Overnight Sourdough Waffles
Wake up to the deliciousness of Overnight Sourdough Waffles, made with active sourdough starter for a unique tangy flavor. These waffles are soft, crispy, and fluffy, and served warm with butter, maple syrup, and a mixed berry compote. Perfect for a delightful breakfast, these waffles are a great way to start your day.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Active sourdough starter
Milk of choice
Greek yogurt
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Butter
Egg
Vanilla extract
Salt
Baking soda
Frozen mixed berries
Lemon
Maple syrup
Tips for making Overnight Sourdough Waffles:
Use Active Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the waffle batter. Feed your starter several hours before preparing the batter to ensure it's at its peak activity.
Mix the Batter the Night Before: Combine the sourdough starter, milk, greek yogurt, sugar, and flour the night before you plan to make the waffles. This overnight fermentation develops flavor and improves the texture of the waffles.
Room Temperature Rest: Let the batter rest at room temperature overnight. This allows the natural yeast in the starter to ferment the batter, creating a tangy flavor and light texture.
Add Eggs and Oil in the Morning: In the morning, whisk in eggs, melted butter or oil, baking soda, and salt into the fermented batter. This gives the waffles their structure and helps them rise during cooking.
Preheat the Waffle Iron: Make sure your waffle iron is thoroughly preheated before pouring in the batter. This ensures even cooking and helps the waffles turn out crispy.
Grease the Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray or melted butter before each batch to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Don’t Overfill: Pour the batter into the waffle iron, filling it to just below the edges. Overfilling can cause the batter to spill out and make a mess.
Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron.
Keep Warm: If making multiple batches, keep the cooked waffles warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to serve. Place them directly on the oven rack to maintain their crispiness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the waffles immediately after cooking to enjoy their crispy texture. Top with butter, warm maple syrup, and mixed berry compote for the best flavor combination.
Storage: Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore their crispiness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.
How to store Overnight Sourdough Waffles:
Room Temperature (Short-Term): If you plan to consume the waffles within a few hours, keep them at room temperature. Place the waffles on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy. Avoid covering them to maintain their crispiness.
Refrigeration: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate each waffle with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the waffles. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the waffles to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating Frozen Waffles: Reheat frozen waffles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in a toaster for a few minutes until warm and crisp.
Keep Warm (Short-Term): If making multiple batches and serving immediately, keep the cooked waffles warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C). Place them directly on the oven rack or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to maintain their crispiness.
Avoid Microwaving: Reheating waffles in the microwave is not recommended, as it can make them soggy. Use a toaster or oven for the best results.
Serve Fresh Toppings: Store the mixed berry compote and butter separately in the refrigerator. Warm the compote and allow the butter to come to room temperature before serving with the waffles.
What to serve with Overnight Sourdough Waffles:
Classic Butter and Maple Syrup: Serve your waffles warm with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. This classic combination enhances the flavor and texture of the waffles.
Mixed Berry Compote: Top your waffles with a homemade mixed berry compote made from fresh or frozen berries. This adds a burst of fruity sweetness and a touch of tartness.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a rich and creamy topping. You can sweeten the whipped cream with a bit of sugar or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Fresh Fruit: Garnish your waffles with a variety of fresh fruits such as sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. This adds a refreshing and nutritious element to your breakfast.
Yogurt and Granola: Serve your waffles with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a crunchy and creamy combination. This is a great option for a more substantial and filling meal.
Nut Butter: Spread a layer of your favorite nut butter, such as almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter, on your waffles. This adds protein and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the tangy sourdough.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle your waffles with a warm chocolate sauce or melted chocolate for a decadent treat. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm waffles for a melty, sweet addition.
Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over your waffles for a simple yet delicious topping. This adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Honey or Agave Syrup: Substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. Both options add sweetness with a unique twist.
Ice Cream: For a dessert option, top your waffles with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or berry-flavored ice creams work wonderfully with the waffles.
Powdered Sugar: Dust your waffles with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a sweet and elegant touch. This is especially nice if you're serving the waffles to guests.
Bacon or Sausage: For a savory twist, serve your waffles with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is delightful.
FAQs:
Q: What is an active sourdough starter, and why is it important for this recipe?
A: An active sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that contains live yeast and bacteria, which help the batter ferment and rise. Using an active starter ensures your waffles have the desired tangy flavor and a light, airy texture.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, the batter is designed to be made the night before. Mix the sourdough starter, flour, milk, and sugar, and let it sit at room temperature overnight. This allows the batter to ferment and develop flavor.
Q: What should I do if my batter is too thick in the morning?
A: If the batter is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency. The batter should be thick but still pourable.
Q: Why is it important to add eggs and baking soda in the morning?
A: Adding eggs and baking soda in the morning gives the waffles structure and helps them rise. The baking soda reacts with the acidity in the batter, creating bubbles that make the waffles light and fluffy.
Q: How can I make sure my waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside?
A: Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly before adding the batter, and cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes, depending on your waffle iron. Avoid opening the waffle iron too soon to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the texture of the waffles may be slightly denser. You can also use a combination of both flours to maintain a lighter texture.
Q: How do I store leftover waffles?
A: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
Q: How do I reheat waffles to keep them crispy?
A: Reheat waffles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or in a toaster. This helps restore their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the waffles soggy.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries to the batter?
A: Yes, you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts to the batter just before cooking. Fold them in gently to avoid deflating the batter.
Q: What can I serve with overnight sourdough waffles?
A: Serve the waffles warm with butter, maple syrup, and mixed berry compote. You can also add toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, yogurt, nut butter, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for variety.
Q: Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these waffles. Ensure your sourdough starter is also gluten-free if needed. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still be delicious.
Check out my other sourdough breakfast recipes on Instagram:
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