This easy Homemade waffle recipe delivers golden, crispy waffles with a fluffy interior—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a classic treat.
With simple ingredients and step-by-step tips, you’ll never need store-bought waffle mix again.
Let’s make one together!
Ingredients You Need for the Best Waffles
To make this classic waffle recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for fluffy waffles
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness
- Baking powder: Ensures a light, airy texture
- Salt: Balances flavors
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best for richness
- Unsalted butter: Melted for a tender crumb
- Eggs: Room temperature preferred, but cold eggs work too
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma
Equipment
- Waffle iron (Belgian or standard)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
How to Make Waffles from Scratch
Making waffles at home is easy and rewarding. Here’s a simple process to follow for the best results:
- Preheat your waffle iron to ensure crispy waffles.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—the batter should be slightly lumpy for fluffier waffles.
- Cook: Grease your hot waffle iron with butter or cooking spray. Add about 1/3 cup of batter per waffle (adjust based on your iron’s size). Cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack to keep them crisp. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Waffles
- Don’t over-mix the batter: A few lumps are fine—they help keep the waffles light.
- Let the iron reheat between batches: This ensures each waffle is as crispy as the first.
- Keep waffles warm: Place finished waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
- Freeze extras: Cool completely, then freeze in a bag with parchment between layers. Reheat in the toaster for a quick breakfast.
Topping Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Waffles are incredibly versatile. Try these serving ideas:
- Classic: Butter and maple syrup
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or bananas
- Whipped cream or yogurt
- Savory: Fried chicken, crispy bacon, or a poached egg
Variations and Add-Ons
While this recipe sticks to classic ingredients, you can experiment with:
- Chocolate chips or blueberries (fold into the batter)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
- Dairy-free milk or plant-based butter for dietary needs
For more adventurous variations, try using buttermilk or adding a touch of citrus zest to the batter.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled waffles for up to 2 months. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: Toast waffles straight from the fridge or freezer to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the waffle batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Give it a gentle stir before using, as some separation may occur.
Absolutely. Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier waffle, or use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the waffles will still be delicious.
Always preheat your waffle iron thoroughly and lightly grease it with oil, melted butter, or nonstick spray before each batch. Avoid using too much batter, which can cause overflow and sticking.
Yes! For egg-free waffles, use a commercial egg replacer or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Yes, you can use this batter in a Belgian waffle maker. The waffles will be thicker and have deeper pockets, perfect for holding extra syrup or toppings.
Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for the crispiest texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make waffles soggy.
Most waffle irons have an indicator light or beep when preheated. Always wait for this signal before adding batter for best results.
Conclusion
Making homemade waffles is simple, quick, and yields delicious results every time.
Whether you enjoy them with syrup, fruit, or savory toppings, this easy waffle recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Have you tried this recipe? Rate it below and leave a comment with your favorite toppings or tips!
Best Waffle Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. For crispier waffles, use a higher heat setting if available.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not over-mix.
- Lightly grease the hot waffle iron with butter, oil, or nonstick spray. Add about 1/3 cup of batter per waffle (adjust for your iron). Close and cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack to keep them crisp. Serve hot with maple syrup, butter, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help waffles rise better, but cold eggs work in a pinch.
- Weigh or measure flour correctly for best results.
- Don’t over-mix; lumps in the batter make fluffier waffles.
- Keep cooked waffles on a wire rack (not stacked) for maximum crispness.
- Freeze cooled waffles for up to 2 months; reheat in a toaster for a quick breakfast.