Cozy Fall Baking: 5 Sourdough Discard Recipes You’ll Love This Season

There’s something about fall baking that feels like a warm hug—the crisp air outside, the smell of cinnamon and spices drifting through the kitchen, and the comfort of making something delicious from simple ingredients. If you’re anything like me, you love the ritual of baking with sourdough discard—it’s a little bit magic, a little bit thrifty, and all heart.

This fall, I’ve gathered my five favorite sourdough discard recipes that are perfect for cozy mornings, lazy weekends, and sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re new to sourdough discard baking or a seasoned pro, these recipes are simple, comforting, and just right for this season.

Close-up of rolling pin on dough with flour on wooden surface, perfect for baking themes.

1. Easy Sourdough Waffles or Pancake Recipe

Start your day with fluffy, tangy sourdough waffles or pancakes that turn breakfast into a little celebration. These are quick to whip up, use your discard, and taste like Sunday morning—even on a busy weekday.

Try my full recipe here: Easy Sourdough Waffles or Pancakes

Tips for Perfect Waffles & Pancakes

Make sure your discard is bubbly and fresh for the best rise.
If your batter feels too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or water.
Serve with warm maple syrup and fresh fruit for a cozy touch.

A freshly made sourdough waffle with dark chocolate chips and maple syrup drizzle on a plate on a linen tea towel

2. Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

If fall had a flavor, it would be these soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. Using sourdough discard gives them that extra tang and tenderness that makes every bite feel like a cozy moment. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches.

You can find the recipe here: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

My Favorite Cinnamon Roll Tip

I love letting the dough rise just a little longer for that extra fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. And don’t skimp on the icing—it’s the best part!

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven in a cast iron skillet

3. Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits with Creamy Turmeric Sausage Gravy

For those chilly mornings when you need a warm hug on a plate, these flaky biscuits smothered in turmeric sausage gravy deliver all the comfort you crave. The sourdough discard adds a depth of flavor that makes this classic extra special. Seriously….this is AAHHHMAAZING!

Get the recipe here: Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits with Creamy Turmeric Sausage Gravy

Biscuit Baking Notes

Use cold butter straight from the fridge for flakier layers. To make it extra special, I use my homemade butter!
Don’t overwork your dough—gentle folding is key!

Biscuits and gravy sitting on a white plate

4. Simple Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Sometimes, the best recipes are the simple ones. This soft and tender sandwich bread uses your sourdough discard and makes meal prep so easy—from soups to sandwiches, it’s a staple that keeps on giving.

Grab the recipe here: Simple Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread

Bread Baking Tips

Use warm water to help your yeast activity. Not too hot though or you will kill your yeast!
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for best results. The top of the warm stove works great!
This bread freezes beautifully—slice and freeze for quick sandwiches. I don’t know about you but hot pressed sandwiches are a Fall-Favorite of ours…perfect for serving with delicious soup like this Cheesy Potato Soup!

Simple Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread sliced on a cutting board

5. Quick Made From Scratch Sourdough Banana Bread

Got overripe bananas and sourdough discard? This quick banana bread is your answer. Moist, flavorful, and with just the right hint of tang, it’s perfect for snacking or breakfast with a cup of hot or cold brew coffee.

Find the recipe here: Quick Made From Scratch Sourdough Banana Bread

Banana Bread Advice

Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor. Make sure to check for mold first.
Mix just until combined to keep it tender and moist.

Top view of a delicious homemade banana bread fresh from the oven placed on a cooling rack. Enjoy the warm and inviting aroma.

Other Ways to Use Your Sourdough Discard

Using sourdough discard isn’t just about baking—it’s also a handy ingredient that can help reduce waste and even benefit your home in unexpected ways. Here are a couple of ideas to try beyond the kitchen:

1. Feed Your Chickens

If you keep backyard chickens, sourdough discard can be a tasty treat for them. It’s full of beneficial yeasts and bacteria, and most chickens enjoy pecking at it. Just be sure not to feed them too much, and avoid discard with any added sugar or salt. My girls really love this as an occasional snack!

2. Compost or Garden Booster

Sourdough discard can be added to your compost pile to help break down organic material faster thanks to its yeast content. Some gardeners also mix small amounts of discard into garden soil or mulch as a mild fertilizer and microbe booster! Isn’t that awesome? I just recently learned about this so I am happy to share it with you to try!

Free Printable: Your Fall Sourdough Discard Baking Guide

To make fall baking even easier, I’ve put together a free printable featuring all five of these favorite recipes—perfect for keeping in your kitchen or gifting to a friend who loves cozy baking.

Want your copy? Simply click on the prompt below to take you to our Community Resource Library, enter your email address, and get access to your immediate download for free. It’s my little way of saying thanks for being here and baking alongside me this season.

take me to the guide!

Fall baking with sourdough discard is one of those simple pleasures that makes the season feel a little warmer and your home a little cozier. I hope these recipes bring that same warmth to your kitchen—and if you try any, I’d love to hear how they turn out!

XO,
Bri