The Best Sourdough Discard Pancakes - Quick and Easy!

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Looking to for a delicious, quick and easy, breakfast recipe that will land breakfast on the table in minutes? Look no further than The Best Sourdough Discard pancakes – Quick and Easy recipe! Sourdough discard pancakes are a staple in our household, topped with butter and maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Sourdough discard pancakes with butter and maple syrup featured image

Plus, it is a great way to use up that sourdough discard so that it doesn’t go to waste! These fluffy pancakes are quickly devoured by the whole family, and it didn’t take long for my family to prefer them over “regular pancakes” with their slightly tangy flavor. This extremely easy recipe has pancakes in front of the family in less than 5 minutes and makes the best Saturday morning breakfast.

I had dabbled in the world of sourdough over the years, but never really jumped in until a client of mine had gifted me a sourdough starter. It is easiest to get started with sourdough by using an already established starter, however, it is possible to create a starter from scratch as well.

For more simple sourdough discard recipes, try my easy and delicious waffle recipe here! Or for a delicious fall snack try applesauce muffins here or pumpkin muffins here.

Maintaining a Sourdough Starter

A sourdough starter takes a little bit of maintenance – feeding and discarding daily. Typically, it is a 1:1:1 ratio of an established starter, flour (unbleached) and distilled water. The consistency should be that of pancake batter, so sometimes less water is appropriate.

For a sourdough beginner, I highly recommend starting with sourdough discard recipes. In my opinion, these recipes are much easier to follow. Recipes calling for active sourdough starter typically require multiple steps to ensure sufficient rising and proofing, which complicates the process and can be overwhelming for a beginner.

Most discard recipes, on the other hand, do not. Also, to utilize active starter you have to catch the starter when it is in fact active. This can be intimidating to someone new to sourdough or in the beginning, so getting the hang of daily feeding and utilizing the discard in recipes can be a great place to get started.

Gifted sourdough starter for all baking recipes

For more detailed info on maintaining a sourdough starter, check out this very detailed post here written by Farmhouse on Boone.

What is it people like about sourdough?

One big reason sourdough seems to be growing in popularity is due to the nutritional benefits. Using basic ingredients, sourdough makes one of the healthiest breads. In addition, sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index than whole wheat bread or white bread and the baked goods typically contain less gluten than regular yeast breads.

Sourdough is a fermented bread that is great for an anti-inflammatory diet, can improve gut health, and contains higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sourdough starter discard recipes typically take no more time or effort than other similar recipes that do not contain the sourdough discard ingredient.

We all know that most store-bought pancakes contain preservatives and have almost a rubbery sort of texture, so definitely not the good stuff.

Sourdough Pancake with garnish, butter, and berries

Equipment

Electric Pancake Griddle – this ensures consistent sized pancakes with a delicious and evenly cooked pancake every time! However, any cast-iron skillet or a stove top griddle will work.
LargeMixing Bowl
Whisk
Tongs or fork

Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes Ingredients

Sourdough Discard (room temperature)
Eggs (beaten)
Milk (or buttermilk)
Butter (melted)
Maple Syrup
Flour
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Salt

Pancake Topping options:

Maple Syrup
Berries
Chocolate Chips
Butter

Sourdough Discard Pancake Instructions

In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs. Melt the butter and add to the eggs.
Add in all of the wet ingredients and mix: sourdough discard, melted butter, milk, maple syrup.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt) and stir.
The mixture will start to bubble when the sourdough pancake batter is ready (2-3 minutes).

Plug in the single serve electric griddle for the easiest way to cook the pancakes (if using) and lightly grease it. Carefully spoon the batter into the skillet, do not overfill. [turn stove to medium heat and grease a cast iron skillet, frying pan, or hot griddle]
Flip the pancake partway through to ensure the pancake is evenly browned.

Add toppings such as butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and/or berries – and ENJOY!

Note: To add in any ”extras” right in to the delicious pancakes, cook one side to a golden brown, then flip and add in the berries or chocolate chips. If the little personal sized skillet is being used, carefully mix the extras right into the pancake batter and then add the batter to the skillet. Be careful to not over mix the batter!

Hint: Store extra pancakes in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in a freezer safe bag to store for a couple of months! Flash Freeze the fluffy sourdough discard pancakes first, to ensure they don’t stick together, by spreading pancakes on a baking sheet (or sheet pan) or a wire rack and placing them in the freezer for a short time before bagging and freezing.

Are sourdough pancakes healthy?

Yes, these are a healthier alternative to traditional and store bought pancakes.

Can you freeze the pancakes for later?

Yes! I like to do a large batch and flash freeze and then store in the freezer in a large ziplock.

Pin this recipe for later here!