Easy Sourdough Waffles or Pancakes Recipe

This easy recipe for Sourdough Waffles or Pancakes is perfect for your weekend family breakfast. Sourdough starter, kefir, and freshly milled grains are non-traditional substitutes in this recipe and offers a refreshing twist on the classics that we love. The enjoyable tang of sourdough is combined with the fluffiness and crisp of the traditional waffle that makes this recipe the ultimate breakfast treat! You can long ferment these waffles or pancakes overnight or make and use the same day. Top with your favorite fruit, pure maple syrup, and fresh butter! I hope you enjoy it!

We LOVE pancakes and waffles. We really do but sometimes they are not the healthiest of breakfast options, though delicious. My goal with this recipe was to create something that is not only delicious, but also one where I can sneak in healthier ingredients to add a nutritional pop. I combined recipes for waffles and pancakes that I love but changed things up a bit with some healthier alternatives. For example:

Kefir vs Buttermilk

This recipe utilizes homemade kefir. You can use buttermilk if you do not have kefir. I tend to have an overabundance of kefir on hand at all times and I am always trying to find ways to use it up. Kefir acts as a leavening agent in this recipe enhancing the texture. The waffles have a slight crisp on the edges and the pancakes are very moist and fluffy! The kefir adds a nutritional boost while also adding a slight tang to the flavor without being overpowering.

Freshly Milled Grains vs All-Purpose Flour

This recipe utilizes freshly milled grains in place of all-purpose flour. You can use all-purpose if you do not have access to fresh flour. I have used both options making these and I just use the same amount in either method. Freshly milled grains add a dose of protein and fiber and delivers a deeper flavor. I highly recommend!

Adding Sourdough (Discard or Active)

This addition of sourdough starter creates a delightful tang in the batter. Waffles and pancakes come out fluffier, as the sourdough acts as a leavening agent. This addition gives your body a dose of probiotics, promoting good gut-health. Ferment overnight to add even more gut-healthy benefits!

Ingredients You Will Need To Make Easy Sourdough Waffles or Pancakes

This recipe can make both pancakes or waffles, you will need either a griddle or cast iron skillet for pancakes or a waffle iron to make waffles. Here are the list of ingredients you will need to make this recipe:

Ingredients for Overnight Batter

• Sourdough Starter- Active or discard (unfed)
• Kefir (or buttermilk)
• White sugar or honey
• Vanilla
• Melted Butter -I like using homemade butter!
• Freshly Milled Flour- Can use All-Purpose

Additional Ingredients to Add Right Before Cooking

• Eggs
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Sea Salt

How To Make Easy Sourdough Waffles or Pancakes Recipe

If You are Cooking The Batter The Same Day

Simply add all of your ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Allow the batter to sit for about 20 minutes at room temperature while the waffle iron or griddle heats up.

If You Are Fermenting The Batter Overnight

To get added nutritional benefits for you gut, I recommend letting the batter ferment overnight. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, kefir, honey, vanilla, melted butter, and freshly milled flour. Cover the bowl and let sit on the counter at room temperature overnight or up to 12 hours.

When you are ready to cook your sourdough waffles or pancakes, add the eggs, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the batter. Mix until combined and cover the bowl. Allow to rest for 20 minutes at room temperature while the griddle or waffle iron heats up.

Cooking The Batter For Pancakes

Preheat a griddle until it is smoking hot. Lightly butter or grease the surface and pour a small amount (about 1/4 cup) of batter onto the hot griddle. Cook until the top bubbles and the edges are a golden brown, flip and cook until the rest of the pancake if fully cooked and golden brown. This will take roughly 3 minutes on both sides. This recipe will yield about 12 pancakes depending on how big you make them.

Cooking The Batter For Waffles

To make waffles, preheat a waffle iron until your waffle iron is smoking hot and shows that it is “ready.” Butter or grease the waffle iron for easy removal after cooking. Pour in a small amount of batter onto the iron (about 3/4 cup). Close the lid and let cook until the steam stops and the waffle is golden brown. Some models let you know automatically when the waffle is done. Make sure to check your manufacturer’s directions. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This recipe for easy sourdough waffles or pancakes makes about 4 standard waffles. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed more people if you need to. You can also refrigerate or freeze for later use! When you want crispy waffles, simply use a toaster to reheat thawed waffle leftovers!

Customizations

Feel free to customize this recipe for easy sourdough waffles and pancakes with add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, blueberries or strawberries, or even peanut butter powder. Top with a syrup of your choice such as pure maple syrup or even your favorite fruit preserves.

You can also try this recipe using different flours like Einkorn, Spelt, Buckwheat, or Kamut. Each will give this recipe it’s own unique flavor and texture profile. You can even combine different grains with different ratios to your preference.

How To Store

You may place uneaten waffles or pancakes in plastic bags. You can store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

I really hope that you will enjoy this recipe! Whether you are a beginner in your sourdough journey or a seasoned veteran, I think you will like some of my other delicious sourdough recipes:

• Made From Scratch Sourdough Bread
• Simple Sourdough Discard Sandwich Bread
• Easy Sourdough Discard Tortilla Recipe
• Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
• Sourdough Buttermilk Biscuits with Creamy Turmeric Sausage Gravy