11 Christmas Sourdough Discard Recipes for Holiday Hosting
Keeping a sourdough starter going while you bake for Christmas can leave you with a jar of discard in the fridge. And when guests are coming, there are plenty of chances to put it to use: cinnamon rolls for breakfast, crackers for a snack board, soft rolls for dinner and cookies to share.
These Christmas sourdough discard recipes come from independent food bloggers, and each one specifically uses sourdough discard. Some also use commercial yeast to help the dough rise, so you can enjoy the sourdough flavor without relying on discard alone to leaven the bake. Add the recipes you like to your holiday menu, then use the linked recipe cards for the full ingredients and instructions.
For more seasonal menu ideas, explore our Christmas Food ideas. For year-round inspiration, see our sourdough discard recipe roundup, or pair these bakes with our Christmas appetizer ideas.
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If you’re planning the whole morning, browse our Christmas morning breakfast ideas for more make-ahead inspiration.
Christmas morning and holiday brunch
Make-ahead dough and freezer-friendly bakes can make a holiday breakfast feel special without keeping you in the kitchen all morning.
Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with maple frosting are a lovely Christmas morning treat. This recipe uses a generous amount of discard, and the dough can be frozen ahead for an easier breakfast.
These Sourdough Discard Cranberry Orange Scones with Brown Butter Orange Icing include dried cranberries, orange, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Sourdough Discard Star Bread uses my tried-and-true discard cinnamon roll dough and can be prepped the night before to bake fresh on Christmas morning.
Savory recipes for holiday guests
For a party spread or a busy Christmas meal, savory bakes give you more ways to use discard. Pair these ideas with our Christmas appetizer ideas or add a homemade bread option to your Christmas dinner menu.
This spinach dip sourdough star bread is a festive pull-apart appetizer made with sourdough discard. Perfect for Christmas, parties, and holiday gatherings.
Sourdough discard dinner rolls — soft, pull-apart, lightly tangy rolls enriched with butter, baked in a pan and ready the same day.
Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers Recipe (Optional Cheese or Herbs)
Enjoy delicious, crispy crackers with our flexible and easy sourdough discard crackers recipe - with optional cheese, herbs and more.
Christmas cookies to bake and share
These discard cookies bring classic holiday flavors to a cookie tray, cookie exchange or afternoon of baking with the family.
These Chewy Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies are incredibly soft, perfectly spiced, and benefit from an easy overnight ferment that deepens their flavor and
Soft sourdough sugar cookies made with discard and finished with fluffy buttercream frosting. Perfect for decorating!
Use your extra sourdough starter to make buttery thumbprint cookies filled with your favorite jam. This cookie recipe perfect for holidays!
Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms are chewy, full of peanut butter, and sourdough discard. Rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey Kiss.
A gingerbread loaf for guests and gifting
If you want something to slice for breakfast, serve with coffee or wrap up for a neighbor, this spiced loaf is an easy addition to your holiday baking list.
A delicious recipe for a Sourdough Discard Gingerbread Loaf, perfect for the holidays and packed with gingerbread flavor!
A quick note about sourdough discard
Discard is the portion of starter removed before a feeding. These recipes call for discard, but check each blogger’s instructions for the starter hydration and temperature they expect. Some recipes also include yeast, which helps the dough rise on a holiday-friendly schedule.
Hello, I’m Luci, founder of Mums Make Lists. The site is full of useful and fun ideas for life and seasonal celebrations. Plus a growing selection of instantly downloadable fun printables and party planners. Read more.