If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s crisp on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and packed with a tangy hint of fermented goodness, then this Sourdough Waffles Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the classic waffle to a whole new level by incorporating sourdough discard, making your mornings not only delicious but wonderfully resourceful. Each waffle comes out golden, airy, and utterly irresistible, perfect for a weekend brunch or any day you want to make special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board sits on a white marbled surface with a striped white cloth beneath it. On the board, there is a round bowl filled with a light beige batter that has bubbles on its surface, a square white dish with sugar, a small round brown bowl with white powder, and a small block of butter wrapped partly in paper. Around the board are two eggs, one brown and one pale blue, a glass measuring cup filled with milk, a bottle of vanilla extract with a vintage label, and a metal whisk with a wooden handle lying diagonally on the cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sourdough Waffles Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor balance, and inviting color that make these waffles memorable. From the tang of sourdough discard to the richness of melted butter, these staples come together beautifully.

1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and perfect bite for the waffles.
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the sourdough tang.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the waffles achieve that fluffy lift.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Activates with the sourdough to enhance tenderness and browning.
½ teaspoon table salt: Heightens all the flavors and rounds out the taste.
1 cup sourdough discard: Brings in a subtle, delicious sour note, and is a great way to use starter waste.
1 cup whole milk (room temperature preferred): Adds moisture and richness for a smooth batter.
2 large eggs (yolks and whites divided, room temperature preferred): Yolks enrich the batter while whipped whites make the waffles airy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, sweet aroma that complements the tangy sourdough.
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds buttery flavor and crispness to the waffle exterior.

How to Make Sourdough Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that all the leaveners and seasonings are evenly distributed, which is key for waffles that rise beautifully and have a balanced flavor profile.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sourdough discard, whole milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture is where your waffles gain that signature tang and creamy richness from the milk and eggs.

Step 3: Add Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted and cooled butter into the wet ingredients while continuing to whisk. Don’t worry if the butter forms small clumps; this will not affect the batter significantly. The butter adds essential fat that results in a perfectly crisp exterior.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should still have a few small lumps. Overmixing can make waffles tough, so this gentle fold keeps things light and tender.

Step 5: Beat Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

In a clean and dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they hold stiff peaks. This aeration is what elevates your waffles to airy, light heights, giving every bite a cloud-like texture.

Step 6: Fold Egg Whites into Batter

Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until fully combined, preserving the volume and fluffiness. This step is where the magic of lightness comes into the batter, so be gentle.

Step 7: Let the Batter Rest

Allow the batter to sit for about five minutes while you preheat your waffle iron. This short rest lets the leavening agents work and ensures consistent cooking and texture in the final waffles.

Step 8: Cook the Waffles

Once your waffle iron is hot, pour the batter into the center—about 1 ¼ cups per waffle works well for most Belgian-style irons. Cook until the waffles are beautifully golden brown and crisp, typically around four minutes. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve your sourdough waffles warm and ready for toppings of your choice. Whether it’s butter, syrup, fresh fruit, or homemade whipped cream, these waffles are a fantastic blank canvas for delicious creativity.

How to Serve Sourdough Waffles Recipe

A stack of three golden brown waffles sits in the center of a white plate with a raised dot pattern along the edge. The top waffle has a square pat of melting yellow butter in the middle, with a steady stream of honey or syrup pouring down onto it, filling the waffle pockets with a shiny amber liquid. Around the plate, there are bright red strawberries and a small white bowl filled with a white creamy substance in the background. The whole scene is placed on a white marbled surface, with a fork resting nearby on a striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top these waffles with a pat of butter that melts luxuriously, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup for sweetness, or dollops of homemade whipped cream to add a soft, creamy touch. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also brighten up the plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair the waffles with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a perfect balance between sweet and savory. You can also serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to round out a well-balanced and satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the waffles with layers of ricotta and honey or use them as a base for chicken and waffles for a soulful southern classic. You can also cut them into smaller portions and use as dippers for chocolate sauce or yogurt-based dips, making your Sourdough Waffles Recipe versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, separate each waffle with parchment paper before stacking.

Freezing

These sourdough waffles freeze beautifully. Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to a month, perfect for a quick breakfast fix any day.

Reheating

To reheat, pop frozen waffles directly into a toaster or toaster oven until heated through and crisp again. This method preserves that freshly-cooked texture better than a microwave, making your leftover waffles taste just as good as the first batch.

FAQs

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can substitute active starter for discard, but reduce the milk slightly to balance the hydration in the batter. Active starter will add a stronger tang and more lifting power.

Do I have to separate the eggs?

Separating the eggs and whipping the whites creates lighter, fluffier waffles. While you can mix the eggs whole, the texture may be denser.

Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this Sourdough Waffles Recipe, try using a gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture and rise may differ from the traditional recipe.

Is it necessary to let the batter rest before cooking?

Allowing the batter to rest for a few minutes helps the baking powder activate and the gluten relax, leading to more tender waffles with better rise.

Can I store the batter overnight?

It’s best to cook the waffles fresh. However, you can refrigerate the batter for a few hours if needed, but avoid overnight refrigeration as the leavening may weaken and affect the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Waffles Recipe is a true game-changer—taking a simple breakfast idea and turning it into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a cozy morning meal, these waffles will become a beloved staple. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that perfect harmony of tang, crispness, and fluffiness firsthand!