Sourdough Discard Breakfast Pockets are a warm, filling, and practical way to turn leftover sourdough discard into a satisfying breakfast you can make ahead and enjoy all week. These soft, handheld pockets are stuffed with classic breakfast fillings like eggs, cheese, and savory add-ins, then baked until golden and tender. The sourdough discard adds structure and moisture to the dough without making it taste sour, giving you a soft interior with a lightly crisp outside. They’re perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family without standing at the stove every day.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk or water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For the filling - 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack)
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers or onions (optional)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses sourdough discard in a practical, filling way
- Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts
- Customizable with endless fillings
- Soft, tender dough with savory filling
- Freezer-friendly and reheats well
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the sourdough discard, olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This rise helps create a fluffy, tender texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper, then scramble gently until just set. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before assembling the pockets.
Step 4: Shape the Pockets
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 5–6 inches wide. Place scrambled eggs, cheese, cooked sausage or bacon, and vegetables in the center of each circle.
Step 5: Seal the Pockets
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal, then place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover loosely and let the pockets rest for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy. This helps them bake up soft instead of dense.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breakfast pockets for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly before serving so the filling sets. Serve warm or allow to cool completely for storage.
Cooking Notes
- Let filling cool slightly before stuffing to avoid tearing dough
- Seal edges well to prevent leaks
- Do not overfill pockets
- Bake until fully golden for best structure
Variations
- Use ham instead of sausage or bacon
- Add spinach or mushrooms for vegetables
- Use pepper jack cheese for spice
- Make them sweet with eggs, cinnamon, and cream cheese
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh fruit or yogurt
- Pair with coffee or tea
- Add hot sauce or salsa on the side
- Serve as part of a brunch spread
Tips
- Use room-temperature discard for smoother dough
- Freeze pockets individually for quick breakfasts
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
- Label freezer bags with filling type
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rise time)
Nutritional Information (Per Pocket)
Approx. 310 calories – 12g protein – 12g fat – 36g carbs
FAQs
Do these taste sour?
No, the sourdough discard adds richness without sour flavor.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer until warmed through.
Can I use active sourdough starter?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly stronger.
Can I make them without meat?
Absolutely, cheese and veggie fillings work great.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Breakfast Pockets are a smart, satisfying way to transform sourdough discard into a hearty breakfast you can grab and go. Soft, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for meal prep and busy mornings when you still want something homemade and comforting.