Savory Sourdough Cheddar Cheese Waffles Recipe

A Happy Little Accident

I first made these waffles by mistake. I meant to make pancakes. My sourdough starter was bubbling over. I had to use it. So I threw it all in a bowl. The result was a cheesy, tangy waffle. It was so good. I still laugh at that happy little accident.

This matters because cooking is not about being perfect. It is about trying new things. Sometimes the best meals come from a little mess. Do you have a favorite “happy accident” recipe? I would love to hear about it.

Why Sourdough is Special

Sourdough is not just for bread. It gives these waffles a special taste. It is a little tangy. It is a little rich. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it cooks? It makes the whole kitchen feel warm.

Fun fact: Your sourdough starter is full of wild yeast. This is what makes it bubble and grow. You do not need store-bought yeast. This matters because cooking from scratch connects us to our food. It is a slower, kinder way to live.

Getting Your Waffle Just Right

The key is a hot waffle iron. Make sure you grease it well. I use a pastry brush with a little oil. Listen for the sizzle when you pour the batter in. That is the sound of a good waffle starting.

Do not peek too soon. Let it cook fully. If it sticks, just let it cook a bit longer. It will tell you when it is ready. What is your best tip for keeping waffles from sticking? Share your secret with me.

The Magic of Cheese and Batter

I use a good, sharp cheddar cheese. It melts into the batter. You get little pockets of gooey cheese in every bite. It is a wonderful surprise. I like to shred the cheese myself. It melts better that way.

This matters because good ingredients make a simple recipe great. You can taste the care you put in. Are you a fan of sharp cheddar, or would you try a different cheese?

How to Serve Your Waffles

These are not your sweet breakfast waffles. They are savory. I love them with a fried egg on top. The runny yolk is like a sauce. They are also great with a bowl of soup instead of bread.

You can even make them small for a party. People are always so surprised. They never think of a waffle this way. It is a fun twist on an old favorite.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fed sourdough starter	2 cups
Eggs	2 large	Use cool oil to avoid cooking the eggs
Oil	1/4 cup
Salt	1 tsp
Baking soda	1 tsp	Sprinkle over batter and stir well
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup

My Savory Sourdough Cheddar Waffles

Hello, my dear! Let’s make some magic with that sourdough starter of yours. I love this recipe for a cozy supper. It turns something sweet into something wonderfully cheesy and savory.

My grandson calls these “grilled cheese waffles.” I still laugh at that. But he is right. They are golden, crispy, and full of melted cheddar. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let me walk you through it.

Step 1: First, give your starter a good feeding. Do this 4 to 12 hours before you start. You want it bubbly and happy. A sleepy starter makes flat waffles. I like to feed mine right before bed.

Step 2: Now, heat up your waffle maker. A cast iron one gives a great crust. But a plug-in one works just fine. While it warms, mix your starter, eggs, oil, and salt in a big bowl. Make sure your oil is not hot. We do not want scrambled eggs in our batter.

Step 3: Here is the fun part. Sprinkle the baking soda over the batter. Watch it bubble up! It gives the waffles a lovely lift. Stir it in well. Then, fold in all that shredded cheddar cheese. The more cheese, the better, I always say.

Step 4: Grease your hot waffle maker well. (This is my hard-learned tip! Skipping this leads to a sticky mess). Pour in the batter. Close the lid and let it work its magic. The waiting is the hardest part.

Step 5: Cook time depends on your maker. For cast iron, flip after 4 minutes. Cook for 4-5 more. For a standard one, just cook for 7-8 minutes. Peek inside. If it sticks, give it another minute. What is your favorite savory breakfast food? Share below!

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-30 minutes (plus starter feeding)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Breakfast, Dinner

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many flavors. Feel free to get creative. I do it all the time.

The “Everything Bagel” Waffle. Add a spoonful of everything bagel seasoning. It gives a wonderful onion and garlic kick.

The “Little Kick” Waffle. Mix in some chopped jalapeños. A little spice makes everything nice. It will wake up your taste buds.

The “Herb Garden” Waffle. Stir in fresh chopped chives or dill. It tastes like a sunny summer day. So fresh and green.

Which one would you try first? Comment below! I love hearing your ideas.

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

Now, what to serve with your glorious waffles? I have a few favorite ways. They are perfect for any meal.

For dinner, top one with a softly fried egg. The runny yolk is a dream. Or serve them with a big bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For a party, cut them into small squares. They make the best finger food.

What to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is lovely. For the grown-ups, a pale ale pairs beautifully. The bubbles cut through the rich cheese. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Savory Waffles Happy

Let’s talk about keeping these cheesy waffles for later. They freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely first. Then pop them in a freezer bag. They will last for months this way.

To reheat, use your toaster. It makes them crispy again. The oven works well for a big batch. I remember my first time freezing them. I was so pleased they tasted fresh later.

Batch cooking saves your future self time. It means a warm breakfast is minutes away. This matters on busy school mornings. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Waffle Troubles? Let’s Fix Them

Is your waffle sticking to the iron? Make sure you grease it well. I use a pastry brush with oil. A sticky waffle can be frustrating. I remember when my first one tore in half.

Is the batter too thick? Your starter might be very hungry. You can add a splash of milk. This makes a lighter, fluffier waffle. Getting the texture right matters for the best flavor.

Does your waffle taste a bit flat? Check that your baking soda is fresh. Old soda will not make them puff up. This simple fix builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Waffle Questions

Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes, use a gluten-free sourdough starter. The results are just as tasty.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead? A: You can mix it and wait 30 minutes. This gives the starter a little boost.

Q: What cheese can I swap for cheddar? A: Gouda or Monterey Jack are wonderful choices. Use what you love.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Absolutely, it doubles very well. Just use a bigger bowl.

Q: Any fun add-in ideas? A: Try cooked, crumbled bacon or chopped chives. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love these savory waffles. They are perfect for any meal. My grandkids eat them with a little applesauce. It is a fun, happy food.

Fun fact: Sourdough is one of the oldest ways to make bread rise. I would love to see your creations. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Sharing food is a way to share joy. I am so glad we cooked together today. Happy cooking!

—Elowen Thorn.