Sourdough and Thanksgiving: A Match Made in Heaven
From crusty, buttery rolls and herby stuffing to pumpkin-spiced loaves and cozy breakfast bakes, sourdough adds that homemade flavor and heartwarming touch to every part of the holiday table.
In this roundup, you’ll find a mix of sweet and savory sourdough recipes that are simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking ahead or looking for last-minute inspiration, these recipes will make your Thanksgiving feel just a little more special.
Do These Recipes Use Active Starter, Discard, or Both?
You’ll find recipes here for every type of sourdough baker!
Active sourdough starter: Recipes like Sourdough Focaccia, Crusty Rolls, and Pull-Apart Bread rely on a bubbly, active starter to give them that beautiful rise and depth of flavor.
Sourdough discard: If you have extra starter to use up, recipes like Sourdough Crackers, Sweet Potato Casserole with Sourdough Topping, and Brownies are perfect.
Either one: Some, like Pumpkin Sourdough Bread or Zucchini Bread, are flexible — great for using what you already have ready.
This roundup is all about working with your rhythm — whether you’ve been feeding your starter daily or are pulling it from the fridge before the holiday rush.
Are These Recipes Beginner-Friendly or More Advanced?
Most of these are absolutely beginner-friendly!If you’re new to sourdough, start with the rolls, discard crackers, or pumpkin bread. These recipes are forgiving, straightforward, and yield amazing results even if you’re still learning the feel of sourdough.
For more confident bakers ready for a little challenge, try the Sourdough Focaccia, Pumpkin Coffee Cake, or Pull-Apart Bread — they’ll impress your guests and make your kitchen smell incredible.
Make-Ahead Sourdough Recipes for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
You can absolutely plan ahead with these:
Bake early: Breads like Sourdough Rolls, Focaccia, and Pumpkin Loaves can be baked a day or two before and re-warmed before serving.
Prep ahead: Sourdough Crescent Rolls and Pull-Apart Bread can be shaped and refrigerated overnight.
Use discard creatively: Crackers, brownies, or the Sweet Potato Casserole topping can be made several days in advance — perfect for freeing up oven space on the big day.
Sourdough Recipes to Make Your Thanksgiving Table Shine
Sourdough Garlic Rosemary Pull-Apart Bread
Learn how to make soft, flavorful sourdough garlic rosemary pull-apart bread – an easy, no-yeast recipe that is a real show-stopper.
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Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These soft sourdough pumpkin cinnamon rolls combine cozy pumpkin spice flavor with a rich maple cream cheese glaze – the perfect fall treat that’s not too sweet and always a crowd favorite.
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Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
These fluffy decadent sourdough cinnamon rolls topped with a cream cheese frosting are so delicious and irresistible.
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Easy Crusty Sourdough Rolls
You will love these flavorful, delicious sourdough rolls that are so much better and healthier than anything you can buy.
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Pumpkin Sourdough Bread
Delicious and moist, pumpkin sourdough bread combines the flavors of fall with tangy sourdough. Make this recipe with a starter or discard.
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Sourdough Focaccia
This sourdough focaccia is a delicious twist on an Italian classic. It has the same pillowy texture and irresistible aroma. However, by fermenting the dough for some hours you will get a harmonious blend of tanginess and a chewy crumb that will leave you coming back for more.
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Sourdough Crackers
Sourdough crackers are easy to make, and taste better than store-bought! Make homemade crackers using sourdough discard or starter!
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Sourdough Skillet Cornbread
We love making this cornbread in a cast-iron skillet and with sourdough. It's perfect for summer BBQs or as a side for a big pot of chili.
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Pumpkin Sourdough Bread Pudding
For a comforting fall dessert, make a delicious pumpkin sourdough bread pudding using stale sourdough. You can trust this kitchen-tested recipe!
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Sourdough Zucchini Bread
Moist and easy sourdough zucchini bread, full of flavor and simple to bake. A quick recipe to make the most of fresh zucchini.
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Spiced Sourdough Apple Oat Cake
You will love this easy sourdough apple cake. Baked in a cast iron skillet and made with oat flour it is both rustic and delicious! You can make it gluten-free if you use a GF sourdough starter.
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Sweet Potato Casserole With Sourdough Topping
This easy sweet potato casserole is topped with a mouthwatering sourdough discard topping and makes the perfect holiday side dish.
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Soft Sourdough Crescent Rolls
These sourdough crescent rolls are one of my favorite homemade sourdough roll recipes. They’re soft, buttery, and made with an enriched dough that’s full of flavor and gently fermented overnight. They’re ideal for breakfast with jam, as a dinner side, or simply enjoyed with a swipe of butter.
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Fresh Milled Flour Sourdough Pumpkin Coffee Cake –
Cozy fall sourdough pumpkin coffee cake made with fresh-milled einkorn flour, brown sugar streusel, and maple glaze. Perfect for autumn mornings!
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Sourdough Mac and Cheese
Sourdough mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Cheesy and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
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Easy Bake Sourdough Chocolate Brownies With Cranberries And Pecans
Ditch the boxed brownie mix, take out your sourdough discard, and make these rich and decadent sourdough chocolate brownies.
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How To Make Sourdough Gingerbread Pancakes
These sourdough gingerbread pancakes make a delicious seasonal breakfast! The best part? They’re quick, easy, and can be used with discard.
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Pumpkin Sourdough Bagels with Cinnamon Swirl | Fresh-Milled – Grains & Greens Kitchen
Soft, chewy sourdough bagels made with homemade pumpkin purée, fresh-milled whole grain flour, and a cozy swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon.
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Sourdough Pumpkin Spice Focaccia Bread
This easy sourdough pumpkin spice focaccia bread is soft, chewy, and full of pumpkin flavor! Featuring pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree, and topped with a delicious cinnamon crumble (plus a cream cheese glaze for added
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Cozy Cottage-Style Sourdough Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Make Thanksgiving extra cozy with this sourdough cornbread dressing recipe! Combining poultry seasoning, sage, and savory broth, and hearty sourdough cubes, this side dish is a holiday must-have.
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Sourdough Almond Crumble Bars – Rooted At Heart
This layered dessert is made up of an almond cookie base, frangipane, and sliced almonds. A delightful almond dessert!
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