Sourdough Pancakes With Starter Discard (Easy and Nutritious)

These sourdough pancakes made with starter discard are quick, easy, delicious and nutritious!

Bright eyed children skip to the kitchen whilst a bleary eyed mama wearily grabs the sourdough starter. Another day has begun, and though it takes me a few moments (coffee beans) to embrace it, I’m happy knowing we are starting the day off with a nutritious meal that fills little tummies.

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Within minutes, we’ve created gourmet pancakes that are delicious, sugar free, and full of healthy protein and fats. Key nutrients to keeping my kids full and focused during school!

My kiddos and I love making sourdough pancakes with our starter. We whip these up about 3 days a week, often experimenting with flavors and toppings.

Quick and Easy Sourdough Pancake Recipe From Discard

Because these sourdough pancakes are made with starter discard, they are quick and easy. You simply feed your sourdough starter the night before, and in the morning use the discard to make your pancakes.

It’s a simple, no brainer recipe for those of us who may not be getting a ton of sleep (wink wink).

It takes us about five minutes to put all the ingredients together, and each pancake a few minutes to cook per side.

These pancakes are light and thin, with a delicious extra vanilla taste. You won’t miss the sugar!

Sourdough Discard Pancakes Require No Added Flour

These sourdough discard pancakes are so easy because they require no additional flour. You are literally just scooping out your discard and using that for the base of your pancakes. They are quicker and less mess, which is crucial for busy mornings!

Health Benefits of Sourdough

A sourdough starter is a fermented mix of flour and water that contain colonies of yeast.

Flour that has been fermented breaks down phytic acid found within. This very phytic acid typically prevents key nutrients in flour from being absorbed. (Such as calcium, magnesium, and iron). Sourdough is also a good source of prebiotics, helping to nourish the gut.

Breads and baked goods made with sourdough starter thus have more nutrients readily available, and easier to absorb. And of course, when you are making homemade goods you can control the ingredients within. No sugar or chemicals… no problem!

These health benefits are found in sourdough discard as well.

Flour that has been through this fermentation process also contains gluten that is partially broken down, making it easier to digest.

Don’t Let Sourdough Scare You!

I have to share that I was quite intimidated when I began my foray into sourdough almost two years ago. But, don’t let the process of fermenting flour scare you!

I am not the best cook in the world, but I have managed to create and maintain a sourdough starter with no problems. It’s been a great learning experience for both myself and my kids!

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

What does the term “sourdough discard” mean?

When you go to feed your starter, you “discard” or throw away a portion of your starter.

Then, you feed it flour again.

With these pancakes, instead of throwing away a portion of your starter, you are going to use it for the base of your sourdough pancakes.

My Exact Process Using My Starter Discard to Make Pancakes

Throughout my sourdough journey I’ve often found the process a bit confusing…

When do I feed my sourdough starter? And how much?

This is my process:

I need two cups of sourdough starting when making these pancakes. So that means I need to feed it enough flour the night before for it to be ready the next day.

The night before I make these pancakes, I will discard a half cup of sourdough starter and feed my sourdough starter one cup of King Arthur flour and one cup of filtered water. Mix well.

If you don’t keep several cups of starter on hand, and your starter is smaller, you will need to feed it more (enough to have two cups in the morning).

Let your kids join in the fun to learn responsibility and basic cooking skills!

Nutrition for Kids In Sourdough Pancakes Made with Starter

I love reading about nutrition and how I can make simple choices to better my children’s diet and health. Here are a few benefits in this sourdough pancake recipe:

Eggs: Eggs are filled with protein, folate, and fat that growing young bodies need. Free range eggs, if you have a source, have more nutrients!

Butter: Grass fed butter is rich in antioxidants, a great source of vitamin A, high in omega 3 fatty acids, and high in vitamin K2, which supports bone growth.

Sea Salt: Quality sea salt can reduce stress, help with muscle cramps, and fight off colds.

Berries: We usually top our pancakes with organic berries, which are filled with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Berries are a delicious way to help boost your child’s immune system!

I’ve noticed my kids have such a better morning when they eat a breakfast rich in healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates!

Buy grass fed butter through amazon market here!

This Maldon sea salt is amazing in flavor and texture.

Tips for How We Whip Up Our Sourdough Pancakes With Starter

Here are a few tips for your sourdough starter pancakes:

-I like my sourdough starter to be fermenting for about 10-12 hours before using

-We add two teaspoons of vanilla for extra flavor without added sugar

-I don’t always let my butter cool before adding to my pancake mix (you can), and I’ve had no problems

-Make your own simple homemade syrup by using a one cup of berries to one tablespoon of honey ratio

-Mix your recipe very very well for best results. You’ll want to see the baking soda froth up the pancakes. It’s fun!

Sourdough Books For Beginners

New to sourdough adventures? I recommend reading Artisan Sourdough Made Simple or Classic Sourdoughs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Sourdough Discard Healthy?

Yes, sourdough discard is simply the portion of your sourdough that you are no longer going to use before feeding your start. Sourdough discard is a healthy carbohydrate, has prebiotic properties, and small amounts of a wide array of vitamins.

Why Are My Sourdough Pancakes Gooey?

Make sure to cook your pancakes fully in order to ensure they are cooked all the way through. Before flipping, I always ensure there are lots of bubbles on the uncooked side of the pancake.

When Is Sourdough Discard Okay To Use?

I typically will use my discard 8-10 hours after feeding. If my starter looks like its past its peak, I will not use the discard and just feed my starter.

When you look at your starter before discarding, it should still have bubbles and life to it. If it starting to look gray, has developed a crust, or smells off, I do not use it. Follow your intuition!