The ONLY Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe You'll Ever Need

The ONLY Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe You'll Ever Need is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 270 calories per serving. Recipe by Grant Bakes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $13.45 total, $3.36 per serving

Ingredients

  • 28 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 12 g Granulated White Sugar (1 tablespoon)
  • 50 g Large Egg (about one medium egg, weight measured for consistency)
  • 4 g Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, pure vanilla preferred)
  • 235 g Whole Milk (1 cup, room temperature)
  • 120 g Sourdough Starter (discard or active) (use starter that has been fed and is at peak activity or discard that has fallen back down; roughly ½ cup)
  • 145 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 14 g Baking Powder (1 tablespoon)
  • 3 g Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon)
  • 10 g Unsalted Butter or Neutral Oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter

    Place 28 g of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat and melt it, or melt it in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Combine Butter and Sugar

    Add the melted butter to a mixing bowl, then stir in 12 g of granulated white sugar until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Egg and Vanilla

    Crack the 50 g egg into the bowl, add 4 g vanilla extract, and whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and pale.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Incorporate Milk

    Pour 235 g whole milk into the bowl and whisk until fully combined.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add Sourdough Starter

    Stir in 120 g sourdough starter (discard or active) until the batter is uniform and no large lumps remain.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Mix Wet Ingredients Thoroughly

    Whisk the wet mixture until it is smooth; at this stage you can whisk a bit longer because no flour is present yet.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl whisk together 145 g all‑purpose flour, 14 g baking powder, and 3 g kosher salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add Half of the Dry Mix

    Add half of the dry mixture to the wet batter and whisk until the flour is fully dissolved.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Finish Adding Dry Mix

    Add the remaining dry mixture and stir gently with a whisk or fork just until no dry flour spots remain. Stop mixing as soon as the batter comes together.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Rest Batter

    Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate and the bubbles to settle.

    Time: PT7M

  11. Preheat Cooking Surface

    If using a griddle, preheat it to about 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce to 300°F (149°C). If using a non‑stick skillet, preheat on medium‑low for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  12. Grease Pan

    Lightly coat the hot surface with a small amount of butter or neutral oil; the butter should sizzle but not turn brown.

    Time: PT1M

  13. Cook First Side

    Using a ¼‑cup measuring cup, pour batter onto the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, watching for bubbles to form and then set on the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Flip and Finish

    Flip each pancake carefully and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

    Time: PT7M

  15. Serve

    Stack the pancakes on a plate, add a pat of butter and drizzle real maple syrup. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
270
Protein
4-5g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
10g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Egg, Milk, Wheat

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The ONLY Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe You'll Ever Need

Recipe by Grant Bakes

Fluffy, slightly tangy pancakes made with leftover sourdough starter discard. Perfect for a weekend breakfast and a great way to use up starter that would otherwise go to waste.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
51m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.45
Total cost
$3.36
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not over‑mix after the final addition of flour.
  • Allow the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cook on a steady temperature (300°F / 149°C) and flip when surface bubbles set.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot pans and melted butter with care to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the stove unattended while the griddle is heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sourdough discard pancakes in American breakfast cuisine?

A

Sourdough discard pancakes grew out of the home‑baker’s tradition of using excess starter rather than waste it. In the United States, especially among artisanal bakers, turning discard into pancakes became a popular way to add a subtle tang and extra nutrition to a classic breakfast staple.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sourdough pancakes in the United States?

A

While the basic recipe is similar nationwide, some regions add cornmeal in the South for texture, blueberries in the Pacific Northwest, or maple‑infused syrups in New England. The core technique—using starter discard—remains the same.

cultural
Q

How are sourdough discard pancakes traditionally served in American households?

A

They are typically stacked on a plate, topped with a pat of butter, and drizzled with real maple syrup. Some families add fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are sourdough discard pancakes associated with in American culture?

A

They are a popular weekend breakfast, especially for lazy Saturday mornings, and are often featured at brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, and as a way to showcase a baker’s sourdough starter during “Sourdough Week” events.

cultural
Q

How does the sourdough discard pancake fit into the broader American breakfast tradition?

A

The dish blends the classic fluffy pancake with the tangy complexity of sourdough, reflecting the American love for comfort foods that also embrace artisanal techniques. It bridges traditional comfort with modern sustainability by using leftover starter.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for sourdough discard pancakes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include sourdough starter, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, egg, butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Substitutes can be gluten‑free flour, plant‑based milk, oil instead of butter, or honey in place of sugar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other American breakfast dishes pair well with sourdough discard pancakes?

A

They pair nicely with crispy bacon, sausage links, fresh fruit salads, or a side of scrambled eggs. A dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey also complement the tangy flavor.

cultural
Q

What makes sourdough discard pancakes special or unique in American breakfast cuisine?

A

The use of sourdough starter adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness, creating a more complex flavor and a lighter crumb compared to standard pancake mixes. It also reduces food waste by repurposing starter discard.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sourdough discard pancakes?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing after the flour is added, using stale baking powder, cooking at too high a temperature which burns the outside before the inside sets, and not letting the batter rest.

technical
Q

Why does this sourdough discard pancake recipe use baking powder instead of baking soda?

A

Baking powder provides a reliable rise without needing an additional acid. The sourdough starter already contributes some acidity, but using baking powder ensures consistent fluffiness even if the starter’s acidity varies.

technical
Q

Can I make sourdough discard pancakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. The batter can rest refrigerated for up to 24 hours; give it a gentle stir before cooking. Cooked pancakes store well in the refrigerator for 2 days or can be frozen for up to a month and reheated in a toaster or skillet.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Grant Bakes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Grant Bakes focuses on sourdough baking, sharing recipes that use starter discard, bread techniques, and weekly sourdough challenges, all presented with clear, home‑cook‑friendly tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Grant Bakes' approach to sourdough cooking differ from other sourdough channels?

A

Grant Bakes emphasizes practical, everyday applications of sourdough—like pancakes, waffles, and quick breads—rather than just traditional loaves. He also documents a 52‑week sourdough project, encouraging viewers to experiment daily.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Delicious and Easy Sourdough Crackers Made from Discarded Sourdough Starter
11

Delicious and Easy Sourdough Crackers Made from Discarded Sourdough Starter

A quick and easy way to turn sourdough starter discard into crisp, herb‑flavored crackers. Perfect for snacking, cheese boards, or gifting.

1 hr 4 minServes 4$29
American
Easy two ingredient sourdough discard cracker recipe
19

Easy two ingredient sourdough discard cracker recipe

Crispy, buttery crackers made from sourdough starter discard. The recipe uses a simple 100 g discard to 1 Tbsp butter ratio, making it easy to scale up or down. Two trays are baked – one seasoned with everything‑but‑the‑bagel seasoning and the other with flaky Maldon sea salt.

1 hr 24 minServes 4$3
American
Healthy Cheezits At Home! Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers! (So Good!)
13

Healthy Cheezits At Home! Cheesy Sourdough Discard Crackers! (So Good!)

Homemade cheesy sourdough crackers made with active starter, shredded cheddar and parmesan, butter, and everything bagel seasoning. Crispy, flavorful, and friendly for those with mild gluten sensitivities thanks to a long fermentation process.

1 hrServes 8$6
American
Easy No Roll Sourdough Crackers Recipe Using Sourdough Starter Discard
10

Easy No Roll Sourdough Crackers Recipe Using Sourdough Starter Discard

A quick, no‑roll cracker made from discarded sourdough starter. Olive oil, sea salt and rosemary give these thin, crunchy crackers a savory flavor without any rolling or shaping. Perfect for snacking, charcuterie boards, or as a gluten‑rich accompaniment.

1 hr 30 minServes 8$1
American
Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers
5

Easy Sourdough Discard Crackers

A quick and easy way to use up excess sourdough starter discard. These thin, crispy crackers have a subtle cheesy flavor without any cheese, just butter, sourdough and a pinch of salt. Perfect for snacking, cheese boards, or as a crunchy topping for soups.

1 hrServes 4$0
American
Sourdough Discard Crackers with Rosemary and Olive Oil
9

Sourdough Discard Crackers with Rosemary and Olive Oil

Crispy, rustic crackers made from 100% hydrated sourdough discard, olive oil, and dried rosemary. Perfect for cheese boards, charcuterie, or a simple snack. This recipe turns the often‑thrown‑away starter discard into a flavorful, low‑effort cracker that’s golden, flaky, and lightly salted.

1 hr 33 minServes 4$14
American
How to Make Sourdough Discard Crackers - Little Spoon Farm
8

How to Make Sourdough Discard Crackers - Little Spoon Farm

Crispy, tangy crackers made from sourdough starter discard, butter, salt, and herbs. Perfect for snacking with hummus, cheese boards, or just on their own.

1 hr 48 minServes 4$0
American
Einkorn Crackers Made With Sourdough Discard
5

Einkorn Crackers Made With Sourdough Discard

Crisp, nutty crackers made with einkorn flour, toasted wheat germ, a hint of turmeric, and sourdough discard. Perfect for snacking or serving with cheese and spreads.

2 hrs 49 minServes 4$12
American