Sourdough Discard Pizza Bites (Crispy, Cheesy, and Easy)
If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up sourdough discard, these Sourdough Discard Pizza Bites are the answer. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and packed with classic pizza flavors, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack that comes together fast—no long fermentation required.
These bite-sized pizza snacks are baked in the oven (or air fryer) and customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re swimming in sourdough discard or just want a fun, homemade alternative to frozen pizza bites, this recipe is simple, flexible, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Uses unfed sourdough discard
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No yeast or long rise required
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Crispy edges with a soft center
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Easy to customize with toppings
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Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that boosts flavor without overpowering the classic pizza taste.
Ingredients
Makes about 24–30 pizza bites
Dough
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1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temperature)
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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¼ cup water or milk (as needed)
Filling
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¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)
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¼ cup pizza sauce or marinara
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
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Cooked sausage
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Mushrooms
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Bell peppers
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Olives
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix sourdough discard, olive oil, and salt. Add flour and baking powder and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until smooth.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
4. Add the Filling
Spread pizza sauce lightly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then add pepperoni, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
5. Shape the Bites
Roll the dough tightly into a log (like cinnamon rolls). Slice into 1-inch pieces and place cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. For extra crispiness, brush tops lightly with olive oil before baking.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Pizza Bites
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Thicker discard works best—very runny discard may need extra flour
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Don’t overfill or the bites may unroll
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Use low-moisture mozzarella for best texture
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Chop toppings small so they roll easily
Variations
Air Fryer Pizza Bites
Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, checking halfway.
Cheesy Garlic Bites
Skip sauce and pepperoni. Fill with mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic butter.
Veggie Pizza Bites
Use bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if needed.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked bites for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
Air fryer: 375°F for 3–4 minutes
Microwave: 20–30 seconds (soft texture)
Serving Ideas
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Appetizer with marinara or ranch
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Lunchbox snack
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Game day finger food
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After-school snack
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Discard Pizza Bites are the perfect way to turn extra discard into something irresistible. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they’re proof that sourdough discard doesn’t have to be boring—or wasted.