There’s a quiet magic in turning something often tossed—like sourdough discard—into a meal that feels like a warm embrace. My journey with sourdough discard pancakes began on a morning when I needed more than just food; I needed a reminder that nourishment could be gentle and soulful. Using sourdough discard in pancakes was a mindful discovery that shifted how I view breakfast altogether. These sourdough discard pancakes became a ritual of patience and presence, transforming what many see as waste into something full of possibility and heart.
When I make these sourdough discard pancakes, it’s like wrapping myself in comfort. The bubbles in the batter tell a story of natural fermentation, and the cooktop becomes a place of gentle focus, where every flip is an act of care. These pancakes don’t just fill the belly, they warm the spirit—reminding us to honor both the ingredients we use and the time we spend making something delicious.
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by quick recipes or rigid breakfast rituals, I invite you to try these sourdough discard pancakes with me. This recipe fits beautifully into a soulful cooking practice because it asks for our attention and gratitude even in the simplest act of mixing batter. It’s a chance to slow down, to savor the process, and to celebrate the nourishing rhythm of real food made with love.
For fellow mindful cooks seeking easy sourdough breakfast ideas that feel both nourishing and inspiring, these pancakes with sourdough starter discard might just surprise you with their fluffy texture and gentle tang. If you find joy in cooking that feeds your body and your spirit, you’ll understand the heartwarming nature of these sourdough discard pancakes. And if you want more inspiration rooted in meaningful cooking, I often look to recipes like these sourdough discard English muffins, which share that same soul-nourishing energy.

Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, milk, and egg until smooth. Add sugar and melted butter, mixing well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy the comforting tang of these nourishing sourdough discard pancakes. For additional inspiration, you might like these Sourdough Discard Pancakes from Sugar Geek Show, which offer a similar fluffy, tangy appeal.
For variations and tips on enhancing the flavor, check out the Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes by Broken Oven Baking or Best Sourdough Pancakes from The Clever Carrot which bring some beautiful twists to sourdough discard pancakes.
Explore more recipes that transform sourdough discard into delightful breakfasts by visiting these pages: sourdough discard lemon loaf and sourdough discard blueberry bread.

Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Fluffy, tangy pancakes made using sourdough discard, perfect for a delicious breakfast while reducing waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, milk, and egg until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the melted butter and vanilla extract if using.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a handful of fresh berries or chocolate chips to the batter before cooking.