Sourdough Quick Bread: Easy Recipe for Busy Bakers

The first time I tried traditional sourdough, I gave up halfway—too much waiting, too many steps. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why I fell in love with sourdough quick bread.

This recipe brings you that tangy, homemade flavor without the long ferment. Inspired by my grandma’s no-fuss baking style, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy days.

If you’ve got sourdough discard or just want warm, fresh bread fast, this sourdough quick bread recipe is your new go-to. Let’s bake something amazing—without the wait.

Ingredients for Sourdough Quick Bread

Let’s keep things simple, shall we? One of the best parts about making sourdough quick bread is that you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients. In fact, you probably have most of these items on hand already. And if you’ve got some leftover sourdough discard sitting in the fridge, this is the perfect way to use it up!

What You’ll Need

Here’s your go-to list of ingredients to make a soft, flavorful, and fast sourdough loaf:

• 1 cup sourdough discard — it’s okay to use it cold and unfed, straight from the fridge
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can sub in whole wheat for a denser loaf)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy both work)
• ¼ cup melted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, adds a hint of natural sweetness)

Ingredient Tips to Elevate Your Bread

• Use freshly discarded starter for best flavor—avoid discard that’s been in the fridge too long.
• Don’t skip the baking soda and powder! Since this is a quick bread, those leavening agents are doing the heavy lifting.
• Play with add-ins! Think shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or roasted garlic for savory flair.

Why These Ingredients Work

This recipe skips the long fermentation and yeast, relying instead on sourdough discard and baking soda for lift. That’s what makes it a true quick bread. The mix of milk and fat (butter or oil) keeps it moist, while the flour gives you a tender crumb and classic structure.

Can You Swap Ingredients?

Absolutely. This sourdough quick bread recipe is forgiving and flexible:

• No discard? Use a ½ cup plain yogurt and add a bit more flour.
• Gluten-free? Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• No dairy? Oat milk and coconut oil make great substitutes.

This is your bread, your way. Make it work for your pantry, your preferences, and your cravings.

Ready to bake? Let’s move on to the tools that’ll make prep a breeze.

Tools Needed for Sourdough Quick Bread Preparation

Before you dive into baking your sourdough quick bread, let’s make sure your kitchen is set up for success. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few reliable tools that help you bake like a pro (even if you’re short on time).

Essential Tools for Easy Prep

These basic kitchen tools make the process smoother and your results more consistent:

• Mixing bowls – One large for dry ingredients, one medium for wet.
• Whisk or silicone spatula – For combining without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters, especially with leavening agents.
• Loaf pan – A standard 8×4 or 9×5-inch pan works great.

Helpful Extras to Improve Your Results

While not required, these items can elevate your baking game:

• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Oven thermometer – Ensures accurate baking temp (many ovens run hot or cold).
• Cooling rack – Helps the loaf cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.

What If You Don’t Have a Loaf Pan?

No problem! You can also:

• Use a cast iron skillet for a rustic round loaf with a crispier crust.
• Try a muffin tin for sourdough quick bread muffins—perfect for on-the-go snacks.
• Go free-form on a baking sheet lined with parchment for a more artisan look.

The beauty of this quick sourdough recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or it’s your first time working with sourdough discard, the right tools will help you get a golden, flavorful loaf without the fuss.

Next up—let’s walk through the baking process step by step so you can get perfect results every time.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sourdough Quick Bread

Now that your ingredients are ready and tools are set, let’s get baking! This sourdough quick bread recipe is all about simplicity and speed—you’ll go from mixing bowl to warm loaf in about an hour.

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for an easy release.
• If using a cast iron skillet or baking sheet, lightly oil or line it too.

💡 Pro tip: Use an oven thermometer to double-check your temperature—it can make all the difference!

2. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  Flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine:
  Sourdough discard, milk, melted butter (or oil), and honey.

This step helps prevent overmixing, which can make your bread tough instead of tender.

3. Combine and Pour

• Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix using a spatula or wooden spoon.
• Stir just until combined—lumps are okay!
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.

Want to level it up? Sprinkle a few herbs, cheese, or seeds on top before baking.

4. Bake and Cool

• Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on your oven and pan size.
• Your sourdough quick bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to finish.

Don’t skip the cooling time—it helps the crumb set and keeps your loaf from becoming gummy inside.

This no-fail method gives you a soft, flavorful loaf without waiting hours or dealing with finicky starters. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, this quick sourdough bread recipe will become your favorite go-to.

Next, let’s talk about how to serve this golden beauty to make the most of every slice.

Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Quick Bread

Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Quick Bread

You just pulled a golden loaf of sourdough quick bread from the oven—now what? This bread is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect addition to almost any meal.

Enjoy It Warm or Toasted

• Serve it warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for a cozy snack.
• Toast slices and top with avocado, eggs, or cream cheese for a hearty breakfast.
• Pair it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple, savory appetizer.

Perfect for Sandwiches

• Use it for grilled cheese or paninis—the slightly tangy flavor pairs beautifully with melty cheese.
• Layer on your favorite cold cuts or veggies for a rustic sandwich that feels gourmet.

Great with Soups and Salads

• This quick sourdough bread is a dream companion for soups, from creamy tomato to hearty lentil.
• Add it to your lunch salad routine for a satisfying crunch or a soft side.
  No matter how you slice it—literally—this bread brings comfort and flavor to any table.

Variations of the Sourdough Quick Bread Recipe

The beauty of sourdough quick bread lies in its flexibility. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can have fun experimenting with flavors and textures.

Savory Add-Ins

• Shredded cheese and herbs (cheddar + chives, anyone?)
• Roasted garlic or caramelized onions for deeper flavor.
• Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to infuse a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Sweet Twists

• Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins for a spiced morning loaf.
• Mix in chocolate chips and a swirl of peanut butter for a dessert-like bread.

Flour and Dairy Swaps

• Use whole wheat or rye flour for a heartier texture.
• Swap milk with oat or almond milk and butter with coconut oil to make it dairy-free.
  No starter? No problem. This recipe welcomes creativity—and your pantry ingredients—with open arms.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even easy recipes have their quirks. Here’s how to sidestep the most common baking missteps and keep your quick sourdough bread from falling flat.

Overmixing the Batter

• Stir just until combined. Overmixing activates gluten and leads to dense, chewy bread—not the soft, moist loaf you’re after.

Skipping the Oven Thermometer

• Your oven might run hotter or cooler than the dial says. Use a thermometer to hit that sweet spot of 375°F.

Using Old Sourdough Discard

• If your discard smells too sharp or has been sitting for more than a week, it might affect taste. Fresh discard = better flavor.

Cutting the Bread Too Soon

• Let it cool at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This sets the crumb and keeps it from going gummy.
  Making mistakes is part of the process—but with these tips, you’ll bake with confidence.

Nutritional Benefits of Sourdough Quick Bread

While quick breads are often seen as indulgent, sourdough quick bread offers some surprising benefits—especially when you use wholesome ingredients and sourdough discard.

Better Digestibility

• Sourdough discard contains natural cultures and prebiotics, which may support digestion and gut health.

Blood Sugar Friendly

• The acidity in sourdough can lower the glycemic index of bread, helping reduce blood sugar spikes.

Rich in Nutrients

• Depending on your flour choice, you’ll get B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc in every slice.

Optional Health Boosts

• Add seeds (like flax or chia) for fiber, or use whole wheat flour for extra protein and minerals.
  Baking doesn’t just satisfy your taste buds—it can support your body too.

Pairing Suggestions for Sourdough Quick Bread

Wondering what goes well with your freshly baked sourdough quick bread? Whether you’re planning a meal or just a cozy snack, here are some delicious pairing ideas.

Perfect with Soups and Stews

• Creamy tomato, butternut squash, or minestrone are all perfect companions.
• Dip slices into hearty lentil or vegetable stew for a comforting combo.

Breakfast & Brunch Favorites

• Serve with scrambled eggs, frittatas, or breakfast sausages.
• Toast it and top with nut butter, banana slices, or jam for a quick morning bite.

Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

• Add it to your next board with brie, goat cheese, and prosciutto.
• Works great with herbed cream cheese or a tangy cheddar spread.
  This is the kind of bread that fits into every part of your day—from lazy mornings to cozy dinners.

Bake, Slice, and Savor

Baking delicious bread doesn’t have to take days. With this sourdough quick bread recipe, you get that tangy sourdough flavor without the wait. It’s fast, flexible, and foolproof—whether you’re using up sourdough discard or just want something warm and homemade in under an hour.

Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a loaf that’s comforting, customizable, and completely doable—even on your busiest days.

Have questions or want to share your version? Drop a comment below and let’s talk bread!

Looking for more easy bread recipes? Try our Sourdough Sandwich Bread or Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Bread.

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