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I am sure you are all familiar with the discard pile – that dreaded pile of ingredients that are left over at the end of a recipe. But what do you do when there’s nothing good to make from it?
Well, I have got an idea for you: Sourdough Discard Focaccia! This is a great way to use up all those bits and pieces of dough, and the best part is that it’s really easy to make. So give it a try, and see how much fun you can have with your leftover sourdough starter!
Sourdough Discard Focaccia: What Is It?
Sourdough discard focaccia is a type of flatbread that is made with a leftover sourdough starter. It is a great way to use up any excess starter, and it makes a delicious and easy snack or side dish. The bread is light and fluffy, with a slightly chewy texture. It is typically topped with olive oil and herbs and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Why Use This Recipe?
There are a few reasons why you might want to try this recipe:
- You have a leftover sourdough starter that you don’t know what to do with.
- You want an easy and delicious way to use up your starter.
- You’re looking for a new and interesting recipe to try.
- You want to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
- You’re a Sourdough Nerd and you love to experiment with different recipes.

Sourdough Discard Focaccia (By iStockphoto)
How To Easily Cook Sourdough Discard Focaccia?
In order to make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Leftover sourdough starter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Herbs (optional)
- Dipping sauces (optional)
The process for making this bread is really simple. First, you will need to gather your ingredients. Then, you will mix the starter, flour, and salt together in a bowl. Next, you will add enough water to form a soft dough. Once the dough is mixed, you will let it rest for 20 minutes.
After the dough has rested, you will shape it into a flat disc and place it on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Then, you will brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle on any desired herbs. Finally, you will bake the bread at a high temperature until it is golden brown and crispy.

Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) sourdough starter
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water, as needed
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Herbs, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the starter, flour, and salt.
- Add enough water to form a soft dough.
- Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Shape the dough into a flat disc and place it on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle on any desired herbs.
- Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with dipping sauces, if desired.
Notes
- The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the amount of dough you make.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 107
- Fat: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 443mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.1g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Protein: 2.7g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the amount of dough you make.
Tips From Liliana Kitchen
- In case you are using a non-active starter, you will need to activate it before using it in this recipe. To do this, simply mix the starter with equal parts water and flour, and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
- Assuming that your dough is too sticky, add more flour. If it is too dry, add more water.
- Suppose you want a thinner focaccia, simply shape the dough into a larger disc. For thicker focaccia, shape it into a smaller disc.
>> Are you hungry yet? If not, then take your time watching this video here for more tips on making this dish:
What Baking Pan To Use?
The size of the baking pan you use will determine the thickness of your focaccia. For thinner focaccia, use a large baking sheet. For thicker focaccia, use a smaller baking sheet.
If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can use a cake pan or an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish.
Troubleshooting Sourdough Discard Focaccia
There are some issues that you may find stubborn about when making sourdough discard focaccia:
- The dough is too sticky: If your dough is too sticky, add more flour to it until it is the right consistency.
- The dough is too dry: If your dough is too dry, add more water to it until it is the right consistency.
- Your focaccia is not crispy: If your focaccia is not crispy, try baking it for a few minutes longer. You can also try brushing it with olive oil before baking.
- Your focaccia is burnt: If your focaccia is burnt, try baking it for a shorter amount of time. You can also try using a different type of flour.
- You can still make this recipe without a sourdough starter. Simply follow the instructions for activating a non-active starter.
>> You might also like:
How To Eat Sourdough Discard Focaccia?
There are many ways to eat sourdough discard focaccia. You can eat it plain, or you can top it with any desired toppings. Some ideas for toppings include:
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, etc.
- Cheese: Mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, etc.
- Veggies: Sliced tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc.
- Meats: Bacon, sausage, ham, etc.
- Dips: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic butter, etc.
The possibilities are endless! Be creative and have fun with it.
Sourdough discard focaccia is best eaten the day it is made. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350F (180C) oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Sourdough Discard Focaccia (By iStockphoto)
FAQs About Sourdough Discard Focaccia
What happens if you bake sourdough discard?
When you bake sourdough discard, it will become crispy.
Can sourdough discard be used?
Yes, sourdough discard can be used.
Is eating with sourdough discard healthy?
Yes, eating with sourdough discard is healthy.
How long does it take for sourdough discard to rise?
It takes about 12-24 hours for sourdough discard to rise.
Do I have to discard every time I feed my sourdough?
No, you don’t have to discard every time you feed your sourdough. You can use it right away or store it in the fridge for later.
What is the purpose of a sourdough starter?
The purpose of a sourdough starter is to leaven bread. It is made with flour and water and fermented by wild yeast and bacteria.
A sourdough starter can be used to make bread, pancakes, waffles, crackers, pizza dough, and more.
How do I store my sourdough starter?
Your sourdough starter can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to feed it every week or so to keep it alive.
You can also freeze your sourdough starter for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours before using it.
Conclusion
Sourdough discard focaccia is a delicious and easy-to-make bread. It is perfect for any occasion, and it can be made with any desired toppings. Be sure to activate your sourdough starter a day or two before you plan on making the bread so that it has time to rise.
This recipe makes one large focaccia or two smaller ones. If you are feeding a large crowd, you may want to double the recipe. Once you master this recipe, you can experiment with different flours, shapes, and toppings. Have fun with it and enjoy!
Also, remember to visit us at Lilianakitchen.com for more up-to-come interesting topics around the food world that you may want to dive into!