Introduction
Nothing beats the deliciously fluffy and crispy texture of homemade Belgian waffles, perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast. Whether you’re serving them with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, Belgian waffles are a versatile dish that can easily turn a simple morning into a special occasion. This classic recipe will guide you through creating light, airy waffles with a golden, crispy exterior. Follow these steps to make your mornings a little sweeter with this delicious treat.
Ingredients
Waffle Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (cooled slightly)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing the waffle iron)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries or mixed berries
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate chips
- Nut butter
- Toasted nuts
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 2: Separate the Eggs
Carefully separate the eggs, placing the egg yolks in one bowl and the egg whites in another. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give your waffles a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Fold in the Egg Whites
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter with a spatula. This should be done gradually, ensuring the batter stays light and airy. Do not overmix; folding the egg whites gently is key for fluffy waffles.
Step 5: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or a thin layer of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the preheated waffle iron (usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, depending on the size of your waffle maker). Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes, but the cooking time may vary depending on your specific waffle iron.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve them immediately. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron between batches if necessary.
Cooking Notes
- Waffle Texture: For extra crispy waffles, let them cook for a little longer in the waffle iron until they reach a deep golden brown.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk; if it’s too runny, add a bit more flour.
- Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked waffles warm by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
Serving Suggestions
Belgian waffles are a versatile dish, perfect for any meal. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic Style: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Berry Delight: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips while the waffles are still warm and add a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted nuts (such as almonds or pecans) for an extra crunch.
- Savory Twist: Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and a hint of melted cheese for a savory breakfast option.
Tips
- Preheat Properly: Always preheat the waffle iron completely before adding the batter for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough waffles. Stir until just combined.
- Avoid Soggy Waffles: Place freshly made waffles directly on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Freeze for Later: Make extra waffles and freeze them for a quick breakfast option. Just pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For better texture, use room temperature milk and eggs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Sugars: 10 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Making homemade Belgian waffles is a delightful way to bring a touch of sweetness to your day. This easy and straightforward recipe ensures you achieve the perfect balance of fluffy and crispy, making your breakfast or brunch extra special. Whether you enjoy them with fresh fruit, classic syrup, or a creative topping of your own, these waffles are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warm, golden goodness of homemade waffles any day of the week!
Print
Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Waffle Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (cooled slightly)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing the waffle iron)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries or mixed berries
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate chips
- Nut butter
- Toasted nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 2: Separate the Eggs
Carefully separate the eggs, placing the egg yolks in one bowl and the egg whites in another. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give your waffles a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Fold in the Egg Whites
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter with a spatula. This should be done gradually, ensuring the batter stays light and airy. Do not overmix; folding the egg whites gently is key for fluffy waffles.
Step 5: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or a thin layer of melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the preheated waffle iron (usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, depending on the size of your waffle maker). Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes, but the cooking time may vary depending on your specific waffle iron.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve them immediately. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron between batches if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Protein: 8 grams