Quick Sourdough Discard French Bread has a special place in my kitchen. It combines the delightful tang of sourdough with the ease of making a classic French bread. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with all that sourdough discard, this recipe is a quick and satisfying answer. It’s a wonderful way to produce a beautiful loaf with a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior without spending all day kneading.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed. You don’t need to be an experienced baker to achieve delicious results. It’s budget-friendly, utilizing sourdough discard that many people would otherwise toss out. The bread comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Imagine serving warm, homemade bread fresh from the oven to family or friends, all while knowing you utilized something that might have gone to waste.

"I was amazed at how easy this recipe was! The bread turned out better than anything I’ve bought in a store!" — Emma, a satisfied home baker

How to make Quick Sourdough Discard French Bread

Making this bread is a straightforward process that involves just a few essential steps. To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients, mix, knead, let it rise, and then bake. The result? A crusty loaf of bliss, perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with butter!

What you’ll need

To whip up this delightful bread, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup sourdough discard
3 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat or a gluten-free blend)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 teaspoons instant yeast (ensure it’s fresh for best results)
Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar or honey for added sweetness

Use high-quality flour for the best flavor and texture. If you need a gluten-free version, there are excellent alternatives available.

Directions to follow

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, and yeast. Stir to combine.
Add the flour and salt into the mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a loaf pan.
Let it rise for another 30 minutes, covered.
Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife, and if you wish, brush it with water or milk for a nice crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Best ways to enjoy it

This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it sliced with butter and jam for breakfast, or use it for sandwiches filled with your favorite deli meats and fresh veggies. Pair it with a warm bowl of soup for a comforting dinner, or enjoy toasted with avocado and a sprinkle of salt as a quick snack. Its crusty exterior combined with a soft interior makes every bite a joy.

How to store & freeze

To store any leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can last at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply toast slices straight from the freezer or thaw at room temperature.

Helpful cooking tips

To ensure the best results, here are a few handy tips:

If your sourdough discard is particularly thick, feel free to add a little extra water to the dough for better consistency.
Make sure to knead thoroughly to develop gluten; this is key to achieving that lovely chewy texture.
If you live in a cold environment, consider placing your dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) to encourage rising.
For added flavor, try incorporating herbs or garlic into the dough before baking.

Creative twists

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations to consider:

Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a flavorful twist.
Mix in grated cheese, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flavor.
For a sweeter bread, incorporate cinnamon and raisins or nuts for a delightful breakfast option.

Common questions

What can I use instead of sourdough discard?
You can replace it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and bake it the next day for fresh bread.

How can I know when my bread is done?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s baked through. An internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) also indicates doneness.

With this simple and delicious recipe, you can transform sourdough discard into a fabulous homemade bread that everyone will love. Let the aroma of baking bread fill your home and impress your family with this delightful creation!

Quick Sourdough Discard French Bread

A delightful and easy bread recipe using sourdough discard, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, resulting in a crusty loaf with a soft interior.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 15

Course Bread, Snack

Cuisine American, French

Servings 10 slices

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup sourdough discard Use unfed sourdough discard.
3 cups all-purpose flour Substitutes include whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives.
1.5 teaspoons salt
1.25 cups warm water Use warm water to activate yeast.
2 teaspoons instant yeast Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
1 tablespoon sugar or honey Optional for added sweetness.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, warm water, and yeast. Stir to combine.
Add the flour and salt into the mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Shape it into a loaf or place it in a loaf pan.
Let it rise for another 30 minutes, covered.
Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife, and if you wish, brush it with water or milk for a nice crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Serve sliced with butter and jam for breakfast or use for sandwiches. Store wrapped tightly to keep fresh, lasts 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword discard recipe, easy bread, French bread, homemade bread, sourdough