20 Sourdough Recipes That Make Your Starter Totally Worth It

If you love baking with sourdough or you are just looking for better ways to use up your starter and discard, this roundup is packed with inspiration. From cozy breads to sweet treats and savory favorites, these sourdough recipes are perfect for home bakers who want reliable results and big flavor. Whether you bake every weekend or only when the craving hits, this collection makes sourdough feel approachable, fun, and totally worth the effort.

Sourdough Vanilla Cupcakes

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These cupcakes are light, airy, and packed with a subtle vanilla flavor. The sourdough adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness. Frost them with buttercream or a simple glaze for a delightful treat. They hold up well and stay soft for several days.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Vanilla Cupcakes

Cranberry Orange Sourdough Brioche Rolls

Soft and slightly sweet, these brioche rolls have a tender crumb. The cranberries add bursts of tartness while the orange zest brightens the flavor. They make a great addition to brunch or a tea spread. The sourdough gives them extra depth and complexity.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sourdough Brioche Rolls

Cinnamon Sourdough Discard Muffins

These muffins are packed with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite. They have a moist, tender texture thanks to the sourdough discard. A light crumble on top adds a touch of crunch. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sourdough Discard Muffins

Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread

Baking this bread in a Dutch oven creates a crusty exterior with a soft, chewy interior. The sourdough starter gives it a complex flavor profile. The method locks in moisture while producing a golden crust. It’s ideal for slicing with butter or making sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Dutch Oven Bread

Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat

These crackers are crispy, cheesy, and addictive. The sourdough discard gives them a subtle tang that complements the sharp cheese. They are easy to bake and store well. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these homemade snacks.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – Goldfish Copycat

Best Sourdough Discard Chocolate Brownies

Close-up of chocolate chip brownies cut into rectangular pieces, topped with chocolate chips and arranged on a light-colored surface. — Best Sourdough Discard Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Ginger Homemaking.

Rich and fudgy, these brownies are intensely chocolatey. The sourdough discard adds a slight depth of flavor without altering the classic texture. They are easy to prepare and hold together beautifully. A dusting of powdered sugar can give them a finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Best Sourdough Discard Chocolate Brownies

Sourdough Starter Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are soft, pillowy, and full of cinnamon sweetness. The sourdough starter contributes to a tender, flavorful dough. A simple glaze or cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level. They are ideal for a weekend breakfast or special treat.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Starter Cinnamon Rolls

Blueberry Sourdough Bread

This bread is studded with juicy blueberries that burst with flavor. The sourdough starter adds a subtle tang that complements the fruit. The crumb is moist yet structured, making it easy to slice. Toast a slice to enhance the blueberry aroma.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Sourdough Bread

Sourdough Breadsticks

A basket of breadsticks on a blue and white checkered cloth, next to a bowl of salad with croutons and a dish of red sauce. — Sourdough Breadsticks. Photo credit: The Dinner Bell.

Golden and crisp on the outside with a soft interior, these breadsticks are easy to pull apart. The sourdough adds flavor and texture that elevates a simple snack. Sprinkle them with herbs or cheese before baking for extra flair. They are great for dipping in sauces.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Breadsticks

Lemony Sourdough Protein Shortbread Cookies

These cookies have a delicate lemon flavor with a crisp, buttery texture. The sourdough starter gives them a unique background note that enhances the lemon. They hold their shape well and pair nicely with tea or coffee. A light dusting of sugar adds a finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Sourdough Protein Shortbread Cookies

Sourdough Discard Brownies

Another take on a classic, these brownies are moist with a rich chocolate taste. The sourdough discard subtly enhances the depth of flavor. They are easy to cut into squares for sharing. A few chocolate chips on top can add extra indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Brownies

Tangy Sourdough Biscuits

Fluffy and layered, these biscuits are soft inside with a golden crust. The sourdough adds a tang that lifts the flavor. They bake quickly and can be served with butter or jam. They are versatile enough for breakfast or dinner sides.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Sourdough Biscuits

No Fail Sourdough Pizza Dough

This dough is easy to work with and stretches beautifully. The sourdough starter gives the crust a light chew and gentle tang. It crisps up nicely in the oven without becoming hard. Add toppings of choice for a simple homemade pizza.
Get the Recipe: No Fail Sourdough Pizza Dough

Sourdough Discard Biscuits

These biscuits are tender and flaky with a subtle tang from the discard. They rise well and have a soft crumb. They can be made in a hurry when you have leftover starter. Serve warm with butter for a classic touch.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Biscuits

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Soft yet sturdy, this bread holds up to all types of fillings. The sourdough starter creates a subtle tang and a complex flavor. It slices evenly, making it ideal for everyday sandwiches. Toasting enhances the texture and aroma.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

These pancakes are thick, fluffy, and slightly tangy. The sourdough discard adds depth to the batter. They cook evenly and develop a golden-brown surface. Stack them with syrup or fruit for a satisfying breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Easy Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Close-up of a slice of cinnamon swirl bread topped with a layer of white icing, served on a white plate. — Easy Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: Ginger Homemaking.

This focaccia combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with a soft, airy bread. The sourdough starter improves texture and flavor. It can be sliced into squares or served as a pull-apart loaf. A drizzle of icing on top adds a sweet finish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cinnamon Roll Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Sourdough Pizza Dough

Light and chewy, this dough forms the base for a delicious pizza crust. The sourdough starter gives a subtle tang that complements toppings. It can be baked thin and crispy or thick and soft. Stretching it by hand gives it a rustic appearance.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pizza Dough

Old-Fashioned Sourdough Pretzels Recipe

Three salted soft pretzels are arranged on a white plate next to a blue and white striped cloth. — Old-Fashioned Sourdough Pretzels Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life..

These pretzels are soft on the inside with a chewy crust. The sourdough starter adds a gentle tang to the classic flavor. Boiling before baking gives them the signature glossy finish. Sprinkle with coarse salt for the finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Sourdough Pretzels Recipe

Cracked Peppercorn Sourdough Rolls

Round loaves of bread with a golden crust and visible herbs or seeds rest on a cooling rack; one loaf is sliced to show the inside texture. — Cracked Peppercorn Sourdough Rolls. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These rolls feature a peppercorn crust for subtle heat. The crumb stays soft inside. Baking produces a uniform golden exterior. Each roll is flavorful and aromatic.
Get the Recipe: Cracked Peppercorn Sourdough Rolls