Sourdough Waffle Recipe: Start your mornings with a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite by whipping up a batch of sourdough discard waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and boast a delightful tangy flavor, making them the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard.

Looking for a way to make the most out of your sourdough starter? Say hello to the best breakfast treat you’ve been missing out on: sourdough discard waffles! This easy sourdough waffle recipe not only offer a perfect start to your day but also help reduce waste from your sourdough baking adventure. With a mild tang and a rich, complex flavor, these waffles are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game and whip up these super easy crispy waffles.
We love this sourdough discard waffle recipe because it doesn’t require any wait time(fermenting). Since I’m using discard and not adding any flour, it is the perfect way to whip up a quick breakfast on weekday mornings. There are not a lot of things better than a crispy waffle topped with maple syrup, a drizzle of peanut butter and sliced bananas to start of a school day. My girls love them and can even make these all on their own.

Why you will love this recipe:
- Unique Flavor: The natural tanginess from the sourdough starter adds a unique depth of flavor that sets these waffles apart from the traditional ones. This subtle sour note complements the sweetness and creates a well-rounded taste experience.
- Crispy Texture: Sourdough waffles are known for their fantastic crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and fluffy interior. The natural fermentation process helps achieve this perfect texture.
- Nutritional Benefits: The fermentation process in sourdough breaks down some of the complex carbohydrates and gluten, making the waffles easier to digest and potentially more nutritious compared to regular waffles.
- Waste Reduction: Making a good use of sourdough discard in recipes like waffles reduces waste in your kitchen, making it an economical choice for home bakers.
- Versatility: Sourdough waffles are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings, from sweet to savory. Whether you enjoy them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even fried chicken, there’s a combination to suit every palate.
- Homemade Goodness: Making sourdough waffles from scratch not only gives you a sense of accomplishment but also allows you to control the ingredients and ensure you’re enjoying a wholesome, homemade treat.

Ingredients for sourdough waffle batter:
- 2 cups sourdough starter discard
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions on how to make Sourdough Waffle Recipe
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter per waffle (adjust based on your waffle iron size). Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Fun Facts about Sourdough
- Sourdough dates back to ancient Egypt, making it one of the oldest forms of leavened bread.
- Sourdough fermentation relies on wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which not only help the dough rise but also break down gluten, making it easier to digest.
- The longer fermentation process of sourdough contributes to its complex flavor profile, which can range from mildly tangy to deeply sour.
- Sourdough bread is known for its potential health benefits, including improved digestion, lower glycemic index, and increased nutrient availability.
- The acids produced during fermentation also act as natural preservatives, allowing sourdough bread to stay fresher longer than commercially yeasted bread.

FAQs:
Can I make pancakes with this recipe?
Yes, your waffle batter will still make delicious pancake batter as well! I also have an overnight pancake recipe that you can make the night before if you don’t have as much discard as this recipe asks for.
Can you recommend a waffle iron?
Ceramic waffle makers are generally considered a safer, non-toxic option compared to traditional non-stick waffle makers that use coatings like Teflon. We have this one and it makes the crispiest, fluffy waffles on the planet.
Can I make a double batch of this recipe and use for a few days?
Yes, just remember the batter will get more sour as it sits. I would suggest making the double batch of batter and then also making the waffles and freezing them.
What is sourdough discard?
Sourdough discard is the portion of the sourdough starter that is removed when you feed your starter. Instead of throwing it away, you can use it in various recipes, like these delicious waffles!
Can I use active sourdough starter?
Since discard is often unactive, the baking powder is the leavening agent in this recipe. So you can use active starter but it will add a bit more leavening power so you might want to reduce the baking powder by half or eliminate it altogether, depending on how fluffy you want your waffles to be.
Can I use an unfed sourdough starter?
Yes, this recipe is made to use with unfed sourdough discard. It adds a tangy flavor to the waffles and is a great way to avoid food waste, the baking powder will do the leavening in this recipe.
How do I store leftover waffles?
Let the waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; simply place a piece of parchment paper between each waffle to prevent them from sticking together.
How do I reheat the waffles?
Reheat refrigerated waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until they are crispy again. For frozen waffles, you can thaw them slightly before toasting or pop them directly into the toaster on a lower setting.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir in the morning before using it.
What toppings go well with sourdough discard waffles?
The options are endless! Fresh fruits, whipped cream, syrup, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and even savory toppings like fried chicken or bacon all pair wonderfully with these waffles. Also how fun would it be to add chocolate chips to the batter before cooking?
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture might vary slightly.

Other recipes you will enjoy:

How to Make the Best Sourdough Discard Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough starter discard
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter per waffle (adjust based on your waffle iron size). Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Unique Flavor: The natural tanginess from the sourdough starter adds a unique depth of flavor that sets these waffles apart from the traditional ones. This subtle sour note complements the sweetness and creates a well-rounded taste experience.
- Crispy Texture: Sourdough waffles are known for their fantastic crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and fluffy interior. The natural fermentation process helps achieve this perfect texture.
- Nutritional Benefits: The fermentation process in sourdough breaks down some of the complex carbohydrates and gluten, making the waffles easier to digest and potentially more nutritious compared to regular waffles.
- Waste Reduction: Making a good use of sourdough discard in recipes like waffles reduces waste in your kitchen, making it an economical choice for home bakers.
- Versatility: Sourdough waffles are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings, from sweet to savory. Whether you enjoy them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even fried chicken, there’s a combination to suit every palate.
- Homemade Goodness: Making sourdough waffles from scratch not only gives you a sense of accomplishment but also allows you to control the ingredients and ensure you’re enjoying a wholesome, homemade treat.
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