Sourdough Discard Bacon & Caramelized Onion Twists

Ready to whip up something delicious and incredibly satisfying today?

Sourdough Discard Bacon & Caramelized Onion Twists are a savory, indulgent treat that perfectly combines rich flavors and a flaky,

golden texture. These twists are an innovative way to use up leftover sourdough discard, transforming it into a stunning appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress.

The dough is infused with the tangy essence of sourdough, creating a unique depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon instant yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup warm water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Finish:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional, for sprinkling)

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. If sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until puffy (it might not double fully due to the discard).

Caramelize the Onions:

While the dough rises, heat the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes until golden and jammy. Set aside to cool. Mix in the crispy bacon pieces and thyme if using.

Assemble the Twists:

Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x8 inches. Spread the bacon-onion mixture evenly over half the dough. Fold the other half over the filling and gently press to seal.

Shape the Twists:

Cut the folded dough into 8 strips. Take each strip, twist it several times, and place on a parchment-lined tray.

Proof Briefly:

Let the twists rest for 15 minutes while you preheat your air fryer or oven to 375°F (190°C).

Air Fry or Bake:

Brush each twist with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, checking halfway. If baking, place on a lined sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden.

Cool Slightly & Serve:

Let them cool slightly before enjoying — the bacon and onion filling will be molten-hot right out of the fryer or oven!

Nutritional Information: Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising) | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes