Sourdough Discard Waffles – Skinnytaste

If you need ways to use up your sourdough discard, you’ll love these light, golden, fluffy Sourdough Waffles!

Sourdough Discard Waffles

Sourdough baking is a labor of love—but what do you do with all that discard? Instead of tossing it, I’m always looking for ways to put it to good use. These light sourdough discard waffles are golden, fluffy, and a delicious way to cut waste and calories. I’ve been on a sourdough kick these past few months and have been making these on repeat for my daughter Madison. They use less fat than traditional waffle recipes, so they’re lighter but are still golden outside and fluffy inside. She loves them—and now they’re my go-to. So of course, I had to share!

If you don’t bake sourdough bread and don’t have sourdough discard, no worries–make these Yogurt Waffles or Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles instead.

Why These Sourdough Discard Waffles Work

I promised I would share sourdough discard recipes, and this is the first I am sharing, a recipe I make every weekend for Madison using my discard. She absolutely loves them, and now they’ve become my go-to recipe.

• Low-Calorie, Low-Fat: Uses minimal oil but they still taste great.
• Less Waste: Make the most of every part of your sourdough discard
• Freezer-friendly: Pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast.
• Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, vegetarian

What Is Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove when feeding it. While it’s often overlooked, it’s full of complex flavor and can elevate recipes like pancakes, biscuits, and, of course, waffles. The slight acidity helps tenderize the batter, resulting in a perfect texture and depth of flavor.

What You’ll Need

Besides the sourdough discard, this easy sourdough waffle recipe uses all pantry staples. You can buy sourdough starter online if you don’t want to start your own from scratch. Scroll to the bottom for the exact measurements.

• All-Purpose Flour is the base of the waffles
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda help them rise so they’re fluffy.
• Kosher Salt to balance the flavors
• Sugar is optional, depending on if you prefer a little sweetness
• Sourdough Discard adds a subtle tanginess.
• Milk: Skim milk or any plant-based milk will work.
• Egg Whites: Use liquid egg whites or 1 egg white from a large egg.
• Oil: Any neutral oil, like avocado, will work.
• Vanilla Extract for flavor

How to Make Sourdough Waffles

Here’s the step-by-step guide to make waffles with sourdough starter. See printable instructions are below in the recipe card.

• Start with Dry Ingredients: In a medium size mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. You want to do this separate from the wet ingredients so everything gets mixed well.
• Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the sourdough starter discard, milk, egg whites, oil, and vanilla into the flour mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined.
• Cook the Waffles: I used a mini waffle iron but you can use a larger one if that’s what you have. Spray it with oil so it doesn’t stick, add the batter, and cook until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

Variations:

• Toppings: Top with fresh fruit, maple syrup, nut butter, honey, butter, powdered sugar or whipped cream.
• Mix-Ins: Add blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter.
• Spices: Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
• Milk: Substitute buttermilk.

Tips for Success

For extra flavor and that sourdough tang, you can mix the batter the night before and let it rest—fermentation does its magic while you sleep. But if you’re short on time (or just trying to use up some discard before the next feeding), no problem. These waffles still turn out great made fresh in the morning.

Whether your starter is active and bubbly or it’s just unfed sourdough starter from your fridge, this recipe works either way.

Serving Suggestions

Serve for breakfast with a side of eggs, yogurt or cottage cheese on the side, for protein.

Storage

• Refrigerate cooked waffles for up to 4 days.
• Freeze waffles for 3 months.
• Reheat in the toaster or toaster oven.

FAQ

More Waffle Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this sourdough waffle recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!