If you’ve ever wondered what to do with that extra sourdough starter you have lingering in the fridge, I’ve got an absolute treat for you: the Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe. These waffles are a wonderful way to rescue your sourdough discard and transform it into something irresistibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with just the right tangy depth that makes breakfast feel special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to weekend breakfast or brunch staple that excites both sourdough lovers and waffle fans alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with several baking ingredients layered in a circle: a light beige flour base with a white liquid poured over most of it, a cracked raw egg with a bright yellow yolk in the center, and a small pool of dark brown vanilla extract on one side. A silver whisk rests nearby on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients come together seamlessly to create these delicious waffles. Each component plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor, from the fluffiness lent by the baking powder to the rich moistness provided by the melted butter.

All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups or 210 grams): The base of your waffle batter, providing structure and body.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that adds extra lift and fluffiness to your waffles.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Reacts with the acidity in the sourdough and buttermilk to create lightness.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Sourdough starter (1 cup or 280 grams): The star of the show, giving your waffles a subtle tang and wonderful yeastiness.
Buttermilk or milk (1 cup or 249 grams): Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the sourdough perfectly.
Honey or sweetener of choice (2 tablespoons): Balances the tang and infuses a gentle sweetness.
Melted butter or other oil/fat (¼ cup or 56.5 grams): Provides richness and ensures crisp edges.
Egg (1): Binds ingredients and contributes to tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant warmth that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening for perfectly airy waffles.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg then stir in the sourdough starter, buttermilk, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly will create a smooth, aromatic base for your batter.

Step 3: Bring it All Together

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing would make your waffles tough, so let the batter rest for a few minutes to hydrate and develop key flavors.

Step 4: Preheat and Cook

Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and grease it lightly. Spoon the batter onto the iron, spreading evenly. Close and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, usually around 4-6 minutes depending on your machine.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Carefully remove each waffle and place on a cooling rack to keep crispiness. Serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe

A round waffle is cut into four quarters, with two quarters stacked on top of the bottom two, all placed on a white speckled plate. The waffle is golden brown with a crisp texture and deep square patterns. Two dollops of white butter sit on the stacked quarters, melting slightly. Amber syrup is drizzled over the waffle pieces and pools around the edges of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Classic toppings like fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup work beautifully here. For a little twist, try dollops of whipped cream or a smear of tangy Greek yogurt. Each garnish boosts the flavor and adds a lovely visual contrast to these golden beauties.

Side Dishes

For a truly filling brunch, pair your sourdough discard waffles with sausages, or a colorful fruit salad. These sides provide a range of textures and flavors that make your meal feel both decadent and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack waffles high and intersperse layers with Nutella, fruit compote, or mascarpone cheese for an indulgent treat. You can even cut them into sticks for fun dipping with honey or yogurt-based sauces. The Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe is flexible and inviting for any creative twist you want to explore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh enough to reheat without sacrificing too much crispness.

Freezing

These waffles freeze exceptionally well. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable bag. Frozen waffles maintain their quality for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Reheating

To get that fresh-from-the-waffle-iron crispness back, reheat waffles in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture delightful and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use an active sourdough starter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whether your starter is active or unfed (discard), it works wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s been stirred down well before measuring.

Do I need to feed my starter before making the waffles?

No need to feed your starter specifically for this recipe. Using discard reduces waste and still imparts great flavor and texture to the waffles.

Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but the waffles might lose just a bit of that lovely tangy zip that buttermilk provides. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to milk can mimic buttermilk if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

With some experimentation, yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that works well for waffles and adjust the liquids slightly to get the right batter consistency.

How thick or thin should the batter be?

The batter should be pourable but a bit thick, like a creamy pancake batter. This consistency helps waffles cook evenly and produce the perfect crisp exterior with a tender interior.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about turning sourdough discard into delicious, golden waffles that brighten up your breakfast table. The Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe is not just a clever way to reduce waste, but a fantastic way to enjoy the unique tang and texture sourdough contributes. I hope you savor these waffles as much as I do and make this recipe a beloved part of your kitchen routine.

Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe