Reinventing a Family Favourite — with a Wholesome Twist
Some recipes just stick. These sweetcorn fritters are one of those staples in our home — golden, comforting and completely devour-able. They’ve been a firm family favourite for years (even my eldest feels like this reminds her of home).
But one of the things I’ve come to love most about cooking from scratch is the joy of recreating old favourites in new, more nourishing ways.
Using sourdough discard and freshly milled flour, I’ve taken this simple recipe and turned it into something even better — better for our health, and somehow, even better in flavour. Lightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, with sweet bursts of corn… and zero waste from the sourdough starter? It’s a win all around.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A great way to use up sourdough discard (no waste!)
Don’t toss that sourdough starter! These fritters are the perfect way to use up discard in a delicious, low-effort recipe that reduces food waste and adds rich, tangy depth of flavour. - Made with freshly milled flour for added nutrition
Wholegrain, freshly milled flour adds fibre, flavour, and nutrients — giving you more nourishment in every bite while keeping the texture light and satisfying. - Crispy edges, soft centres, and full of flavour
Lightly pan-fried for that golden, crispy outside, and tender, fluffy middle — every bite has that perfect contrast we all love in fritters. - Family-approved (even by the picky ones!)
These have been tested and devoured by real kids with real preferences — and they passed with flying colours. Sweetcorn adds pops of natural sweetness that little ones adore. - Perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or packed lunches
Versatile and filling, they work for any time of day. We’ve served them for weekend brunch, tossed them into lunchboxes, and grabbed them as a savoury afternoon snack. - Freezer-friendly and quick to reheat
Batch cook and freeze — they reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, making them a great make-ahead option for busy families.
✍️ A Note on Ingredients
One of the joys of this recipe is how flexible it is — but if you’re looking to add a nutritional boost, freshly milled whole wheat flour makes a big difference. Not only does it add more fibre and natural goodness, but it also brings a richer, nuttier flavour that pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the corn.
If you don’t have a grain mill, don’t worry — it works perfectly well with store-bought wholemeal or even plain flour. Use what you have!
The sourdough discard gives these fritters a slight tang and a lovely lightness, but it’s not overpowering. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and sneak some sourdough goodness into your day.
💡 Tips for Success
- Drain your corn well. Extra moisture can make the batter too wet and the fritters soggy. If using tinned or defrosted corn, give it a gentle squeeze in a clean tea towel before mixing.
- Let the batter rest. Give it 10–15 minutes after mixing to let the flour fully hydrate — this makes for lighter fritters with a better texture.
- Use medium heat. Too hot, and the outsides will burn before the centres cook through. Medium heat lets them go golden and crisp without overdoing it.
- Make a double batch. They’re freezer-friendly, easy to reheat, and they will disappear faster than you expect — especially with hungry little people around!
🍽️ How to Serve
- As a savoury breakfast or brunch. Top with a poached egg, a dollop of yogurt, or some homemade chutney for a hearty, satisfying start to the day.
- Lunchbox favourite. They're just as tasty cold, making them perfect for packed lunches or picnics. Add a pot of hummus or natural yogurt for dipping!
- After-school snack. Warm a couple up in the oven or air fryer for a quick, nourishing snack — ideal for those hungry moments before dinner.
- Simple side dish. Serve them alongside soups, stews, or grilled veg as a fun and filling side.
- Make-ahead dinner. Pair with a leafy salad, avocado, and some fresh herbs for a speedy, delicious dinner.
Sourdough Discard Sweetcorn Fritters
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring scales or cups
- 1 Whisk or fork
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Frying pan or skillet
- 1 Ice cream scoop or large spoon (for portioning)
- 1 Ovenproof dish (to keep fritters warm)
- 1 Hob and oven
Ingredients
- 200 g Freshly milled whole wheat flour (or flour of your choice)
- 200 g Sourdough Discard
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- Salt (to your preference)
- 2 Eggs
- 200 ml Milk
- 200 g Sweetcorn Well Drained or Frozen
Instructions
- Make the batter:In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly milled flour (or flour of your choice), sourdough discard, baking powder, salt, eggs, and milk. Mix well until a thick, smooth batter forms.
- Add the sweetcorn:Stir in the well-drained tinned or defrosted sweetcorn. If using frozen corn, you can add it straight from the freezer — just break up any clumps.
- Heat the pan:Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Allow it to heat up until the surface is nice and hot — this helps achieve golden, crispy edges.
- Cook the fritters:Scoop portions of the batter into the hot pan — I like using an ice cream scoop for evenly sized fritters. Cook 3–4 at a time, giving them space to spread. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep warm while cooking the rest:As each batch finishes, transfer the fritters to a warm, oven-safe dish in a low oven (around 150°C / 300°F) to keep warm and allow the centres to finish cooking while you fry the remaining batter.
- Serve and enjoy:Once all the fritters are cooked, season well with flaky salt and serve warm. These make a brilliant snack, lunchbox filler, side dish or served with dips.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. There’s something so satisfying about turning simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly delicious — especially when it helps reduce waste and nourish your family at the same time.
If you give these fritters a go, I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram — it always makes my day to see your creations.
And if you’re not already following, be sure to stick around — there’s so much more homemade goodness coming soon!