These Sourdough Discard Waffles are a tasty way to use up leftover sourdough starter! They’re light and crispy, with a hint of tangy flavor that makes breakfast extra special.
Who knew using sourdough discard could be so fun? I love whipping these up on lazy weekends, and they pair perfectly with maple syrup or fresh fruit. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of the recipe! Make sure it’s unfed, as it’ll add a great tangy flavor. If you don’t have any, you could use plain yogurt or buttermilk to mimic the texture and tang.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour is perfect here, but you can replace half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and extra nutrients. Just keep in mind it may make the waffles denser.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes the waffles tender. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. It works like a charm!
Unsalted Butter: For a healthier option, you could use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Just be mindful that it may slightly change the flavor.
Fresh Berries: While strawberries and blueberries are a delicious combo, feel free to use any seasonal fruit like raspberries or peaches based on your preference!
How Do You Achieve Light and Fluffy Waffles?
The key technique in this recipe is mixing the wet and dry ingredients correctly. Overmixing can result in tough waffles, so be gentle! Here’s how:
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until you can’t see any more dry flour. A few lumps are okay!
- Preheating your waffle iron is essential for a crispy exterior. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature settings.
- Grease your waffle iron lightly with cooking spray or butter to avoid sticking, making it easier to remove them without tearing.
Perfect waffles will be golden brown and crisp on the outside. Don’t rush—let them cool slightly on a plate before topping them up!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Waffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffles:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional butter for waffle iron
For Topping:
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for cooking, depending on your waffle iron. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, fluffy waffles ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is an important step to ensure your waffles cook evenly and become nice and crispy!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to give your waffles a great texture.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients are well combined before you mix them in with the dry mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can make your waffles tough.
5. Prepare the Waffle Iron:
Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or butter. This will help your waffles release easily once they’re cooked.
6. Cook the Waffles:
Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron. The amount will depend on the size of your iron—just make sure not to overfill! Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
7. Serve and Top:
Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a plate. Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with maple syrup as generously as you like!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious sourdough discard waffles immediately while they are warm. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures with your favorite toppings!
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead of Discard?
Yes, you can use an active sourdough starter! Just make sure it’s at its peak for the best results, and you might want to reduce the amount of baking powder slightly as the starter will already provide some leavening.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Waffles?
Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster or oven until heated through for a crispy texture.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
It’s best to use the batter fresh, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance. Just combine them and cook the waffles when you’re ready for a quick breakfast!
