Have sourdough starter you need to discard on frequent basis? This is the perfect way to put it to good use!  This Whole Wheat Sourdough Waffles recipe combines sourdough starter with whole grains followed by a simple fermentation process that makes these waffles extra healthy!
Why Sourdough Waffles?
The sourdough starter contributes to a more complex and interesting flavor and through the overnight fermentation process the whole grains undergo a change that makes them easier to digest. These fermented sourdough waffles make a wonderful addition to your wholesome and nutritious eating regimen.
Enjoy these as traditional waffles served with syrup or honey. Another way we love to eat these is to toast them in the toaster so they’re nice and crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside and then slather them with butter and jam. Kind of like crumpets, only waffles!
Do I Have to Ferment the Waffle Batter?
The fermentation process does put the sour in the sourdough and gives these a tangy edge. As noted above it’s also what makes these healthier and easier to digest. Nevertheless if you’re not used to that flavor you can skip the fermenting by using active/fed sourdough starter and then just let the batter rest for about 30 minutes in a warm place before cooking.
Can You Freeze Sourdough Waffles?
Absolutely! These whole grain sourdough waffles freeze very well in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Then just let them thaw and toast them to crisp them up. I like to make a double batch of these for that very purpose; they’re perfect for on-the-go-breakfasts or as mid-day snack.
Whole Wheat Sourdough Waffles Recipe
Let’s get started!
First make the “sponge” which is going to ferment overnight: In large non-reactive mixing bowl combine the flours, unfed sourdough starter, honey or maple syrup, and buttermilk. Cover and let the batter rest overnight at room temperature.
The following morning the batter will be nice and bubbly.
Add the eggs, melted butter, salt and vanilla extract and beat just until combined.
Use the batter immediately. Scoop out the batter and place it on a hot waffle iron.
Cook the waffles in the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (I’m using my KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker that’s been going strong for over 12 years.)
Serve immediately with butter and syrup of your choice.
Enjoy!
Whole Wheat Sourdough Waffles
Ingredients
- For the Sponge:
- 1 cup spelt or whole wheat flour (I prefer the milder flavor of spelt)
- 1 cup rye flour (can substitute spelt or whole wheat if preferred)
- 1 cup unfed sourdough starter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cups buttermilk
- For the Batter:
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon quality pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- First make the "sponge" which is going to ferment overnight: In large non-reactive mixing bowl combine the flours, unfed sourdough starter, honey or maple syrup, and buttermilk. Cover and let the batter rest overnight at room temperature (see NOTE below).
- The following morning the batter will be nice and bubbly.Add the eggs, melted butter, salt and vanilla extract and beat just until combined.  Use the batter immediately. Scoop out the batter and place it on a hot waffle iron. Cook the waffles in the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.  Serve immediately with butter and syrup of your choice. Â
Notes
Nutrition
Dalles Kracher says
I need to use gluten free flour what do you recommend?
Kimberly Killebrew says
Hi Dalles, there are a few brands of whole grain gluten free flour on the market but I have not tried them. If there is a brand that you’re already used to using you can generally substitute it 1:1 for the flour called for in this recipe. That said, I have not made these particular waffles with gluten free flour so I can’t confirm how well they’ll turn out without any further adjustments to the recipe.
Vi Dang says
How does one obtain sourdough starter? How much of active yeast package do I use for substitution?
Kimberly Killebrew says
Hi Vi, two teaspoons of yeast is roughly the equivalent of a cup of sourdough starter but I don’t recommend substituting. You can purchase sourdough starter online (one example is King Arthur Flour) or you can make your own (there are many tutorials online).
Timothy Woods says
I’ve tried a lot of different whole wheat sourdough waffle recipes and always found them too heavy on the whole wheat + not enough spice to make them interesting. I was skeptical at first when I tried it because I had never seen anything like it before, but tried it anyway. This is by far the best recipe for waffles
Kimberly Killebrew says
I’m thrilled to hear that, Timothy, thanks so much for the feedback!