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If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the perfect golden, crisp breakfast treat, then let me introduce you to the Really Great Waffles Recipe. This recipe combines simple pantry staples into a batter that yields waffles with impossibly crisp edges and soft, fluffy centers bursting with buttery, vanilla goodness. Whether you’re craving a morning indulgence or hosting a weekend brunch, these waffles will quickly become your go-to for a delightful, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special but cooks up with ease and confidence every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be pantry basics but trust me, each one plays a crucial role to deliver waffles that are perfectly textured, beautifully flavored, and irresistibly golden. Everything works together to balance sweetness, fluffiness, and that signature crispness on the outside.
- 2 1/4 cups plain/all-purpose flour: The foundation of your waffle batter, providing structure and lightness.
- 2 1/2 tbsp caster sugar/superfine sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with the golden crust.
- Pinch of cooking/kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
- 4 tsp baking powder: The secret behind that fluffy rise and perfect airy texture.
- 1 1/3 cups full-fat milk, slightly warmed: Moistens the batter while keeping it rich and creamy.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence: Brings a subtle warmth and depth that turns waffles into something truly special.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the tender crumb.
- 150g / 11 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and that irresistible buttery flavor.
- Butter, softened (for greasing): Keeps the waffles from sticking and adds a lovely flavor boost.
- Maple syrup (strongly recommended) or honey: The classic, sweet finishing touch to drizzle over your waffles.
- Icing sugar/powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a pretty, delicate finish that also adds subtle sweetness.
- Fresh strawberries or other fruit: Brighten things up with a fresh, juicy contrast to your warm waffles.
How to Make Really Great Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
Start by placing the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly combined. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent so your waffles rise beautifully and bake evenly every time.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the slightly warmed milk, eggs, and vanilla essence to the dry mix and whisk until smooth. Then pour in the melted butter and whisk again until your batter is lump-free and thick but still pourable — just a bit thinner than pancake batter. This silky texture is what makes the waffles tender inside and crisp outside.
Step 3: Recommended Resting Time
Cover your batter and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate and the baking powder to work its magic, resulting in softer insides and a more profound flavor. If you’re short on time, you can cook immediately, but resting makes a noticeable difference.
Step 4: Preheat Your Waffle Maker
Set your waffle iron to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature — usually medium to high heat. If you have a non-stick machine, you can skip adding extra oil or butter since there’s already butter in the batter, which helps prevent sticking. A hot waffle maker is key to unlocking that golden crisp exterior.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Use a ladle to pour just enough batter to cover the waffle iron’s surface completely without overflowing—trust me, less is more here to avoid messy drips! Cook until the waffles turn golden brown and crisp; cooking time varies depending on your iron. For example, it takes about 3 1/2 minutes on a high-quality iron, but can take up to 6 minutes on simpler models.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the waffles to plates as soon as they’re done to keep them crisp, or keep them warm on a rack in a preheated 70°C (150°F) oven while you cook the remaining batter. This way, all your waffles stay perfectly crisp and delicious all at once.
How to Serve Really Great Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Waffles are a blank canvas waiting for your creativity to shine! Dust them lightly with icing sugar to add a touch of elegance and sweetness, and crown with juicy, fresh strawberries or your favorite seasonal fruits for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Don’t forget a generous drizzle of maple syrup or honey for that classic unbeatable combo.
Side Dishes
Pair your waffles with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory counterpoint that makes every bite more exciting. Alternatively, serve alongside creamy yogurt or whipped cream to balance the crispy texture with something smooth and luscious.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Stack your waffles with layers of fresh berries and whipped cream in a parfait style or make mini waffle sliders filled with nut butter and banana slices. You could even sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and a nutty aroma that elevates the whole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain freshness, but waffles are best enjoyed soon after cooking.
Freezing
To freeze waffles, cool them completely on a wire rack, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container and they will keep well for up to 1 month, perfect for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven at 180°C (350°F) until crispy and warm all the way through. This will restore that lovely crisp exterior you love from fresh waffles, making leftovers just as delightful.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour but expect the waffles to be denser and have a nuttier flavor. You might want to mix half whole wheat with half all-purpose for the best balance.
Do I have to rest the batter before cooking?
Resting the batter for at least 2 hours or overnight is highly recommended for softer centers and enhanced flavor. If you’re in a rush, you can cook immediately, but resting definitely maximizes deliciousness.
Can I make these waffles vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the milk for a plant-based alternative, use a vegan egg substitute, and replace butter with a plant-based margarine or oil. The texture may vary slightly but you’ll still get tasty waffles.
What’s the best way to store leftover cooked waffles?
Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheating in a toaster or oven will make them crispy again.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even berries into the batter before cooking for a fun twist on the Really Great Waffles Recipe. Just don’t overdo it to keep the batter’s texture balanced.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Really Great Waffles Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less. It’s straightforward, full of flavor, and so versatile, it can become your morning star for lazy weekends or special occasions. So grab your waffle iron, gather your ingredients, and start making memories — delicious ones start with great waffles!
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Really Great Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These really great waffles are perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch. They feature a fluffy interior with a crisp outside, achieved by resting the batter and cooking it in a waffle maker. Serve them with butter, maple syrup, fresh strawberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tablespoons caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- Pinch of cooking/kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups full-fat milk, slightly warmed (not piping hot)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 4 large eggs
- 150g (11 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (not piping hot)
For Serving
- Butter, softened (strongly recommended)
- Maple syrup or honey (strongly recommended)
- Icing sugar/powdered sugar for dusting
- Strawberries or other fresh fruit
Instructions
- Whisk dry ingredients: Place the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to combine and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Whisk in wet ingredients: Add the warmed milk, eggs, and vanilla essence to the dry ingredients. Whisk to combine everything smoothly. Pour in the melted and slightly cooled butter and whisk until the batter is lump-free. The consistency should be pourable but thick, slightly thinner than pancake batter.
- Rest the batter (recommended): Cover the batter and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 2 hours. This resting period helps produce softer insides and enhances the flavor. If short on time, you can proceed to cook immediately but results may vary.
- Preheat the waffle maker: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A non-stick waffle maker is ideal as it won’t require additional oil or butter for cooking, considering the butter already in the batter.
- Cook the waffles: Using a ladle, pour enough batter to just cover the surface of the iron. Avoid overfilling to prevent batter from leaking out the sides. Cook the waffles until they are golden and crisp. Cooking time varies by waffle maker model, typically between 3 1/2 minutes to 6 minutes.
- Serve the waffles: Transfer waffles onto plates as they are ready. Serve immediately with softened butter, maple syrup or honey, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh fruit like strawberries. Alternatively, keep cooked waffles warm on a rack in a preheated oven at 70°C (150°F) while cooking remaining waffles.
Notes
- Resting the batter in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight improves texture and flavor.
- Use a non-stick waffle maker for best results and ease of cleaning; extra oil or butter is not necessary.
- Cooking times vary depending on the waffle iron, so adjust accordingly to achieve a golden, crisp texture.
- Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven to serve all at once if preferred.
