Easy Sourdough Waffle Recipe

If you have a sourdough starter, you probably already know how quickly discard can pile up. These sourdough waffles are one of my favorite ways to use it!

They’re crisp around the edges, soft and fluffy in the middle, and have just enough sourdough flavor without being too tangy. And the best part? You don’t have to wait overnight to make them.

I like making a big batch on the weekend and freezing the extras. Then I can pop one in the toaster on a busy morning for a quick homemade breakfast.

Serve them with butter and maple syrup, or add fresh berries, whipped cream, bananas, or whatever you happen to have on hand.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Waffles

• A great way to use sourdough discard
• No overnight fermentation required
• Crispy edges and fluffy centers
• Easy pantry ingredients
• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect for weekend breakfasts

Ingredients

Makes about 8 waffles

• 1 cup sourdough starter or discard
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Sourdough Waffles

1. Combine the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

2. Add the dry ingredients

Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Stir just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix the batter. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

3. Let the batter rest

Let the batter sit for about 10–15 minutes while you preheat your waffle iron.

This gives the flour a chance to hydrate and lets the batter become a little lighter.

4. Cook the waffles

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it if needed.

Pour the recommended amount of batter into the center of the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp.

Continue with the remaining batter.

5. Keep them warm

If you’re making a large batch, place the finished waffles directly on the oven rack in a warm oven until you’re ready to serve them. Keeping them directly on the rack helps prevent them from getting soggy.

What to Serve With Sourdough Waffles

Of course, you can’t go wrong with butter and maple syrup, but there are plenty of other ways to serve them.

Try topping your waffles with:

• Fresh strawberries or blueberries
• Sliced bananas
• Whipped cream
• Peanut butter
• Homemade fruit syrup
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Greek yogurt and berries
• Powdered sugar
• Apple butter

You can also make a savory breakfast by topping them with fried eggs and bacon.

Can I Use Sourdough Discard?

Yes! This recipe is specifically designed to use sourdough discard, so you don’t need to wait for your starter to be at its peak.

You can use either recently fed starter or unfed discard from the refrigerator.

Sourdough discard is particularly useful in recipes like waffles, pancakes, biscuits, and quick breads where the starter contributes flavor and moisture while another leavening ingredient provides the rise.

How to Store Leftover Waffles

Let the waffles cool completely before storing them.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Place cooled waffles in a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat them, pop them straight into the toaster until they’re hot and crisp again.

Tips for Making the Best Sourdough Waffles

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make waffles tougher.

Don’t stack hot waffles. The steam can make those crispy edges disappear. Keep them in a warm oven instead.

Don’t skip the rest. Even though this is a quick recipe, giving the batter 10–15 minutes to rest makes a difference in the texture.

Watch the first waffle. Waffle irons vary quite a bit, so use the first waffle to figure out the right amount of batter and cooking time for your particular iron.

More Sourdough Recipes

If you have a sourdough starter sitting in your refrigerator, there are so many things you can make with it!

Try my Sourdough Tortillas for tacos and wraps, or my Quick Sourdough Pizza Dough for homemade pizza night.

You can also make Sourdough Discard Biscuits, Sourdough Banana Bread, Sourdough Focaccia, Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread, Sourdough Discard Pancakes, and Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake.

Follow my Sourdough Recipes board on Pinterest.