15 Ways to Bake With Sourdough Starter

Here’s a warm and cozy collection of sourdough recipes made for everything from breakfast to snack time. Whether you’re using active starter or discard, these recipes give you creative ways to make the most of that signature tang and deep flavor. From fluffy cinnamon rolls to soft pretzels and cheesy crackers, there’s something here for every kind of baker. These ideas are simple to follow and full of variety. No waste, just great taste.

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

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Soft, swirled rolls packed with cinnamon and brown sugar. The sourdough discard gives them a slight tang that balances the sweetness. They’re fluffy, rich, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. A cream cheese glaze finishes them off beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

These pancakes are light with a slightly tangy flavor and crisp edges. The batter comes together fast and cooks evenly. Serve with butter, syrup, or fruit. They’re a great way to use discard without planning ahead.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Sourdough Soft Pretzels

Chewy, golden pretzels with that classic salty crust. The sourdough gives them deeper flavor than traditional dough. Boil and bake for authentic texture. Serve with mustard, cheese dip, or plain.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Soft Pretzels

Sourdough Pizza Dough

Crisp crust with airy edges and chewy bite, all thanks to sourdough fermentation. This dough stretches easily and bakes well on a stone or pan. Top with anything from classic sauce to roasted veggies. Letting it rest overnight brings out the best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pizza Dough

Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Two slices of blueberry bread on a light blue plate, with a whole loaf behind them and a jar of blueberries in the background. — Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

This quick bread is moist inside with bursts of blueberries throughout. The air fryer gives it a tender crumb with golden edges. A great morning treat or snack. Add lemon zest or glaze if you like it brighter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sourdough Blueberry Bread

Sourdough Donuts Recipe

Fluffy inside and lightly crisp outside, these donuts are fried to golden brown. The sourdough base gives them depth without being overly tangy. Coat in cinnamon sugar or dip in glaze. Great for weekend baking.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Donuts Recipe

Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins

A plate of five cinnamon muffins with crumbly tops; one muffin partially unwrapped and cut in half. — Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

These muffins are soft with a warm cinnamon swirl inside. The sourdough adds just enough complexity to keep them interesting. They’re simple to make and easy to freeze. Add streusel topping for crunch.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Muffins

Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat

A glass jar filled with fish-shaped cheese crackers on a wooden table, surrounded by scattered crackers and cheese shreds. — Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Buttery crackers with sharp cheese flavor and a tender snap. The discard adds richness and helps with texture. These are great for snacks, lunchboxes, or cheese boards. Cut them into fun shapes if you like.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat

Sourdough Discard Graham Crackers

A bowl filled with rectangular graham crackers, surrounded by more crackers and a blue striped cloth. — Sourdough Discard Graham Crackers. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Crunchy, slightly sweet crackers with honey and whole wheat notes. The discard gives them a hint of tang that pairs well with sweetness. Great for s’mores or snacking. They store well in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Graham Crackers

Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread

Two slices of rustic bread on a white plate, next to a checkered cloth and a butter container on a wooden surface. — Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

A rustic round loaf with a crisp crust and airy interior. The Dutch oven traps steam for bakery-quality results. It’s great sliced with butter or dipped in soup. Ferment overnight for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Loaf of bread with two slices cut on a white plate. — Sourdough Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Soft, structured slices with a tight crumb and tender crust. The flavor is balanced enough for any sandwich filling. This loaf rises beautifully in a pan and slices cleanly. Keep it wrapped to stay fresh for days.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Sourdough Discard Biscuits

Flaky layers with a soft, buttery center and crisp top. These bake up quickly and use discard for depth. Great for breakfast, brunch, or under gravy. Serve warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Biscuits

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Muffins

A plate of chocolate chip muffins, stacked in a pyramid with one muffin cut open to show the chocolate chips inside. — Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Muffins. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Moist muffins with a subtle tang and melty chocolate chips. The discard keeps them tender without making them too dense. They’re easy to batch bake and freeze. Perfect for a quick treat or breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Muffins

Sourdough Starter Cinnamon Rolls

Made with active starter, these rolls have long-fermented flavor and soft pull-apart texture. The rise is slower but worth the wait. A buttery cinnamon filling melts into the layers. Glaze while warm for that bakery finish.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Starter Cinnamon Rolls

Blueberry Sourdough Bread

A crusty loaf studded with sweet blueberries. The balance between sour and sweet is unexpected and delicious. Toast it for breakfast or serve with soft cheese. Looks beautiful when sliced.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Sourdough Bread