What’s better than a crispy-on-the-outside, vanilla scented waffle warm from the griddle? (Not much). Here’s your new go-to: the Best Easy Waffle Recipe. We’re ready to stand behind that title! This one is everything you need for cozy weekend mornings. It’s simple to put together with that classic waffle house flavor, and works with a standard waffle maker or Belgian. This is the one our 4 year old begs for: and, we’ve got a few variations based on your diet and seasonal preferences.
Ingredients in the best waffle recipe
Our best waffle recipe is 100% classic, so the ingredients are the standard cast of characters. Below, we’ve got some variations that work based on dietary preferences. Here are the waffle ingredients in our classic recipe:
All purpose flour and whole wheat flour: Adding a bit of whole wheat flour adds complexity to the flavorBaking powderSugar of any type, or you can substitute maple syrupCinnamon and vanilla for seasoningNeutral oil: like organic canola or vegetable oil, grapeseed, etc. Using oil omits the need to melt butter (see below)Milk of choice, either dairy or non-dairy like oat milk or almond milkEggs
Works as a Belgian waffle recipe or standard!
This waffles recipe delivers no matter what type of waffle maker you have! It works as both a Belgian waffle recipe or a classic one with the standard waffle maker. What’s our preference? After experimenting with both types of waffle irons, we like Belgian the best. They’ve got the best fluffy, thick texture and deep grooves. Here’s the difference between the two and what that looks like in terms of size:
Belgian waffles are twice as large as regular waffles. They’re 1.5 inches thick with a deep grid pattern, making them look more impressive. A serving size is half of a Belgian waffle, since it’s double the size of a standard waffle.Regular waffles, aka American waffles are about 1/2-inch thick. If you’re making a standard waffle, the serving size is 1 waffle.
What Belgian waffle maker to buy? If you’re in the market for one, here’s the Belgian waffle iron we use.
How to make waffles: a few tips!
How hard can it be to make a waffle recipe? Just mix up the batter and cook, right? Actually, there are a few best practices when it comes to waffles — we’ve learned from experience. Here’s what to know about how to make waffles:
Grease or butter the waffle iron. You can use oil with a brush, butter, or coconut oil. While most waffle irons are non-stick, they can use their surface over time. Our Belgian waffle maker is a few years old and requires a good greasing: or else the waffle gets stuck in the deep grooves. Cook until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Some waffle makers have a light or sound that tells you when the waffle is cooked. Others don’t (like ours)! Set a timer and start checking around the 3 minute mark: pull it when it’s nice and golden. Place cooked waffles in a 250°F degree oven to keep warm. Once you’re done cooking the waffle, serve it right away. Or, place it on a parchment lined baking sheet and place it in a low oven to cool.
Make ahead and storage info for this waffles recipe
Waffles are great for making a big batch and freezing them. While you might eat all of this waffle recipe at once, you can double or triple it and safe the leftovers for easy eating throughout the week.
To store short term: Cooked waffles last 3 days in the refrigerator. See the reheating instructions below. To store: Make the waffles, then let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled, stack the waffles in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.To reheat: Pop them into the toaster and cook them on a low setting for just a few seconds, repeating it two or three times. Or, warm them on an oiled baking sheet in a 300 degree oven (make sure to oil the sheet or the waffles will stick!).
Waffle recipe variations
Got a special dietary need? Or want to incorporate seasonal ingredients or add some flair? We’ve got you! Here are some of our favorite waffles recipes:
Fluffy waffles: Separate the egg whites from the yolks (use the yolks for the batter). Whip the whites in a stand mixer or hand mixer until soft peaks form, then fold into the batter with a spatula before cooking. Vegan: Go to Vegan WafflesGluten Free: Go to Fluffy Gluten Free Waffles (they’re impossibly fluffy!)Berry flavors: Try Strawberry Waffles or Best Blueberry WafflesPumpkin: Try Pumpkin Waffles
Waffle topping ideas
For the best waffle recipe, you need the best waffle toppings! Here are are our top ways to put together waffle toppings:
Maple syrup or honey: A little goes a long wayNut butter: Add peanut butter, almond butter, pecan butter, walnut butter, pistachio butter or cashew butterSauces: Try Strawberry Sauce, Easy Strawberry Compote, Strawberry Puree, Blueberry Sauce or Raspberry SauceFresh fruit: Go simple with sliced bananas or berriesChopped nuts: try pecans, cashews, walnuts or hazelnutsWhipped cream: Try Homemade Whipped Cream or Vegan Whipped CreamGreek yogurt: Sweeten it with a little maple syrup
This easy waffle recipe is…
Vegetarian. For gluten free, go to Gluten Free Waffles. For vegan, go to Vegan Waffles. No reviews **Fluffy Waffles variation: Whisk only the egg yolks with the oil, milk, and vanilla. Use a stand mixer, handheld mixer or whisk to beat the two egg whites until soft peaks form. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth, then fold the egg whites into the batter with a spatula. This will make 2 ½ Belgian waffles or 5 classic waffles.
