French Sourdough Waffles (Basic Recipe) – A simple and versatile recipe for classic sourdough waffles. You can make it using either an active sourdough starter or sourdough discard. Top them with your favorite ingredients, or fold in a filling of your choice – these easy sourdough waffles make the perfect quick breakfast or a tasty snack for the whole family.
Today on the menu is a delicious sourdough waffle recipe – one I make often, especially when I need to refresh my sourdough starter. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility: it can be made using either an active starter or any discard you have on hand.
Behind the Bites
Believe it or not, historical evidence suggests that waffle makers have been known to European populations for centuries. Some argue that early versions existed as far back as the 9th century. At the time, they were known as wafer irons – two metal plates connected by a hinge and heated over an open fire. These irons were primarily used to make thin wafers and were often associated with religious ceremonies and church festivals.
By the 12th and 13th centuries, wafer irons had evolved to feature deeper patterns, producing thicker waffles more similar to those we recognize today. During the Renaissance, waffle makers became more refined and were commonly used in aristocratic households. The basic iron design remained largely unchanged in Europe until the 20th century, when electric waffle makers were introduced.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour – all purpose of whole grain flour
- Baking powder
- Sourdough starter – refreshed and bubbly or discard
- Milk – can be replaced with water, plant milk or even ‘Aryan‘ (mix of yogurt and milk with the consistency of raw milk)
- Butter – can be replaced with vegetable oil or lard
- Eggs – free range taste best
- Optional: any filling like cheese, frozen berries or olives, or even herbs (fresh parsley, tarragon, etc.) or chopped nuts – should not exceed a few tbsp. worth of filling
How to make Sourdough Waffles?
1st: Start by combining the eggs, milk, and sourdough starter (or discard) in a bowl, and beat well until smooth. Melt the butter and stir it into the mixture. Then, add the flour, baking powder, and any optional fillings – like in the photo, where I’ve added crumbled feta cheese – and stir until just combined.
2nd: Grease and preheat your waffle maker, pour in some of the batter, and cook until golden brown on all sides.
French Sourdough Waffles (Basic recipe)
Ingredients
- 160 g sourdough starter, active or discard
- 2 medium eggs
- 210 g milk
- 40 g butter, melted
- 140 g flour, all purpose
- 1 tbsp. baking powder
Instructions
- Feed starter (see my starter recipe) , then let rise between 4 and 8 hours. Alternatively, use sourdough discard.
- In a large mixing bowl crack eggs, add in milk, sourdough starter, melted butter, flour and baking powder.
- Whisk to combine all ingredients. Using a ladle, pour some of the batter into a preheated (and greased) waffle maker.
- Level out the dough with the ladle to cover all sides of the waffle maker (as the batter is rather thick).
- Cook until golden brown and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
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I used this recipe for breakfast on Sunday, grandkids were visiting and it was a hit. They ate it with jam and maple syrup.
I’m so glad to hear, thank you for sharing.