12 sourdough discard recipes for Thanksgiving
Go beyond the dinner roll with sourdough pie crusts, cornbread, scones, and more.
Thanksgiving is the busiest season for bakers, and your sourdough starter is here to help. That means fluffy rolls and crusty breads, yes, but your starter is much more versatile than you may realize. Use it to make nostalgic apple pie, savory cornbread, and even chocolate chip cookies for everyone at your table. Here are our favorite ways to bake with sourdough discard this holiday season.
1) Sourdough Pie Crust
This flaky, buttery crust is well-suited for all your favorite fillings — from Classic Chicken Pot Pie to sweet Cinnamon-and-Sugar Apple Pie. Sourdough starter, instead of water, hydrates the dough, giving it a unique depth of flavor. Opt for pumpernickel flour for even more flavor — it gives this crust a touch of savory, earthy rye.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Pie Crust
Shop the recipe: King Arthur Pie Pan
2) Sourdough Apple Pie
One of our favorite ways to use the sourdough pie crust above? Apple pie. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang, enhancing the classic taste without straying too far from tradition. And the best part? It's topped with a mountain of buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumbs that add extra umph to every bite.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Apple Pie
Shop the recipe: Vermont Boiled Cider
3) Sourdough Cornbread
If you think you’ve tried every cornbread recipe out there, consider adding sourdough discard for something different. The magic really happens with the cast iron skillet: As the oven heats up, the butter browns, bringing a rich nuttiness and creating those irresistible, crispy edges. The even heat of the skillet ensures a golden brown crust with a perfectly moist, tender interior.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Cornbread
Shop the recipe: Field No.8 Skillet
4) Buttery Sourdough Biscuits
These buttery biscuits are a great addition to the Thanksgiving table and an excellent way to use your sourdough starter discard. Versatile and delicious, they're ideal for soaking up extra gravy or cranberry sauce, making mini leftover sandwiches, or serving with jam for breakfast the next morning.
Get the recipe: Buttery Sourdough Biscuits
Shop the recipe: Pastry & Biscuit Cutters – Round Set
5) Buttery Sourdough Buns
These soft, pull-apart buns offer a unique twist on traditional crescent rolls. Shaped into a delightful spiral, each buttery bite is tender on the inside with a satisfying crisp crust on the outside. Their light sourdough tang adds depth and pairs beautifully with both savory dishes and sweet spreads alike.
Get the recipe: Buttery Sourdough Buns
Shop the recipe: Round Loaf Lifter
6) Pain De Campagne (Country Bread)
This sourdough bread uses unfed sourdough starter, making it both practical and flexible. Bake it earlier in the week to enjoy as fresh, homemade bread, then later in the week, use any leftovers for stuffing. It makes two large loaves, ideal for serving a crowd.
Get the recipe: Pain De Campagne (Country Bread)
Shop the recipe: Brotform and Liner Set
7) Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s room for more than just pie on the dessert table. These sourdough chocolate chip cookies are fun variation on the classic, with crispy edges, a chewy center, and a rich butterscotch flavor thanks to brown butter. Keep a big batch on hand all week long for a sweet snack or dessert.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
Shop the recipe: Valrhona Dark Chocolate
8) Easiest Sourdough Discard Crackers
Quick and simple to make, these crackers combine sourdough discard with melted butter, salt, and your favorite seasonings or seeds. They bring a satisfying crunch and a hint of sourdough flavor that’s perfect served on a pre-Thanksgiving charcuterie board — or just enjoyed by the handful.
Get the recipe: Easiest Sourdough Discard Crackers
Shop the recipe: King Arthur Sheet Pan
9) Sourdough Popovers
Popovers are a light, airy treat that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. With just five pantry staples you likely already have — including your sourdough starter — you can whip up a dozen golden popovers with crisp edges and tender, fluffy centers. They’re a wonderful addition to a holiday breakfast with out-of-town guests or to the Thanksgiving breadbasket.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Popovers
Shop the recipe: Popover Pan
10) Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Bread
Made with pumpkin purée for a tender crumb, a touch of molasses for rich sweetness, and studded with walnuts and raisins for a bit of texture, this spiced bread is a fall favorite that’s wonderful at breakfast. With its warm spices and satisfying texture, this loaf brings cozy fall flavors to every slice, whether toasted with butter or enjoyed on its own.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Bread
Shop the recipe: Vietnamese Cinnamon
11) Sourdough Ginger Pumpkin Bread
Let this sweet bread take center stage on your Thanksgiving table! Featuring a balance of warm spices and pumpkin flavor, it’s mildly sweet with a soft, tender crumb, and is shaped like an adorable pumpkin, making it as festive as it is delicious.
Get the recipe: Sourdough Ginger Pumpkin Bread
Shop the recipe: Mini Diced Ginger
12) Maple Pecan Sourdough Scones
Rich and buttery with a slight sourdough tang, these scones are topped with a salty maple glaze and include pecans for a satisfying crunch. Make them for Thanksgiving day breakfast (they won’t spoil your appetite!) or enjoy them the morning after with guests.
Get the recipe: Maple Pecan Sourdough Scones
Shop the recipe: Vermont Maple Syrup
On the quest for the perfect Thanksgiving pie(s)? Here are some ideas.
Cover photo (Sourdough Ginger Pumpkin Bread) by Kristin Teig.
25 Reviews
Tagged:
Filed Under:
Recipes
