Sourdough Discard Pancakes

These quick, easy and fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes are sure to be a staple in your breakfast routine soon! Who doesn’t love a good waffles on Saturday morning?

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Growing up, Saturdays were for pancakes. It was the best time of the week as a kid. Now with my own, I love being in the kitchen and whipping up a delicious breakfast for them. Over the last couple months I have started kicking out products and foods that contain pesticides and chemicals hidden. It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to make a sourdough starter, so I knew what was going into our foods. When I found out all of the creations I could make with the discard I was sold.

Choosing a Flour

I choose to use King Arthurs Organic Unbleached Flour for my starter. I also often use the Costco brand of Organic flour. You can find it at your local grocery store but you can also buy it directly from their site here.

Discard

The discard is what makes these sourdough pancakes so fluffy, it adds and extra lightness to them that is unmatched.

I’m on a journey to find and create my own discard recipes for my family! I hope you follow along. I’m excited to start and learn about all the things I can make. There are crackers, brownies, breads, you name it!

The concept of discard took me a while to get but after starting my own starter it became much clearer. That’s why I encourage people to start their own! Check out my blog on how to do that here.

It’s Easy

The more you use your discard the easier it gets! You find yourself in a rhythm and it gets more and more fun each time. Seeing your creation come to life is so rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Discard Pancakes

❓Can I use sourdough discard straight from the fridge?

Yes! Cold, unfed discard works perfectly. You don’t need to bring it to room temperature—just whisk it well so it blends smoothly into the batter.

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❓ Do sourdough discard pancakes taste sour?

Not really. They have a very mild tang, which actually makes them taste more like restaurant-style pancakes. If your discard is very old, the flavor may be slightly more pronounced.

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❓ Why are my sourdough pancakes flat instead of fluffy?

This usually comes down to a few things:

• Overmixing the batter
• Skipping the baking powder or baking soda
• Batter too thin
• Not letting the batter rest

For fluffy pancakes, keep the batter slightly thick and lumpy.

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❓ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the batter right after mixing. The baking soda and baking powder start working immediately, so letting it sit too long can lead to flat pancakes.

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❓ How do I store leftover pancakes?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container:

• Fridge: up to 3 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months

Reheat in a toaster or skillet for best texture.

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❓ Can I freeze sourdough pancakes?

Yes! Stack them with parchment paper between each pancake and freeze. This makes quick, homemade breakfasts super easy.

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❓ Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute:

• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water)
• Or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.

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❓ What can I add to sourdough discard pancakes?

These pancakes are super versatile! Try:

• Blueberries
• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon + sugar
• Mashed banana

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❓ Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes—just swap:

• Milk → almond, oat, or coconut milk
• Butter → oil or dairy-free butter

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❓ What’s the best way to make them extra fluffy?

• Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes
• Keep it slightly thick
• Cook on medium (not high) heat
• Don’t press them down while cooking

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Other Sourdough Recipes to Try:

• Sourdough Dinner Rolls
• Sourdough Burger Buns
• Sourdough Lemon Raspberry Scones
• Sourdough Pop Tarts
• Sourdough Biscuits