The overnight rest produces carbon dioxide that gives these waffles a lift far exceeding a waffle made with baking powder alone. The outside crisps dramatically while the inside stays almost custardy.

Overnight sourdough waffles — crisp outside, custardy inside, with a rise that plain baking powder can't match.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup discard or active starter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Method
 

  1. The night before, combine starter, flour, milk, and sugar. Cover and leave on the counter overnight.
  2. In the morning, add eggs, melted butter, salt, and baking soda. Stir gently — the batter will foam slightly.
  3. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until deep golden.

Video

Overnight sourdough waffles have a reputation for being fussy, but the only real requirement is remembering to stir the batter together before bed. What comes out the next morning is dramatically better than anything a packet of mix or a can of batter can produce, with a crispness on the outside that holds even after the waffles cool. Keep a batch in the freezer and reheat them in the toaster for a weekday breakfast that tastes like a weekend one.