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The first time I made homemade Belgian waffles for Sunday breakfast, my family declared it the best morning ever. There's something magical about those crispy edges, fluffy centers, and deep pockets perfect for holding syrup and butter. My daughter loves helping me pour the batter, and my husband says these beat any restaurant waffles he's ever had. Once you make Belgian waffles from scratch, you'll never go back to the boxed mix.
Why You'll Love These Belgian Waffles
These fluffy Belgian waffles are the perfect breakfast recipe that's crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. You get golden, perfectly cooked waffles with deep pockets for syrup and toppings, and they come together with simple ingredients you probably already have.
They're perfect for weekend brunch, special occasions, or any time you want to make breakfast feel like a celebration. My sister makes a double batch and freezes extras for easy weekday breakfasts. Plus, they're endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
What You'll Need
Simple pantry ingredients create these restaurant-quality Belgian waffles. Everything is straightforward, and you probably have most of it already.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Extras
You can add chocolate chips, blueberries, or cinnamon to the batter. Some folks like adding a tablespoon of cornstarch for extra crispiness. For protein waffles, substitute some flour with protein powder.
Want the full recipe? Check the recipe card below.
How to Make Belgian Waffles
Preheat the Waffle Maker
Turn on your Belgian waffle maker and let it preheat completely. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. A fully preheated waffle maker is the secret to crispy Belgian waffles that don't stick.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined with no lumps. This simple waffle recipe base creates the perfect texture.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The buttermilk helps create that classic fluffy waffle recipe texture everyone loves.
Q: Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes! Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It works perfectly in this easy waffle recipe.
Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Some small lumps are okay, don't overmix or the waffles will be tough. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. This is the key to the best waffle recipe.
Cook the Waffles
Spray the preheated waffle maker with cooking spray. Pour the recommended amount of batter (usually about ¾ to 1 cup depending on your waffle maker size) onto the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Don't open the lid too early or the waffle will stick. These crispy Belgian waffles are worth the wait.
SKeep Warm and Serve
Transfer cooked waffles to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you make the rest. Serve hot with butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings. These fluffy Belgian waffles are best enjoyed immediately.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the best Belgian waffle recipe is letting your waffle maker preheat completely and not opening it too soon during cooking.
Wait until steam stops coming out before checking - this ensures crispy exteriors.
Also, separate your eggs and beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold them into the batter for the fluffiest waffles ever.
My mom taught me this trick and it makes them incredibly light.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can easily use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour for healthier waffles. Swap the oil for melted coconut oil or more butter. For protein waffle batter recipe versions, replace ¼ cup flour with protein powder. Make them vegan using plant-based milk and egg replacer. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest for flavor variations.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy and hot, don't microwave or they'll get soggy. These homemade waffles freeze beautifully for quick breakfasts.
What to Serve With Belgian Waffles
These breakfast waffles pair perfectly with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit. Try them with fried chicken for chicken and waffles, or top with ice cream for dessert. Classic toppings include maple syrup, butter, whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate chips, or Nutella. My family loves making a waffle bar with different toppings so everyone can customize.
FAQs About Belgian Waffles
What is the secret to making good waffles?
The secret is using a fully preheated waffle maker, not overmixing the batter, and letting them cook until golden brown without opening the lid too early. For extra fluffy waffles, separate the eggs and whip the egg whites to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. Also, buttermilk instead of regular milk creates a lighter texture with better flavor.
What is the secret ingredient in waffles?
Buttermilk is often considered the secret ingredient because it creates tender, fluffy waffles with a subtle tang. The acidity reacts with baking soda to create extra lift and lightness. If you don't have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
What are the ingredients for waffles?
Basic waffle ingredients include flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk (or milk), eggs, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. These simple pantry staples create light, fluffy waffles with crispy edges. Some recipes add cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Is pancake mix the same as waffle batter?
No, waffle batter typically has more fat (butter or oil) than pancake batter, which creates a crispier exterior. Waffles also often have more sugar and sometimes include baking soda in addition to baking powder for extra lift. While you can use pancake mix to make waffles, adding extra butter or oil will give better results.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more breakfast favorites, my fluffy pancakes are light, tender, and always a hit. For another weekend brunch option, try my French toast or explore more breakfast recipes in my collection. You'll find this recipe and many others in my Breakfast category, where morning favorites shine.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Fluffy Belgian Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn on Belgian waffle maker to preheat completely for 5-10 minutes. A fully heated waffle maker ensures crispy waffles that won't stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined with no lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Some small lumps are okay, don't overmix or waffles will be tough.
- Spray preheated waffle maker with cooking spray. Pour ¾ to 1 cup batter onto center of waffle iron (amount depends on your waffle maker size).
- Close lid and cook without opening for 4-5 minutes until waffle is golden brown and crispy. Wait until steam stops before checking.
- Transfer cooked waffles to baking sheet in 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking remaining batches.
- Serve hot with butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with waffles Recipe:
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