The Best No-Scale Sourdough Recipes (Using Cups & Spoons)
When I first started my sourdough journey, I could’ve used this list of the best no-scale sourdough recipes. I really didn’t want to get a kitchen scale or fuss with learning grams conversions! So I hunted for recipes that used familiar volume measurements such as cups and teaspoons.
Over time, I built a reliable list of crowd-pleasers that were worth making again and again. I recently hosted a sourdough class at my church, and after everyone requested my list of the best no-scale sourdough recipes that I’ve tested, I knew I had to share it here. Whether you are a beginner or just want to ditch the scale for a day, these are absolute favorites that won’t disappoint.
Quick SUCCESS TIP for the Best no-scale sourdough recipes
Since we aren’t using a scale, the biggest trap is accidentally packing too much flour into your measuring cup, which makes the dough too dry.
If your flour has been sitting tightly packed in a bag, give it a quick fluff with a fork before scooping, and level it off with the back of a butter knife.
How I do it: My flour goes from a fifty-pound bag to 5-gallon buckets and then is scooped into my flour bin that I cook out of for the week, so it’s essentially pre-fluffed. I just scoop and eyeball my scoops. If one has a little less, I add a little more in the next scoop. Don’t stress about absolute perfection; with repetition, eyeballing it will become second nature to you, too!
Breakfast & Sweet treats
Some of the best no-scale sourdough recipes to start your day.
Sourdough Scones by Farmhouse on Boone
My family loves these! I try to make them as a treat or a special breakfast at least once a month. I have also been encouraged by friends to sell these at the farmer’s market (and message them whenever I do). I haven’t joined the local farmer’s market yet, but here’s the recipe to make at home, (or sell at your local farmer’s market). Instead of chocolate chips, I like to use 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup walnuts.
Sourdough Crepes by Little Spoon Farm
I love making these and filling them with berries and cream. Sometimes I leave out the sugar and do savory crepes filled with sautéed veggies, my favorite is mushrooms (my husband’s favorite is when I use our own farm-raised beef).
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie by Simplicity and a Starter
I’ve only made this a couple of times so far, but it’s already a favorite! It does use eggs and a fair amount of sugar, but the perfectly chewy pie-sized cookie is worth it. My husband says it’s the only chocolate chip cookie I’ve made so far that he actually likes. It’s chewy and fantastic warm or cold. For some reason, I never seem to have ice cream and chocolate chips in the house at the same time. Someday soon, I want to plan ahead and enjoy this fresh out of the oven, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Savory Sides
Sourdough Discard Onion Rings by Eat the Love
Vegan
These are amazing. They do require a bit of work, as frying always does, but they are definitely worth the effort. Every time I’ve made them for someone new, they have told me they are the best onion rings they have ever had, and get this: they actually get crunchier instead of soggy as they cool! Someday I’d like to batch prepare these and freeze them because I believe they would reheat beautifully in the air fryer, but that would require a very large batch. We usually don’t have leftovers!
Flatbreads
If you love quick baking, these are the best no-scale sourdough recipes for easy weeknight dinners.
Sourdough Pita Bread by Tori Avey
Vegan
This pita bread has become a staple in our house. I don’t worry about getting pockets; we just eat it as flatbread. It’s perfect for dipping and is especially comforting with a warm bowl of soup. It’s also great if you have too much starter lying around because it uses up 2 cups of starter!
Sourdough Pizza Crust by Little Spoon Farm
Great pizza dough combined with a game-changing cast-iron/broil-top cooking technique makes awesome homemade pizza. However, this pizza is best eaten fresh. I tried taking it to a potluck once, and it wasn’t half as good. The raw dough freezes, and thaws nicely too, just don’t prep a pizza without par-baking it and then put it directly on a rack without a pan or stone underneath (ask me how I know).
Sourdough Tortillas by Alexandra’s Kitchen
Vegan-friendly
A really good, easy tortilla recipe. For a plant-based version, just replace the butter with vegan butter or oil.
Traditional Loaves
Sourdough Sandwich Bread by Farmhouse on Boone
Vegan-friendly
This is a softer bread baked in a loaf pan and is delicious.
My Recipe for Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Bread
This flavor of artisan bread is so good that I’ve had family members request that I make them some for their Christmas present.
My Recipe for a Classic Country Boule
Vegan
My classic artisan loaf! I like to keep a double batch of this simple dough in the fridge to use as crazy dough throughout the week. (Crazy Dough is a versatile, “universal” base dough that you keep in the fridge all week and pull from whenever you want to make anything from artisan bread and pizza crusts to sweet cinnamon rolls.)
