Belgian waffles have been a breakfast favorite for generations, and for good reason. Their crisp, golden exterior and light, fluffy interior create the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Making them from scratch is easier than it seems, and the results are far superior to any store-bought mix. This old-fashioned Belgian waffle recipe is one I personally love because it delivers that classic taste and texture every time.
1. Old Fashioned Belgian Waffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 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 (or buttermilk for a tangy flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Separate the eggs: In a separate bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Make sure there are no traces of egg whites in the yolks. The egg whites will be beaten later for a light, fluffy waffle texture.
Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole milk (or buttermilk), melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing will lead to tough waffles.
Whip the egg whites: Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. This step is key to achieving a light and airy waffle.
Fold in the egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them. The egg whites add volume and help the waffles rise, creating that signature fluffy texture.
Preheat your waffle iron: While you’re preparing the batter, preheat your Belgian waffle iron. Brush it with a bit of melted butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the waffles don’t stick.
Cook the waffles: Pour a ladleful of batter into the waffle iron, making sure it covers the plates evenly. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron, so check to ensure they are fully cooked.
Serve immediately: Once the waffles are done, carefully remove them from the waffle iron. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings.
2. Tips for Perfect Belgian Waffles
Making the perfect Belgian waffle doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few tips can help elevate your waffle game:
Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing can cause the waffles to become tough and dense.
Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs, milk, and butter to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures that the ingredients blend smoothly together and create a uniform batter.
Separate the eggs: Whipping the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter is a simple trick that makes a huge difference in the texture. It results in waffles that are light, airy, and have that perfect rise.
Preheat your waffle iron: Make sure your waffle iron is hot before you start cooking. This ensures that the waffles crisp up nicely on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
Don’t overcrowd the waffle iron: Add just enough batter to fill the waffle plates. Overloading it can result in a messy cook and uneven waffles.
3. What to Eat with Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. If you’re looking for classic options, you can never go wrong with fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. A dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup are always a hit. For a touch of indulgence, add a scoop of ice cream or drizzle on some hot chocolate or caramel sauce.
If you prefer a savory twist, top your waffles with crispy bacon, a fried egg, or even fried chicken. The contrast between the crisp waffles and the savory toppings is a delightful combination that’s perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast.
In my experience, the best waffles are those that you can play with, adding toppings based on your mood or the season. Fresh berries in summer, caramelized apples in the fall, or warm peaches in winter all make wonderful waffle companions!
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftover
Leftover waffles can be a bit of a challenge to reheat and retain that crispiness, but it’s certainly doable. Here’s how to do it:
Storing: After cooking, let the waffles cool down to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To bring back the crispy exterior and warm interior, I recommend reheating the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven. This helps restore the crunch. You can also warm them in a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, you can freeze leftover waffles. Stack them with a piece of parchment paper between each waffle and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the toaster or oven directly from the freezer. The waffles will taste as fresh as the first time!
Making Belgian waffles from scratch is an incredibly satisfying experience, and once you try this old-fashioned recipe, you may never go back to store-bought mixes. The crispy texture on the outside, combined with the light and airy interior, makes these waffles a treat that never gets old.
With the right toppings and a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be able to enjoy waffles in endless ways. I find that the best part is the opportunity to customize each waffle to your taste, whether you go sweet, savory, or somewhere in between!
