Sourdough pancakes are the easiest way to use up sourdough discard. Sourdough discard helps make these fluffy and tender pancakes the perfect breakfast.

A stack of sourdough pancakes with real maple syrup being poured on top.

Why I Love This Recipe

My kids love these sourdough discard pancakes and they are always being requested in my house. They’re fluffy, filling, and they’ve got a slight cinnamon kick. I’m telling you, they’re addictive.

Not only are they delicious, but whipping them up is a breeze. I love that this recipe is also so easy to reheat – those mornings when you’re racing against the clock, you can actually stash some of these in the freezer to be warmed up in just a few minutes. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver!

Pancakes aren’t just for dinner. Have you ever tried having breakfast for dinner? It’s a thing, and it’s amazing. Almost every week, we do a breakfast for dinner night, and whip up some pancakes and crispy bacon. These sourdough oatmeal pancakes make a delicious breakfast or dinner.

What is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard refers to a portion of starter that is removed or discarded during the regular feeding and maintenance of a sourdough starter. The term “discard” doesn’t mean that the removed portion needs to be wasted though.

Many bakers save this discard and use it in various recipes instead of throwing it away. Sourdough discard can add a tangy flavor to recipes and is often used in pancakes, waffles, muffins, crackers, or other baked goods. It’s a way to minimize waste and make use of the excess starter that would otherwise be discarded during the feeding process.

Why Use Discard in Pancakes?

Why would you use sourdough discard in pancakes? There isn’t one good reason for it, but many!

To Add Flavor

Discard can add depth and so much flavor to your pancakes. The tanginess from the discard adds to the overall taste, giving you pancakes with a interesting sweet yet tangy flavor profile.

Tangy sourdough notes pair perfectly with real maple syrup, balancing the flavor and making your pancakes not too sweet or sour. I find the flavor of sourdough discard pancakes so much more appealing than just regular pancakes.

To Reduce Waste

Incorporating sourdough discard into discard recipes is a sustainable practice that helps reduce food waste. Rather than discarding the excess starter during the regular feeding process, you can repurpose it in various recipes, such as pancakes, to make delicious treats without wasting the flour used to make sourdough starter.

For the Health Benefits

Sourdough has many health benefits and can be a great alternative for those with mild gluten sensitivities. The long fermentation and beneficial bacteria break down much of the gluten a phytic acid. This makes sourdough much easier to digest and more nutrient and antioxidant rich.

Sourdough also acts as a prebiotic and can be great for improving digestive issues and overall gut health. Using it to make pancakes could potentially make them easier to digest and increase the availability of certain nutrients.

Natural Leavening

Sourdough discard is acidic and helps with leavening discard pancakes by reacting with any baking soda called for in a recipe. The wild yeast present in sourdough starter may also contribute to some leavening in your cookies. While it won’t replace baking powder or baking soda entirely, it can add a subtle lift to the pancakes, making them fluffier than non-sourdough recipes.

Tips for Making Sourdough Pancakes

Measure the Flour – To avoid dry pancakes, make sure your flour is measured out correctly. To do this, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off, ensuring it doesn’t become packed, or weigh the flour for exact measurements.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients – Whisk the dry ingredients separately to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed before adding it to the wet ingredients.
Don’t Overcook – Keep the stovetop temperature low to prevent burning the outside of the pancakes while they cook through.

Sourdough Pancakes with berries on the side.

More Pancake Recipes