Cottage Cheese Sourdough Discard Pancakes are a smart and healthy choice for breakfast. The best part? They’re an excellent way to make use of sourdough discard, reducing waste and offering a better substitute for traditional pancakes.
I’ve been whipping up cottage cheese pancakes for as long as I can recall. And in recent years, I’ve been integrating sourdough into my recipes whenever I can. Let’s just say, if we adored these pancakes before, our obsession has reached a whole new level. The family is absolutely obsessed! I’m almost certain I could make them with my eyes closed… well, almost! By using just a few basic ingredients, we can whip up really amazing pancakes that your family will love!
How I Discovered Cheese Pancakes
Back in Ukraine, we primarily used Farmer’s Cheese to make cheese pancakes, also known as Syrniki. Syrniki, also known as cheese pancakes, are incredibly popular in Ukraine and are a beloved traditional dish in Ukrainian cuisine. In my home, we have continued the tradition of making syrniki. However, since Farmer’s Cheese is not always easy to find or cost-effective, we have switched to using cottage cheese instead. No regrets.
Cottage cheese is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. We almost always have it in the fridge. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a popular choice for pastas, salads, smoothies, and pancakes in our household.
You might also enjoy them after having a warm bowl of my Ukrainian Borscht
Why Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes With Sourdough Discard
- Reduce food waste: Using sourdough discard in cottage cheese pancakes helps to minimize food waste by repurposing the discard rather than throwing it away.
- Adds flavor and texture: The sourdough discard adds a unique tangy flavor and contributes to a light, airy texture in the pancakes.
- Nutritional benefits: Cottage cheese is packed with high-quality protein and calcium. It also contains other important nutrients such as phosphorus, B vitamins, and selenium, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
- Unique twist: Incorporating sourdough discard into the pancakes gives them a distinctive flavor and sets them apart from regular pancakes or the typical cottage cheese pancakes.
- Environmental impact: By utilizing sourdough discard and making the most of ingredients, you contribute to sustainable cooking practices and reduce environmental impact.
- I use my sourdough discard in other recipes such as sourdough waffles, english muffins, and fluffy pancakes.
- Great way to use up sourdough starter discard.
What Is Sourdough Discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of the sourdough starter that is removed and not used during the feeding process. Instead of being utilized, it is often discarded, hence the term “discard”. Despite its seemingly useless nature, sourdough discard carries a tangy flavor that can add depth to your dishes and, at the same time, helps with leavening. It is also worth noting that this byproduct of sourdough starter can be used in many recipes, making it a versatile ingredient that should not be underestimated.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Sourdough Discard
- 4 Cups of cottage cheese (you can substitute with ricotta cheese as well, but it will not be exactly the same and may need to increase amount of flour for thicker consistency)
- 2 Cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon of sourdough discard
- 4 Large eggs
- 3 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Avocado oil
Cottage Cheese Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Equipment
- 1 Large Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 4 Cups of cottage cheese (you can substitute with ricotta cheese as well, but it will not be exactly the same and may need to increase amount of flour for thicker consistency)
- 2 Cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon of sourdough discard
- 4 Large eggs
- 3 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Avocado oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together all ingredients: cottage cheese, sourdough discard, eggs, flour, baking powder, agave syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of avocado oil to coat the surface. If using stainless steel or titanium pans, make sure the pan is well heated.
- Pour about ¼ cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook the pancakes for 1.5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- Place on a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve the cottage cheese pancakes warm, topped with your favorite fruits, syrup, honey, and sour cream
Notes
- You can store these in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- This is also a great make ahead recipe for meal prep. Once prepared and cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight freezer safe container or a freezer safe bag for up to 4 months.
- If storing in the freezer, be sure to separate the pancake layers with a piece of parchment paper in between each layer.
- To reheat the cottage cheese pancakes, simply pop them into the microwave for a minute.
How To Serve Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- These delicious pancakes can be served warm with melted butter on top.
- For that extra sweet flavor, add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruits, fresh berries, maple syrup, or honey.
- If you like mixing your pancakes with other dry flavorful ingredients, I recommend mixing in chocolate chips or dried raisins.
- And of course for our family, we have to add sour cream.
Storing Cottage Cheese Sourdough Pancakes
- You can store these in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- This is also a great make ahead recipe for meal prep. Once prepared and cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight freezer safe container or a freezer safe bag for up to 4 months.
- If storing in the freezer, be sure to separate the pancake layers with a piece of parchment paper in between each layer.
- To reheat the cottage cheese pancakes, simply pop them into the microwave for a minute.
Subscribe to my newsletters or follow me on Pinterest or follow on YouTube!
