Easy Sourdough Discard Waffles for Cozy Mornings

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If you’re tired of pouring precious sourdough discard down the drain, this sourdough discard waffles recipe is about to become your new favourite breakfast ritual. These waffles deliver that signature tangy sourdough flavour, ultra-crispy edges, and a light, airy interior, all while using up to 200g of discard in one go. 

Whether you need breakfast ready in under 20 minutes or prefer the deeper yeasty notes of pretzels, this versatile recipe has you covered. If you follow the measurements correctly, you can get golden Belgian-style or classic round waffles that rival your favourite café gaufres. Let’s turn that jar of discard into breakfast magic!

Sourdough Discard Is Anything But Waste

This is liquid gold for flavor. The natural acids and wild yeasts tenderise the crumb and create a complex tang that plain baking-powder waffles simply can’t match. These waffles freeze beautifully and reheat in the toaster like shop-bought ones, only better.

The average home sourdough baker discards hundreds of grams of starter weekly. This recipe helps you slash food waste while gaining probiotic-like benefits from the fermented flour!

Fork and waffle

No-Wait Sourdough Discard Waffles (Ready in 20 Minutes)

These waffles freeze beautifully and reheat in the toaster like shop-bought ones, only better. Ready? Let’s bake.

PREP

10–15 mins (plus optional overnight)

COOK

20–30 mins

TOTAL

20 mins

SERVINGS

8–10 waffles

INGREDIENTS

200 g sourdough discard (100% hydration, room temperature, fresh or fridge up to 2 weeks old)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
200–380 g buttermilk (or whole milk + 2 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar for homemade)
60 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled (French butter for extra richness)
170–200 g all-purpose flour (or half bleached for extra lightness)
50 g granulated sugar
10–12 g baking powder
¼ tsp (1–2 g) baking soda
5–6 g fine sea salt (or 1½ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher)
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, whisk sourdough discard, eggs, buttermilk (or milk), and melted butter until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla.
Pour wet into dry and mix until just combined, a few lumps are fine (overmixing = tough waffles)
Preheat waffle iron to medium-high. Lightly grease if needed.
Scoop ⅓–1 cup batter per waffle (adjust to your iron size). Cook 4–6 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
Transfer to a wire rack; never stack hot waffles, or they go soggy!
Cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freezer up to 3 months (layer with parchment). Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster or 180°C oven for 5 minutes. They crisp up perfectly!

NOTES

Optional add-ins (stir in just before cooking): – 100 g chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles – 100 g fresh or frozen blueberries – 1 tsp cinnamon

Tips & Variations

Add cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or sliced mushrooms directly into the sauce before tossing with pasta for a heartier, more filling meal.
A pinch of red chili flakes added with the garlic brings a welcome kick without overpowering the creaminess.
Use freshly grated parmesan — it melts far more smoothly than pre-shredded, which can turn grainy.
Next time your starter jar is full, don’t toss it, fire up the waffle iron instead. Your family (and your sourdough culture) will thank you.

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