If you have ever wondered how to turn sourdough discard into a breakfast delight, this Sourdough Waffles Recipe will quickly become your go-to weekend favorite. These waffles bring together the tangy charm of sourdough with a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy inside that melts in your mouth. Every bite is an adventure of flavors and textures that will make your morning feel extra special. Whether you’re new to sourdough cooking or a seasoned baker looking for a fun twist, this recipe is as welcoming as a warm hug at the breakfast table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sourdough Waffles Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that combine to create a complex flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays a star role, from the sourdough discard adding tang and lift, to the vanilla extract imparting subtle sweetness and warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: A key leavening agent to ensure your waffles rise beautifully and stay light.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to enhance fluffiness and balance the sourness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite more vibrant.
- Granulated sugar (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning for that perfect golden crust.
- Sourdough discard: The star ingredient that gives these waffles their signature tangy flavor and a slight chewiness.
- Fat-free milk (or your choice of milk): Adds moisture, helping to bind ingredients without weighing them down.
- Egg whites: Lighten the batter and contribute to a crisp exterior.
- Avocado oil (or any neutral oil): Provides moisture and prevents sticking without altering flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle warm sweetness.
How to Make Sourdough Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and granulated sugar (if you choose to use it). This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the batter, leading to consistent rise and flavor in every waffle.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry
Next, pour in the sourdough discard, milk, egg whites, avocado oil, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry mix. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your waffles tender and allow the batter to remain light.
Step 3: Heat and Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Scoop about a ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface and cook until the waffles are golden brown and the iron’s indicator light turns off. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, placing cooked waffles on a wire rack to maintain their crispness.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
The moment you’ve been waiting for! Serve your warm sourdough waffles immediately with your favorite toppings and relish the satisfying combination of tangy, crispy, and fluffy textures in every bite.
How to Serve Sourdough Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your sourdough waffles can completely transform the experience. Try classic maple syrup for a sweet, sticky finish, or fresh berries to add a juicy brightness that complements the tangy base. A pat of butter is always a welcome addition, melting into every nook and cranny. For a luxuriously creamy touch, whipped cream or yogurt can bring extra richness without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
These waffles pair beautifully with savory sides like crispy bacon or fresh scrambled eggs, creating a balanced plate that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a handful of nuts for an added crunch and nutrition boost.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow friends or family, layer your sourdough waffles with mascarpone and slices of seasonal fruit to create a waffle stack dessert. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent touch. Alternatively, turn them into a savory treat by topping with avocado, smoked salmon, and a squeeze of lemon, showing just how versatile this Sourdough Waffles Recipe can be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra waffles, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This method keeps them reasonably crisp and ready for a quick snack or meal addition without losing their signature sourdough tang.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored waffles in a toaster or oven to revive their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy. Heating them until they are warmed through and crisp again keeps the sourdough flavor bright and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use sourdough starter instead of discard in the Sourdough Waffles Recipe?
Yes, you can use active sourdough starter, but you might want to adjust other liquids accordingly since starters tend to be more hydrated. Using discard is often preferred because it helps reduce waste and doesn’t require feeding beforehand.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron?
While the recipe is designed for waffles, you can pour the batter onto a preheated skillet or griddle to make pancakes instead. Cooking times may vary, but you’ll still enjoy that wonderful sourdough flavor.
Is it necessary to use egg whites, or can I use whole eggs?
Egg whites help create a lighter, crispier texture, but if you prefer, you can substitute whole eggs. Just know the texture might be a bit richer and less airy than the original recipe.
Can I make the batter the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the batter rest overnight in the fridge can deepen the flavor and improve texture. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking since the ingredients might separate while chilling.
How can I make these waffles gluten-free?
To adapt the Sourdough Waffles Recipe for gluten-free diets, substitute a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The sourdough discard would need to be gluten-free as well, which requires a gluten-free starter.
Final Thoughts
Making these sourdough waffles is like gifting yourself a little celebration every morning. The way the tangy sourdough melds with the golden crispiness and tender crumb makes this recipe uniquely satisfying. I encourage you to give the Sourdough Waffles Recipe a try, play with your favorite toppings, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Sourdough Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe delivers light and crispy sourdough waffles using sourdough discard, making it a tasty way to reduce waste in your kitchen. The waffles are fluffy with a subtle tang from the sourdough, perfect for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Ready in just 25 minutes, these waffles pair well with sweet or savory toppings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup sourdough discard
- â…” cup fat free milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons egg whites
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using) until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the sourdough discard, milk, egg whites, avocado oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the waffles tender.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Heat a mini waffle iron and oil it lightly to prevent sticking. Once hot, scoop ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron.
- Cook Waffles: Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and the waffle iron’s indicator light turns off, signaling they are done. Carefully remove the waffle and set aside.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Serve the waffles warm with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
Notes
- Use sourdough discard to avoid waste and add a slight tangy flavor to your waffles.
- To keep waffles crispy, serve immediately or reheat in a toaster oven.
- Substitute fat free milk with any milk alternative if desired.
- Optionally add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
- Use egg whites to keep waffles light and lower in fat compared to whole eggs.
