You’ve got a jar of sourdough discard and a game-day crowd to feed—perfect match. These recipes turn that tangy gold into crispy, chewy, snackable greatness. We’re talking dips, bites, sliders, and desserts that disappear faster than a Hail Mary. Ready to level up your snack table and avoid food waste while you’re at it?
1. Kickoff Cheesy Sourdough Pretzel Bites
Soft, salty, and outrageously snackable, these pretzel bites disappear before halftime. The discard adds a subtle tang that makes the cheese dip taste even cheesier. Bonus: they’re easy to grab between fist pumps.
Game Plan:
- Whisk discard, warm water, a little yeast, sugar, and flour for a quick dough.
- Roll ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, then boil in baking soda water for that signature chew.
- Brush with butter, sprinkle coarse salt, and bake until deeply golden.
Serve with a velvety beer cheese sauce or honey mustard. Perfect when you need a high-reward snack with minimal fuss.
2. Blitz-Worthy Sourdough Discard Pizza Wedges
Pizza, but faster, crispier, and more custom than delivery. The discard dough gives you a thin, flavorful crust that bakes up beautifully on a hot sheet pan. Cut into wedges so it feels shareable and snack-like.
Tips:
- Stir discard with olive oil, a pinch of sugar, salt, and flour until shaggy; rest 20 minutes.
- Press onto an oiled pan, top with marinara, mozzarella, and your team’s “lucky” toppings.
- Bake on the lowest oven rack for max crisp.
Great for feeding a mixed crowd—set up topping zones and let people claim their corner.
3. Two-Minute Sourdough Discard Skillet Pancakes (Savory Edition)
Think Dutch baby meets nachos. The discard puffs up in a hot, buttered skillet and turns into a crisp-edged, fluffy base. Load it with savory toppings and slice it like a pie.
How-To:
- Whisk discard with an egg, splash of milk, salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Pour into a screaming-hot buttered cast-iron skillet; bake until puffed and golden.
- Top with cheddar, jalapeños, scallions, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Serve hot with sour cream on the side. Ideal when you want something impressive with basically zero effort—FYI, it’s a serious crowd-pleaser.
4. First-Down Sourdough Garlic Knots
Buttery, garlicky knots that pull apart like a dream. The discard adds complexity, so they taste like you bought them from a legit pizzeria. Dunk in marinara and watch the basket empty.
Key Moves:
- Mix discard with flour, olive oil, warm water, yeast, and a touch of sugar; rise until poofy.
- Roll into ropes, tie knots, and bake until lightly golden.
- Toss hot knots in garlic butter, parsley, and grated Parmesan.
These shine as a side for wings or as a carby alternative to chips. Bonus aroma points fill the living room—seriously, your neighbors will “accidentally” drop by.
5. Sourdough Discard Buffalo Chicken Hand Pies
All the wing flavor without the sauce-stained jersey. Flaky, tender pockets stuffed with spicy, creamy chicken hit every craving. The discard pastry bakes up with tang and tenderness.
Filling & Dough:
- Filling: shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, scallions, and a little cheddar.
- Dough: discard, cold butter, flour, salt, and a splash of ice water—quickly pulsed or rubbed together.
- Seal, crimp, brush with egg wash, and bake until blistered and golden.
These transport well and reheat like champs. Use when you want a no-mess, high-flavor bite that pairs perfectly with ranch.
6. Crunch-Time Sourdough Discard Crackers With Everything Seasoning
Move over, store-bought crackers. These bake thin and shatter-crisp with that addictive sourdough tang. Slather with hummus, queso, or a smoked fish dip and you’re set.
Fast Method:
- Stir discard with olive oil, salt, and a touch of honey; spread thin on a parchment-lined sheet.
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or flaky salt and pepper.
- Score into squares, bake low and slow until crisp throughout.
Ideal for grazing boards and dips when you want something homemade without babysitting. IMO, this is the best use for “extra” discard.
7. Halftime Sourdough Discard Corn Dogs (Mini Bites)
Fair food meets couch comfort. These mini corn dog bites bring the crunch on the outside and fluffy tang on the inside. They fly off the plate faster than a kickoff return.
Assembly:
- Whisk discard with cornmeal, flour, baking powder, a little sugar, egg, and milk until thick.
- Skewer bite-sized hot dog pieces or use mini sausages.
- Dip, fry in 350°F oil until golden, and drain on paper towels.
Serve with ketchup, mustard, and spicy mayo. Use when you need a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults—because who says no to mini corn dogs?
8. Loaded Sourdough Discard Nacho Waffles
Waffles as nacho chips? Absolutely. The discard creates crisp, tangy savory waffles that hold all the toppings without collapsing. Pile high and fork it like a casserole.
Build-It:
- Make a thick batter with discard, egg, milk, oil, baking powder, shredded cheddar, and taco spice.
- Press in a waffle maker until deeply browned and crisp.
- Top with black beans, salsa, jalapeños, avocado, and a drizzle of crema.
This shines when you need a big, shareable platter that doubles as dinner. It’s messy in all the right ways—trust me, you’ll want seconds.
9. Sourdough Discard Slider Buns For Pulled Pork
Soft, slightly tangy buns make your sliders taste chef-level. They’re sturdy enough to handle saucy pulled pork and creamy slaw without sogging out. Your slow cooker deserves this upgrade.
Pro Tips:
- Combine discard with warm milk, butter, sugar, yeast, flour, and salt; knead until smooth.
- Shape small buns, proof until puffy, and brush with egg wash for a shiny top.
- Bake until golden; brush with melted butter and a pinch of flaky salt.
Use for pulled pork, brisket, or buffalo cauliflower. These buns turn any filling into a game-day MVP.
10. Overtime Sourdough Discard Brownies With Salted Peanut Crunch
Dessert wins games, emotionally speaking. These brownies hit fudgy in the middle, shiny on top, and carry a gentle sourdough tang that deepens the chocolate. The salted peanut crunch brings stadium vibes home.
Batter Basics:
- Whisk melted butter and sugar until glossy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Stir in cocoa powder, melted dark chocolate, discard, flour, and salt.
- Top with chopped salted peanuts and chocolate chips; bake until just set.
Slice small; they’re rich in the best way. Perfect for the fourth quarter when everyone mysteriously finds room for chocolate.
Ready to put your discard to work and your snack table on highlight reels? Pick two or three of these for your next watch party and rotate the rest through the season. Your starter won’t go to waste, and your friends will think you moonlight in a test kitchen—seriously, they’ll ask for the recipes.