Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe
Introduction
Sourdough discard waffles are a deliciously creative way to use up leftover starter while making fluffy, flavorful waffles. Ready in just 15 minutes, these waffles bring a subtle tang and delightful texture to your breakfast table. Perfect with fresh fruit and syrup, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed or fed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if you prefer sweeter waffles)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
- Fresh fruits (berries, bananas, etc.)
- Maple syrup or honey
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the sourdough discard, egg, milk, and melted butter or oil until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 6: Pour the batter onto the iron, using an amount suited to your waffle maker’s size.
- Step 7: Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden and crisp.
- Step 8: Remove the waffles and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and more fiber.
- Use plant-based milk and oil to make these waffles vegan-friendly.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts directly to the batter for added texture and sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven until crisp to enjoy the best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, fed starter can be used, but it may result in a slightly tangier flavor and a thinner batter. Adjust liquid amounts if needed.
Do I need a waffle iron to make these waffles?
A waffle iron is recommended to achieve the classic texture and shape, but you could also cook the batter in a greased skillet for a pancake-style alternative.
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Sourdough Discard Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make sourdough discard waffles that transform leftover sourdough starter into a crispy, golden breakfast treat. These waffles are fluffy on the inside with a slight tang from the sourdough, perfect for a comforting morning meal topped with fresh fruits, syrup, and your favorite extras.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a sweeter waffle)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed or fed)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
Toppings (optional)
- Fresh fruits (berries, bananas, etc.)
- Maple syrup or honey
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it is hot and ready to cook the waffles evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to help the waffles rise and maintain balance in flavors.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, egg, milk, and melted butter or oil until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the waffles tough.
- Prepare Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and help create a crispy crust.
- Cook Waffles: Pour a suitable amount of batter onto the waffle iron (amount will depend on your waffle maker’s size). Close the lid and cook for 4–5 minutes or until waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
- Add Toppings: Top with fresh fruits, maple syrup or honey, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or nuts as desired to enhance the flavor and presentation of your waffles.
Notes
- You can use unfed or fed sourdough discard as per availability.
- Adjust sugar amount or omit based on your sweetness preference.
- For dairy-free, substitute milk with plant-based milk and butter with oil.
- Preheating the waffle iron is crucial for crispy waffles.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Serve waffles immediately after cooking to enjoy the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sourdough discard, waffles, breakfast recipe, easy waffles, sourdough waffles

