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    Home » Sourdough Recipes » Sourdough Discard Ideas

    Sourdough Discard Bread Machine Recipe - Using Bread Machine Start to Finish

    Published: Mar 2, 2021 · Modified: Jul 17, 2022 by The Pantry Mama This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Sourdough discard bread in bread machine

    If you've been looking for a sourdough discard bread machine recipe, this recipe is for you! Making sourdough in a bread maker is possible with some adjustment.

    This recipe is for making sourdough discard sandwich bread in a bread maker from start to finish.

    If you have a bread maker, you might wonder if it's possible to make sourdough bread in it.

    The short answer is - no you cannot bake "traditional sourdough" in your bread machine. However, with a few tweaks you can bake a tasty sourdough discard sandwich loaf - from start to finish - in a basic bread maker.

    Sourdough discard bread in bread machine

    Creating a Sourdough Discard Bread Machine Recipe

    I have clicked on many "bread machine sourdough" recipes - only to be disappointed because they aren't really cooking the sourdough in the bread maker. They are just using the bread machine for the mixing and kneading (similar to how you'd use a stand mixer).

    Now there's nothing wrong with this - I've even written this article on using your bread machine for traditional sourdough bread (it just can't handle the process from start to finish).

    But as a busy mama to 3 boys, I needed to find a sourdough bread machine recipe that I could load the night before and wake up to fresh sourdough bread. Not a big ask, right?

    Well, it is possible - but there are a few caveats.

    A basic bread machine will not be able to bake a traditional sourdough loaf from start to finish. There are few reasons for this:

    • the settings on a basic bread maker are programmed to rise commercial yeast and they are too short for wild sourdough yeast.
    • the bread maker cannot shape and tension your dough like you can by hand.

    Newer, fancier models of bread machines like this one can make sourdough bread, however it will still be a sandwich style rather than a traditional sourdough loaf.

    With this mind, I set about creating a sourdough discard bread machine recipe that could be made, from start to finish in a bread maker.

    All you have to do is add the ingredients and the bread maker will do the rest.

    Sounds good? I promise it is tasty!

    This loaf is huge! Using the Extra Large setting on my basic bread machine. Fancy a sandwich?

    How Is Sourdough in a Bread Maker Possible?

    Now, as I explained earlier, traditional sourdough in a bread maker is not possible due to the shorter rising cycles based on commercial yeast.

    So, in order to make sourdough in a bread maker, you will need to use some commercial yeast. I generally use 7g, however you can experiment and you may be able to get away with less. It's fun to experiment, right?

    You still add your sourdough starter to the mixture when you load the bread maker. It's up to you whether you use fed or unfed starter (discard).

    Because you are using some added dried yeast, using discard is totally ok (and in fact it's a great way to use it up).

    I find this bread is a convenient way to add some sourdough goodness to a fast loaf. It's hands off - which suits me mid week when I'm juggling kids, farm life, writing and general mama duties!

    Type of Bread Machine for Sourdough Bread

    When developing this recipe I used a Panasonic Bread Maker. It is not fancy, just a basic bread maker with a range of settings that are unfortunately not customisable.

    But I am able to make a successful sourdough discard sandwich loaf in this bread machine.

    If you are interested in buying a bread machine specifically for sourdough, these two options have sourdough functions and can be programmed to suit sourdough rising cycles.

    This means you would not need to use commercial yeast.

    Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker

    Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus

    Tips for Making Bread Machine Sourdough

    Bread Machines often get a bad rap for making sub par loaves, however there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best possible loaf of sourdough discard bread from a bread maker.

    • Add the water and other liquids into the pan first, then add dry ingredients on top. This helps ensure that the bread machine doesn't leave any flour unmixed. If there are patches of flour or unmixed dough, scrape the sides of the pan down with a silicone spatula.
    • You can use All Purpose flour for a sandwich loaf - it has a lower protein content which is perfect to achieve the texture of sandwich bread. Bread flour is perfectly fine too - but you will get a softer texture with All Purpose flour.
    • Don't be afraid to check on your dough through the process (if you're not sleeping). Open the lid! Trust me, you want to see that dough being kneaded, it's like a little monster! Don't be afraid to add extra liquid or flour if you think the dough needs it.
    • Learn your bread maker's cycle and check the shape of your dough before it rises. Don't be afraid to take the dough out and reposition it. If the dough looks too loose or like it's not going to fill the whole pan, I take it out, shape it and pop it back in.
    Sourdough Discard Bread Machine Recipe
    Here I have removed the dough from the pan, shaped it and replaced it in the bread machine, after removing the paddle from the base of the pan.
    • You can even add some fancy twists or score your dough once you learn your machine's timing! Run your machine a few time while you're home so you take note what functions it performs and at what time intervals during the machine's dough preparation cycle. This way you can intervene if you want/need to.
    • If you are able to (and you're not sleeping) take the paddle out of the pan before your bread bakes so you don't get the hole - unless you have this bread machine which automatically lowers the paddle for you - cool right?
    • When you take your sourdough discard loaf out of the bread machine, remove it from the pan and then place it back inside the machine, with the lid slightly ajar for air flow. This will ensure your bread maker sourdough loaf doesn't get a wrinkled crust as it cools. Never let it cool inside the pan with the lid closed.

    Ingredient Variations

    While this sourdough discard loaf made in a bread machine uses very basic ingredients (flour, water, salt, sugar and butter) - you can add other flavors and additions to create different loaves:

    • Honey Oat Loaf - Add 30g of honey to the ingredients (you can then leave out the sugar). Then when the bread is rising, spray the top with water and sprinkle with rolled oats.
    Honey Oat Sourdough Discard Bread Machine Recipe
    This honey oat loaf is rising beautifully inside the bread machine!
    • Country Grain Loaf - Add 100g of your favorite seeds to ingredients (seeds like flax, sunflower, chia, poppy, sesame and oats work really well). This will give you a light country grain loaf.
    • Whole Wheat Loaf - Swap 250g of All Purpose or Bread Flour for 250g of whole wheat flour for a soft, whole wheat sourdough sandwich loaf.

    If you have got a bread machine tucked at the back of the cupboard, I hope this inspires you to get it out and try this sourdough discard bread maker recipe.

    And remember, if you'd prefer to make a traditional sourdough bread with the help of your bread machine, this recipe will show you how.

    The following recipe is based on my Pantry Mama Easy Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread Recipe.

    SOURDOUGH DISCARD RECIPES - REUSABLE BLOCK PIC

    Further Reading

    If you loved this recipe, you might like these ideas:

    • Have you ever thought about making sourdough pasta? You'll find a full guide on how to make sourdough pasta here.
    • For more quick sourdough recipes, check out these No Wait Sourdough Recipes for easy, fast and delicious ways to use your sourdough starter.

    Sourdough Discard Bread Machine Recipe

    This recipe is for making sourdough discard sandwich bread in a bread maker from start to finish. You will need to consult your bread machine's instruction booklet for program times.
    4.83 from 41 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 4 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 10 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Loaf
    Calories 387 kcal

    Equipment

    • Bread Machine

    Ingredients
      

    • 260 g Water
    • 500 g All Purpose Flour or Bread Flour
    • 100 g Sourdough Discard
    • 40 g Butter
    • 20 g Sugar
    • 7 g Dried Yeast
    • 10 g Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of your ingredients into the pan of your bread machine. It's easier if you add the liquid first and then the dry ingredients on top. It makes it easier for the bread maker to knead the dough.
    • Depending on your bread machine and how quickly you want your bread, select a setting for your loaf. You can use the full program or the express program. If you are able to select the size of the loaf, go for "extra large" and set the crust to dark so you get a nice crunchy crust.
    • If you can, remove the paddle from your pan before the bread starts to bake - this will ensure you don't get the hole in your bread where the paddle sits.
    • Once your sourdough discard loaf has finished baking, remove from the pan as soon as possible to avoid it sweating.
      Place the bread back into the machine with the lid ajar for air flow to avoid a wrinkled crust.

    Notes

    Remember that you can look inside while the machine is going. Don't be afraid to use a spatula to mix in the flour that's on the sides of the pan or to rearrange the dough if it's not sitting correctly (you can read all the tips in the post above).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 4178mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Bread Machine, Sourdough Discard
    Tried this recipe?Share your creation with us @ThePantryMama or tag #thepantrymama!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Leila

      March 03, 2021 at 12:18 am

      Hello Pantry Mama!
      Sorry but I’m being daft and can’t see the actual recipe to make the bread machine version of the discard loaf. Sounds a perfect solution for a quick family loaf between making something a little more special!
      I’m totally new to all this and feel like I’m hanging on every word I read of your blogs! Thank you 😊

      Reply
      • Kate Freebairn

        March 03, 2021 at 2:29 pm

        Hey Leila - oops I think that was a tech issue on my end but should be all fixed now! Yes definitely a great solution for everyday bread 🙂 I'm so glad you're enjoying the blog, thank you for reading xo

        Reply
    2. Stefanie

      March 29, 2021 at 9:28 am

      Which program did you use on your Breville custom bread maker? Thank you. I am so excited to finally find such recipe!

      Reply
      • Kate Freebairn

        March 29, 2021 at 5:04 pm

        I just use the Express Bake program (I think it's number 2) and I use XL and Dark Crust 🙂

        Reply
    3. ruth moncada

      May 06, 2021 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      Excellent bread I found this recipe today and made it straight away. Thank you so very much

      Reply
    4. Kathleen

      July 09, 2021 at 8:31 am

      5 stars
      I just made this for the first time, and I'm really pleased with it! Half white flour, half whole wheat; 2 tablespoons each flaxseeds and sunflower seeds; omitted the sugar. Maybe white bread needs sugar so it tastes like something, but whole wheat lends its own nutty sweetness.
      I used a 10-year old Cuisinart convection bread machine, which I hadn't used in over 5 years, but this recipe inspired me to dust it off.
      Thanks!

      Reply
    5. Debi

      August 18, 2021 at 5:54 am

      5 stars
      This sounds like exactly what I've been looking for. What size loaf does this make?

      Reply
    6. Carie

      January 04, 2022 at 12:06 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this about four times now. It’s a great way to use up discard. I have one going right now in my bread machine and another one of your recipes rising on the countertop. I’m going to try your list of other recipes because so far I’ve been very happy with the results! Thank you!

      Reply
    7. Cindy

      January 22, 2022 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I'm so glad I found this recipe! Thank you for developing a bread machine version of sandwich bread recipe that uses sourdough discard. I have so much discard and this was such a great way to use it. I made the bread today, and oh my goodness, it was amazing! So soft and the flavor was so good. 100 times better than store bought bread. 🙂

      Reply
    8. Alice Wickman

      March 15, 2022 at 6:47 pm

      Can sourdough discard be frozen to use later? I tried this recipe and it worked out perfectly!

      Reply
      • The Pantry Mama

        March 17, 2022 at 11:17 am

        It's better just to store it in the fridge rather than freeze it 🙂

        Reply
    9. Ruth

      May 11, 2022 at 3:26 am

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe …. Can I use pure maple syrup instead of honey?

      Reply
      • The Pantry Mama

        June 07, 2022 at 9:56 pm

        Yes you can x

        Reply
        • Velinda

          October 14, 2022 at 8:01 am

          5 stars
          What size setting do you use? 1 lb, 1.5 lb or 2lb?

          Reply
    10. Shantal

      October 21, 2022 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      This recipe blew my lid! Literally! I have a Panasonic bread machine with a sourdough setting. The full baking cycle is 5 hours and I had to step out. When I returned the bread had risen and baked beyond the lid. OMG! Even though OVER THE TOP it tasted FABULOUS! I might try using the quick setting next time to hopefully curb the fantastic rise I got🤗. Definitely a keeper for all my sourdough discard.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate! I’m the face behind The Pantry Mama and I want to help you bake delicious sourdough bread, no matter what your schedule. 
    When I’m not baking sourdough, I love to hang out with my three boys on our farm, tend to my jungle of indoor plants and drink good coffee.

    More about me →

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