Sourdough Discard Waffles

Author: Emily

Published: 2 February 2026

Updated: 3 April 2026

I love mornings that start with a quiet kitchen and the smell of something warm on the griddle. These sourdough discard waffles are one of my favorite ways to use leftover starter. They crisp up on the outside and stay tender inside. They are forgiving and kid-friendly. If you like using discard in sweet breakfasts, try my sourdough discard coffee cake for another cozy option.

why make this recipe

You get breakfast with almost no waste. The batter is easy to mix. It rests overnight so the flavor deepens. You can make the night before. Then you only need to cook in the morning. The waffles crisp up beautifully. They feel special without fuss.

how to make Sourdough Discard Waffles

Ingredients:
1 cup sourdough starter, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sourdough Discard Waffles

Directions:
Combine sourdough starter and yogurt in a bowl. Stir in flour and brown sugar, stirring continuously until well combined. Cover batter. Rest in the refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight. Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Beat egg in a large bowl. Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir in baking soda and salt. Add sourdough mixture. Stir until batter is well combined. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per waffle.

how to serve Sourdough Discard Waffles

Serve them hot. Add a pat of butter. Drizzle maple syrup. Top with fresh berries or a spoonful of yogurt. I love serving this with flaky sourdough discard biscuits when guests stay for brunch. For a savory touch, add bacon or smoked salmon on the side.

how to store Sourdough Discard Waffles

Cool waffles completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, layer with parchment and place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best crispness. Microwave works in a pinch but softens them.

tips to make Sourdough Discard Waffles

Use a thick starter or a thicker yogurt to keep batter balanced. If the batter feels too stiff, add a splash of milk. Letting the batter rest overnight gives a slight tang and better texture. Make sure your waffle iron is hot before you pour. If you want another discard idea, try making sourdough discard tortillas for wraps later in the week. Use fresh baking soda for the best rise.

variation (if any)

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth. Fold in a half cup of chocolate chips or blueberries for a treat. For a savory version, skip the brown sugar and add chopped herbs and grated cheese. You can also swap half the flour for whole wheat for nuttier flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use active starter instead of discard?
A: Yes. Active starter works fine. The flavor will be brighter. You may get a bit more rise.

Q: How long should the batter rest?
A: Resting 8 hours or overnight works best. You can rest for as little as one hour if you are short on time.

Q: Can I make the batter the morning I want waffles?
A: Yes. The waffles will still be tasty. But overnight rest gives the best texture and flavor.

Sourdough Discard Waffles

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