I’ll be straight with you—Easy Sourdough Pancake Recipe Using Discard might sound fancy, but it’s one of the most straightforward ways to whip up a mouthwatering breakfast while putting sourdough starter leftovers to good use. So if you’ve been feeding your sourdough starter and wondering if there’s a way to avoid tossing that discard in the trash, buddy, this post is for you!
First of all, let’s talk about why sourdough pancakes rock. These guys are light, fluffy, and have that signature tangy flavor—a little sour bite that hits just right. And the magic ingredient? It’s your sourdough discard. Yep, that same gloopy, leftover starter you’ve been debating whether to save or dump. Trust me, this recipe not only tastes amazing but also makes you feel great about reducing food waste.
Now buckle up—I’m about to walk you through why making Easy Sourdough Pancake Recipe Using Discard is a total game-changer for breakfast, how to nail the recipe every time, and even a few bonus ideas for other sourdough creations. Whether it’s a crisp fall morning or a random Tuesday, these pancakes will instantly level up your breakfast game (OK, I kind of cheated with “level up,” forgive me).
Why Make Pancakes with Sourdough Discard?
I know what you’re thinking—what’s so special about using sourdough discard, anyway? Well, let me break it down:
- Reduce waste: You know all that sourdough starter you’re tossing every time you feed it to keep it active? That stuff is liquid gold. It’s packed with flavor, not to mention a great texture booster for pancakes!
- Flavor bomb: Pancakes made with sourdough discard have a subtle tang that takes them from basic to BOOM. They’re just rich enough to feel indulgent but not over-the-top.
- Super easy: This isn’t one of those bougie recipes with 20 ingredients and complicated techniques. You don’t need any fancy skills. If you can flip a flapjack without burning your face off, you’re golden.
- Healthier(ish? sorta?): Sourdough starter has natural fermentation magic happening, which may make it a little easier to digest than regular pancakes. (Look at you, pretending to be health-conscious!)
While I’ll dive into the Easy Sourdough Pancake Recipe Using Discard specifics in a second, let me just say—these bad boys are perfect for weekend brunch, a lazy breakfast-for-dinner night, or even meal-prepped freezer pancakes.
What You’ll Need to Make the Pancakes
Before we get elbow-deep in batter, let’s round up the goods. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Sourdough discard: 1 cup (240g) (Make sure it’s unfed and at room temperature.)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g) (You can sub half for whole wheat flour if you’re feeling fancy.)
- Milk: ¾ cup (177ml) (Best at room temperature—cold milk can mess up the batter texture.)
- Egg: 1 large
- Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust based on your sweetness level, ya sweet tooth!)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (plus extra for the skillet!)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (optional, but totally worth it)
Tools:
- Mixing bowls (one small, one medium)
- Whisk or fork
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Ladle or measuring cup (for perfect pancake sizes)
- Spatula (flipping skills not included, lol!)
Here’s What to Do
Prep That Batter
- Grab a medium mixing bowl and dump in your sourdough discard. (Pro tip: It should be at room temp for the best mixability.) Add your milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Whisk everything until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed!
- In a separate small bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a quick stir.
- Slowly mix your dry ingredients into the wet ones. I like to whisk as I go to avoid clumps. Once it looks like a smooth batter, STOP stirring. (Overmixing is the death of fluffy pancakes—don’t do it.)
Heat Things Up
- Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toss in a little butter and let it melt across the surface.
- Grab a ladle or measuring cup and scoop about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle. If you want those cute round pancakes, do your best to pour the batter slowly and evenly. (I’m not judging if they look “rustic.”)
Flip Like a Pro
- Let the pancake cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface—this takes about 2-3 minutes. When the edges start looking set, it’s time to flip! Use a spatula to carefully turn it over and cook for another minute or two.
- Repeat with the rest of the batter until you have a glorious stack of golden pancakes taunting you with their deliciousness.
Serve ‘Em Up
Oh boy, this is my favorite part—toppings! Pile on whatever your heart desires. Here are a few of my go-tos:
- Maple syrup (duh)
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Nut butter drizzle
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra
Seriously, this Easy Sourdough Pancake Recipe Using Discard is endlessly customizable. Go wild!
FAQs Section
How to Make Sourdough Pizza Dough at Home
It’s crazy easy! Use your sourdough starter to create the pizza dough base for a tangy, chewy crust. Mix discard, flour, water, salt, and a bit of olive oil, and let it ferment. Stretch and bake with your fave toppings for a homemade masterpiece!
Quick Sourdough Flatbread Recipe with Minimal Ingredients
Flatbread’s another great use for discard. Combine sourdough starter, flour, a pinch of salt, and water to form dough. Roll it flat, fry it up in a skillet, and voila—delicious sourdough flatbreads!
Best Sourdough Cracker Recipe for Starters
Crackers are a lifesaver when you’ve got leftover starter. Mix discard, olive oil, flour, salt, and optional seasoning. Roll thin, cut into shapes, and bake until crispy. They’re the perfect snack!
Simple Sourdough Focaccia Recipe for Beginners
For focaccia, use sourdough discard, flour, water, salt, olive oil, and herbs. Let it rise, spread into a pan, and bake for incredible golden focaccia with a chewy texture. It’s beginner-friendly!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—this Easy Sourdough Pancake Recipe Using Discard honestly saves the day every time I make it. It’s tasty, resourceful, and just a great way to show some love to your sourdough starter. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just figuring out how not to burn toast, pancakes like these are doable and delightful.
For more ideas on using sourdough discard, check out King Arthur Baking’s Guide to Sourdough Discard or you can also check out our selection of delicious and easy discard recipes made specially for you with love.
Why chuck your discard when you can feast on pancakes like a champ? Give it a try this weekend—you’ll thank me later. (And if you mess up your first flip, don’t sweat it. Culinary perfection is overrated, anyway!)
