How to Make the Best Sourdough Discard Waffles
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy to learn more.
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.

Recipe Overview: The Best Sourdough Discard Waffles
- ⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 👩🏻🍳 Baking Time: 5 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 10 minutes
- 🍞 Serving: 4
- ⚡ Calories: 10 calories per serving
- 🍂 Flavor Profile: Crisp on the outside, tender and airy on the inside, with a subtle tang from sourdough discard and a lightly sweet flavor.
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy — quick to mix and cook, perfect for a flavorful breakfast or brunch.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS RECIPE ON
Jump to:
- Recipe Overview: The Best Sourdough Discard Waffles
- Why you will love this recipe:
- Ingredients for sourdough waffle batter:
- Instructions on how to make Sourdough Waffle Recipe
- Fun Facts about Sourdough
- FAQs:
- Other recipes you will enjoy:
- pin for later
- How to Make the Best Sourdough Discard Waffles
- Fun Facts about Sourdough
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
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon 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 ¼ to ½ 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:
Yes! This batter works well for pancakes too. If you’re short on discard, you can also try an overnight pancake recipe that uses less or no discard.
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove when feeding your sourdough. Instead of throwing it away, you can use it in recipes like waffles, pancakes, and more for added flavor.
Yes, but you may want to reduce the baking powder slightly since active starter adds extra lift. The waffles may turn out a bit lighter and fluffier depending on how much you use.
Yes, you can mix the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just stir it before cooking, as it may thicken slightly overnight.
Yes. Just keep in mind the batter will become more sour the longer it sits. For best results, cook the waffles and freeze them for easy reheating later.
Let waffles cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.
Toast refrigerated waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until crisp. Frozen waffles can go straight into the toaster on a lower setting or be thawed slightly first.
Classic options include syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. You can also go savory with bacon or fried chicken, or mix chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter twist.
Yes, a gluten-free flour blend can work as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different from the original.
Other recipes you will enjoy:
pin for later


How to Make the Best Sourdough Discard Waffles
Equipment
- 1 waffle iron
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough starter discard
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using about ¼ to ½ 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
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.




