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The Ultimate Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe (Quick & Overnight Options)

A stack of four fluffy, golden-brown sourdough pancakes on a white plate, highlighted by bright sunlight.

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Make incredibly fluffy and tangy sourdough pancakes using your unfed starter discard. This easy recipe delivers light, tender results perfect for a weekend brunch or quick weekday breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray or butter for the griddle

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter discard and the egg until just combined.
  2. Add the milk, melted butter (or oil), and sugar to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until incorporated.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt.
  4. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt mixture over the batter. Gently fold it in until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine. The batter will become slightly airy.
  5. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes. If you are making overnight sourdough pancakes, cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
  6. Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or butter.
  7. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and bubbles appear on the surface.
  8. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup or fresh fruit for a delicious stack of pancakes.

Notes

  • For extra tanginess, use discard that has been in the refrigerator for several days.
  • If you prefer a thicker batter for taller pancakes, reduce the milk by one tablespoon.
  • To achieve golden brown pancakes, keep your griddle temperature consistent; too low and they dry out, too high and they burn before cooking inside.
  • This recipe works well as a one bowl pancake recipe if you mix the dry ingredients directly into the wet ingredients.

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