Overnight Sourdough Waffles Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that tastes like it belongs at a cozy bed-and-breakfast but is easy enough for a lazy Sunday at home, Overnight Sourdough Waffles are about to become your new favorite ritual. This recipe combines tangy, bubbly sourdough starter with creamy yogurt, creating waffles that are delightfully crisp on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor. The best part? Most of the work happens while you sleep, so you’ll wake up to airy, golden waffles ready for whatever toppings your morning heart desires.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Overnight Sourdough Waffles plays a special role, from flavor to texture to that perfect crispy bite. It’s a short and simple list, but each one adds its own unique touch to the final result.

• Active Sourdough Starter: Provides that lovely tang and the lift for truly special waffles—make sure your starter is bubbly and ready to go!
• Milk: Adds just the right amount of richness and helps create a pourable batter.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Makes the waffles wonderfully tender and brings a gentle tartness to balance the flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness that lets the sourdough’s tang shine without overwhelming it.
• All-Purpose Flour: The necessary structure, lending classic waffle chew but still keeping things light.
• Butter (melted and cooled): Ensures those edges get golden and crisp, with a deliciously rich aroma.
• Egg: Adds lightness and helps bind the batter for a fluffy interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash gives warmth and wonderful aroma—you’ll smell it wafting from the waffle iron.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch balances all the flavors, making each waffle deeply satisfying.
• Baking Soda: Works with the naturally acidic ingredients to make the batter puff up sky-high on the griddle.

How to Make Overnight Sourdough Waffles

Step 1: Make the Overnight Sponge

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your active sourdough starter, milk, Greek yogurt, sugar, and flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is where the magic starts: letting these ingredients mingle overnight creates incredible depth of flavor and a pillowy texture that’s impossible to rush. Cover your bowl loosely—plastic wrap or a clean towel are both great—and set it on the counter. The batter will bubble and rise slightly as it rests through the night, building those signature sourdough flavors.

Step 2: Add Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

In the morning, your batter will look a touch puffier and smell delightfully yeasty. Stir in the cooled, melted butter, crack in your egg, and add the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together, just until you have a smooth, glossy batter—this step ensures your waffles bake up rich but not greasy, with subtle vanilla notes throughout.

Step 3: Sprinkle Salt and Baking Soda

Next, sprinkle the kosher salt and baking soda evenly over the surface of your batter. Give it a quick whisk to fully incorporate. You might notice an immediate reaction from the baking soda meeting the acid in the starter and yogurt: the batter will puff up a bit more, giving your waffles extra lift and airy pockets once cooked.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest and Preheat the Waffle Iron

While your waffle iron is heating up, let the batter rest for another minute or two. This gives the baking soda a bit more time to work and ensures the batter is as fluffy as possible. Preheating the waffle iron fully is key—hot iron equals golden, crispy waffles that don’t stick.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Pour about one cup of batter onto your preheated waffle iron, spreading it slightly toward the edges if needed. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until your waffles are golden brown and crisped to perfection. Every waffle iron is a little different, so keep a close eye on your first round to find your sweet spot. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking those pillowy Overnight Sourdough Waffles high as you go.

How to Serve Overnight Sourdough Waffles

Garnishes

Here’s your chance to personalize every plate! Classic maple syrup is always a winner, but a spoonful of whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts will turn these waffles into a brunch-worthy masterpiece. The gentle tang of the waffles pairs especially well with sweet or fruity toppings.

Side Dishes

For a full brunch experience, serve your Overnight Sourdough Waffles with salty, smoky bacon or crispy breakfast sausage on the side—the savory flavors offset the mellow sourness beautifully. A bowl of seasonal fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt keeps things bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to think outside the breakfast box! Try making a savory sandwich by layering scrambled eggs and cheese between two waffle halves, or turn cooled waffles into dessert with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Kids love mini-sized waffles, so pour smaller circles of batter for a fun, dunkable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Overnight Sourdough Waffles (it happens, but not often!), let them cool completely on a wire rack so they stay crisp. Store the cooled waffles in an airtight container or zippered bag in the fridge for up to three days—they’ll toast up beautifully when you’re ready for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

These waffles were made for make-ahead mornings. Arrange leftover waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready for whenever a waffle craving hits.

Reheating

To bring those Overnight Sourdough Waffles back to their crispy glory, reheat straight from the fridge or freezer in a toaster or toaster oven. A quick 3-5 minutes is usually all it takes for hot, golden waffles without any sogginess—much faster than making them from scratch again!

FAQs

Can I use discard sourdough starter instead of active starter?

An active starter is best for Overnight Sourdough Waffles, since it helps with flavor and rise. However, if your discard is only a few days old and not overly acidic, you can use it in a pinch, but your waffles may be a bit denser and with a stronger tang.

What if my batter looks thin or thick in the morning?

The consistency of your batter can vary based on your starter and yogurt. If it looks too thick to pour, stir in a splash of milk. If it’s too runny, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it thickens slightly—aim for a thick, pourable texture.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, regular yogurt works too! Your Overnight Sourdough Waffles might be slightly less rich and thick, but they’ll still taste fantastic. If using plain yogurt, you may want to reduce the milk slightly to avoid an overly thin batter.

Can the recipe be doubled for a crowd?

Absolutely. Just double all the ingredients and follow the same steps. Use a larger mixing bowl to give your overnight sponge room to expand, and be ready for a family-style feast.

What should I do if I don’t have a waffle iron?

You can actually cook the batter like pancakes on a griddle or skillet! They’ll be a little less crispy, but you’ll still get all the wonderful flavor and tang from the Overnight Sourdough Waffles.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about waking up to a bowl of ready-to-cook batter and a house that smells like breakfast happiness. These Overnight Sourdough Waffles are a true treat—simple, make-ahead, and completely delicious. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and make your morning extra special!

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