14 Best Gluten-Free Sourdough Discard Recipes

This post contains all the recipes you need for using gluten-free sourdough discard, along with the resources on how to make your own gluten-free sourdough starter and sourdough bread!

Four gluten-free sourdough discard recipes in a collage.

Did you start making your first gluten-free sourdough starter? Good job! As you know, you need to discard sourdough starter regularly. In order to avoid waste, you can incorporate sourdough discard into recipes like the ones below!

Discard vs Mature Starter

One thing I would like to mention is that sourdough discard is different from a mature starter. Discard is an unfed starter that you get rid of right before feeding it. A mature starter is a bubbling and rising starter at its highest peak. A mature starter is used for making gluten-free sourdough bread, while discard is added to recipes that don’t rely on the wild yeast to raise the dough. Sometimes you will see me use discard along with commercial yeast, that is because discard doesn’t have the same rising and fermenting abilities as a mature starter.

If you don’t want to have to discard your starter daily, just keep in the refrigerator and feed once a week, or you can also freeze your starter, or dehydrate it for later use.

One Secret To Professional Gluten-Free Baking

There are a few things that professional bakers do that set them apart from hobby bakers. One of those things is the consistency of quality results. And as gluten-free flour behaves so differently from regular all-purpose flour, it takes time and effort to learn to bake and cook with it well. However, If I could recommend one thing to speed up the learning process and significantly improve the consistency of great results for you, I would recommend you get a 9$ digital scale.

Most of us are familiar with cups and spoons which require the spoon & level method, yet, when it comes to GF baking, cups & spoons are often the reason why bread and desserts don’t turn out the way they should. Plus, using a scale will save you time and decrease the number of dishes to wash. If you are serious about gluten-free baking, I am sure you would want to give a digital scale a chance!

Without further ado, let’s get into the list of the best gluten-free sourdough discard recipes!

1. Fried Sourdough Starter

Fried sourdough starter with sesame seeds and poppy seeds and sauce.
You can also simply top the starter with bagel seasoning.
To start this round-up off, I first want to introduce you to the fastest and easiest way to use up surdough discard. Just fry it up on the stove!
Get the Recipe!

2. Sourdough Flatbread (Naan)

Gluten-free sourdough flatbread bent and held by a hand.

This delicious gluten-free sourdough flatbread is incredibly flexible, soft, and moist. You can make it right away using sourdough discard or leave it for a longer fermentation.

3. 3-Ingredients Banana Pancakes

Gluten-free sourdough banana pancakes on a plate with banana slices, blueberries, and pecans on top.
If you have a laying around banana, then all you will need is an egg and some sourdough discard. Great breakfast idea for when you are in a hurry! These pancakes are naturally sweet from the sweetness of the banana used.
Get the Recipe!

4. Banana Muffins With Pecans

Muffins on a plate with coffee and maple syrup in the background.
These gluten free muffins are easy to make and are ready in less than an hour! They also have a delicious walnut crunch in every bite.
Get the Recipe!

5. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten free sourdough starter cookies on a tray and on a plate.
Another reason to bake a whole batch of chocolate chip cookies! These cookies are soft and don't fall apart when you bite into them. Great treat!
Get the Recipe!

6. Fluffy Pancakes

Gluten-free sourdough discard pancakes stacked with strawberries and blueberries.
Probably one of the most popular ways to use up sourdough discard! Make a batch of delicious gluten free pancakes for breakfast to enjoy with your family.
Get the Recipe!

7. Pizza Crust

Gluten-free sourdough pizza with mushrooms on the side.
This is the best gluten-free sourdough pizza crust recipe because it is not only easy to handle but it is also full of flavor and easy to customize!
Check out this recipe

8. English Muffins

Gluten-free sourdough English muffin cut in half on a plate with butter and jam.

These gluten-free sourdough English muffins are soft, flavorful, and easy to make! A great make-ahead breakfast recipe. You can freeze these muffins for up to 3 months!

9. Banana Bread

Gluten-free sourdough banana bread sliced on a blue towel.

This delicious gluten-free sourdough banana bread is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor! This recipe is a great way to use up your starter discard and share a delicious dessert with your family.

10. Cinnamon Rolls

Gluten-free sourdough cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting on a plate with a fork.

These gluten-free sourdough cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, moist, and flavorful! They stay just as soft and fluffy the next day after baking. An indulgent way to use up your starter discard!

11. Dinner Rolls

Gluten-free sourdough rolls on a kitchen towel in a bowl.

While these rolls rely on the sourdough starter to give them a rise, if your starter is strong, this recipe will work with unfed discard as well. I have made sourdough bread with unfed discard and still got a good rise and an open crumb! These rolls are fluffy, soft, moist, and freeze well.

12. Soft Pretzels

Gluten-free sourdough soft pretzels on a cooling rack with a sauce and a kitchen towel in the background.

These gluten-free sourdough soft pretzels are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They go great with some basic cheese sauce and make for a meal on a lazy day!

13. Bagels

Gluten-free sourdough discard bagels on a table with plates and cream.

These bagels can be made with gluten-free all-purpose flour. They are crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside! Add flavor by topping with seeds, dried onions, or cheese.

14. Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake gluten free with sourdough discard.
And finally, if you want to be fancy, here is a whole cake recipe for you to make! If you love chocolate, this rich and flavorful cake is worth a try.
Get the Recipe!

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