with sourdough discard that are family-friendly, including breakfasts, sides, main dishes, and treats!
Putting Your Sourdough Discard to Good Use
If you have any experience with sourdough baking, you know that maintaining a sourdough starter often leads to an abundance of discard. Rather than toss it, why not turn it into mouthwatering food that your kids will love?
Today, I’m sharing a variety of recipes that make use of sourdough discard that are geared to please kids and the entire family – from breakfast to side dishes, to dinners, to desserts and treats.
Get ready to indulge in some irresistible creations that will have you looking at sourdough discard in a whole new light.
How Sourdough Discard Recipes Were a Game Changer for Me
My sourdough journey started with me dabbling with baking during Covid – you know, when you weren’t sure you’d be able to find bread (or toilet paper) in the stores.
My Instagram feed was filled with everyone baking these gorgeous loaves of sourdough and I decided to jump on that bandwagon. I think I made a one or two loaves, and soon I discovered that I actually could still find bread in the store, and that was the end of that.
And just recently, I jumped back into sourdough baking again, this time more for health than survival.
Well, it didn’t take me long to remember why I stopped…. it was a LOT of work to keep up with the daily feeding of the starter. And there was SO much discard.
And then I discovered sourdough discard recipes.
It re-inspired me to continue with sourdough baking now that I had a way to use all the leftover sourdough discard (and when I learned you could just keep your sourdough starter in the refrigerator!)
Why Sourdough Discard Recipes for Kids and Families
If you have kids with picky palettes, sourdough can be a little challenging; the ‘tang’ might be a little too much for some kids.
Yet, I think that these sourdough recipes that use discard have enough other flavors that it is more palatable for kids who are a little picky.
This roundup does NOT include any kind of sourdough bread or loaves, though it does include some quick bread type recipes like pumpkin and banana bread.
While these are healthier versions of the original recipe due to the inclusion of sourdough, the addition of sugar or unfermented flour (whether fresh flour, all-purpose flour, or whole wheat flour), wouldn’t be as nutritious as sourdough recipes without that.
So let’s get to these amazing discarded sourdough starter recipes!
Best Sourdough Discard Recipes for Kids and Families
Crisp, fluffy, and a little bit of sourdough tang, this is one that kids will keep coming back for more. If you want to add a little extra something, try these pancakes are made with just 3 ingredients - discard, bananas, and eggs! Another variety your family might love - pumpkin! Good any time of year, not just for fall! For a heartier pancake with a little bit of texture, adding oatmeal is not only healthy but delicious! A yummy mix of pancake and English muffins, these crumpets will be a welcome switch from the breakfast norms to something fresh and fun! Waffles are always fun for breakfast, and you can make this enjoyable favorite knowing there are some extra healthy ingredients (beside discard!) in the mix. This muffin is full of all the warm, cozy pumpkin spices you'd expect with a recipe like this. Banana muffins are pure comfort and an extra dose of fruit added in! For a little extra texture and sweetness, throw in oatmeal and chocolate chips to this sweet muffin. Light, moist, and extra healthy made with fresh blueberries, almond flour and Greek yogurt - easy muffins with add bonus nutrition! A delicious muffin batter made with apples, carrots, coconut, and raisins... this sounds amazing! This is a fabulous recipe because you get the full English muffin experience without all the extra preservatives or additives! Banana bread with chocolate chips is a classic recipe - this sweet bread with sourdough discard will absolutely bring the same satisfaction! Light, crispy, and can be eaten with a little powdered sugar, sweet or savory fillings! Great for picky eaters! If your kids love Pop Tarts, let me try this healthy alternative. You'll feel so much better about this handheld treat! Bagels are just about universally loved by all kids- this recipe is a sure hit for a healthier version of a breakfast favorite! Kids love crackers, and it can be such a struggle to find healthy versions! You can feel great about serving your kids these homemade sourdough crackers! My jaw dropped when I saw you can make homemade goldfish-style crackers with a goldfish cookie cutter! My kids can eat pounds of them, and I just LOVE that there is a healthy, homemade option! Moist, fluffy, made with maple syrup, cornmeal, discard, and cooked in a cast iron skillet. Mmmmm! These bites are made with eggs, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach - but easily customizable to your kids' preferences! Sourdough tortillas are one of my favorite discard recipes, and they are perfect for tacos, burritos, or any flatbread type meal. Yes, I said it! Fried chicken with sourdough discard! Kids will LOVE these! If you've ever wanted to try your hand at homemade pasta, the sourdough discard variety would be a great way to test it out! Pasta is generally a homerun with kids. Those sweet Hawaiian rolls are so delicious you can just pop one right after another - this recipe is just delightful and especially great for kids who won't hardly anything else but bread. Speaking of bread, garlic knots are another amazing option for discard that is flavorful, savory, and a perfect accompaniment to just about any meal. Who doesn't love pretzels? This is an amazing treat for your kids that you can feel great about serving! What an original and unique recipe! The discard gets mixed in with the other wet ingredients, such as maple syrup, oil, and vanilla, then poured over the dry mixture! What a way to enhance granola! An American version of Yorkshire pudding, this is a light, airy, steamy muffin-type roll, it only gets better with sourdough discard. Zucchini fritters are a fabulous and tasty way to get some extra vegetables working into your child's food! This delicious is dinner is made with meat, veggies, and cheese - and you can customize these flavors to your choice! Just about every kid loves pizza, right? What a great way to incorporate healthy sourdough discard into pizza dough! Use it to make calzones, as well! Crispy, crunchy onion rings made with sourdough discard batter! Genius! These cheesy and savory pinwheels are made with hard-grated cheese such as Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, or/and Grana Padano. Great for a filling afternoon snack. Now this is what I can an amazing combo - a roll and a pretzel bite! Kids will definitely be asking for seconds. Flaky, buttery with an earthy, hearty flavor! Perfect for breakfast, snack, or with dinner. Made with oats, M&Ms, chocolate chips and pretty much whatever else you want to throw in them, you can know they are a smidge healthier with sourdough discard. Pumpkin bread is always a fan favorite for kids - this version with sourdough discard is a good way to put it to good use! Don't you love that you can bake something fun and delicious like donuts, but also include some healthy sourdough discard? So fun! Graham crackers are a hit with kids - this is such an amazing idea to make these fabulous crackers - and then put it over the top by making S'mores! Rich, fudgy, delicious - add in discard to this favorite treat! Cinnamon rolls are delicious for breakfast, a snack, or dessert! The kids will be licking their fingers the whole time! Blondie bars are one of my most favorite desserts ever. I was over the moon to find a sourdough discard version! Huge win! And no list is complete without everyone's favorite chocolate chip cookie! A perfect treat any time!
Mom's Sourdough Hotcakes (Sourdough Pancakes)
3 Ingredient Sourdough Banana Pancakes
Sourdough Pumpkin Pancakes
Sourdough Oatmeal Pancakes
Sourdough Discard Crumpets
Vegan Sourdough Waffles
Easy Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins
Sourdough Discard Banana Muffins
Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Muffins with Oatmeal
Sourdough Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Sourdough Morning Glory Muffins
Sourdough Discard English Muffins
Sourdough Discard Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips
Sourdough Crepes
Sourdough Pop Tarts
Homemade Sourdough Bagels
Sourdough Discard Crackers
Sourdough Cheddar Crackers
Sourdough Cornbread Recipe
Sourdough Breakfast Bites
Homemade Sourdough Tortillas Recipe
Fried Sourdough Chicken
Homemade Sourdough Pasta
Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Sourdough Discard Garlic Knots
Sourdough Pretzels
Sourdough Granola
Sourdough Popovers
Sourdough Discard Zucchini Fritters
Healthy One Pot Meals: Sourdough Skillet
Sourdough Pizza Crust
Sourdough Onion Rings
Sourdough Pinwheels with Cheese
Pretzel Rolls (with Sourdough Discard Option)
Sourdough Discard Biscuits
Sourdough Monster Cookies
Moist Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread
Baked Sourdough Donuts
Sourdough Graham Crackers for S'mores
Sourdough Brownies
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Ultimate Sourdough Blondies (with Chocolate Chips)
Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
Next time you’re in the sourdough baking zone, don’t forget to create a great recipe with your tangy sourdough starter discard! The best part is that nothing will go to waste!
If you’d like to see some more amazing recipes that are focused on desserts, take a look at 45 Sourdough Discard Desserts!
Sourdough FAQ
What is Sourdough Discard and How is it Different Than Starter?
Active sourdough starter (or mature starter) has been fed within the past 6-8 hours, has doubled, and is bubbly and ready to use in recipes that call for active sourdough starter. It has the leavening agent in it and no other yeast or leavening ingredient is required.
Sourdough discard is a byproduct of maintaining a sourdough starter, typically removed and discarded during the feeding process to keep the starter healthy.
Sourdough discard is also referred to as inactive or unfed sourdough starter – it has passed the mature stage and is in a dormant stage. Recipes with discard require some other leavening ingredient, such as yeast, baking soda, or baking powder. Or you can use it for recipes like crackers, that don’t need to rise.
Be aware when you’re looking at recipes to see if active starter is needed or sourdough discard.
All of these recipes can be made with discard, though it is recommended to let it reach room temperature if coming right out of the fridge.
Why Make Sourdough Discard Recipes?
Instead of wasting this discard, discard is great to use in all kinds of recipes, including desserts.
The discard adds a unique tangy flavor and also contributes to the texture and rise of baked goods.
Another added benefit of using sourdough discard in desserts is that helps reduce food waste and us a chance to creatively use every part of their sourdough starter.
Why Make Sourdough at All?
Sourdough bread is often considered a healthier option compared to commercial bread due to the fermentation process it undergoes.
Sourdough also produces many prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in your gut, improving your gut health.
The fermentation of sourdough starter helps break down gluten and phytic acid (which inhibits your body’s ability to absorb nutrients), making it easier to digest for some individuals.
Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index compared to other breads, which means it may lead to smaller spikes in blood sugar levels and can help with weight management.
The fermentation process also increases the bioavailability of nutrients, making it easier for the body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
Last but not least, sourdough bread has a more complex and, to many, a more satisfying flavor, which can contribute to a more enjoyable eating experience.
More Family-Friendly Recipes
If you need more inspiration for food that are easy to prepare AND kids will eat, check these out!
50 Healthy, EASY Weeknight Dinner Recipes for Busy Moms
No Mess One Pan Dinners for Busy Moms
35 Easy & Healthy Crockpot Recipes (Clean | Paleo | Whole30)
35+ Kid-Friendly Charcuterie Boards for the Most Picky Eaters
50+ Best Healthy Casserole Recipes for Easy Dinners
20 Immune Boosting Foods for Kids {That They’ll Actually Eat!}
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
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I don’t usually like sourdough. I thought there was 0% chance that I would like the sourdough Chocolate chip cookies. My husband really wanted to make them so I obliged. They were really good. I wouldn’t take them over normal chocolate chip cookies, but they were better than expected.
I definitely call that a win! I’m not a huge fan of the tang, but I’ll take it to have some of the health benefits of sourdough on occasion! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know, Stacey!