Bring the taste of Waffle House into your very own kitchen with this copycat recipe. Light and fluffy waffles with the perfect crispy exterior.
Waffles may have originated in Belgium, but it’s also a classic American breakfast. Recreate your favorite Waffle House waffles with this simple recipe!
What makes a perfect waffle? Is it the crisp exterior, or the fluffy and tender interior? Or is it perhaps the wide array of toppings that go with it?
The answer is all of the above. The combination of textures and flavors makes waffles the quintessential breakfast. With this easy copycat recipe, you get to enjoy mouthwatering golden waffles at home in just 20 minutes.
What are you waiting for? Heat up that waffle iron and let’s make waffles!
Waffle House Waffle Recipe
Waffle House waffles are made extra special with buttermilk. This is the secret to ridiculously light and fluffy waffles!
Unlike pancakes, however, waffles have a lovely crisp and crunchy exterior. It has a unique, gridded form, which adds a unique texture and character.
Topped with either sweet or savory ingredients, waffles are the perfect way to start the day.
Ingredients
- All-purpose Flour. The base that gives the waffles structure.
- Cornstarch. To help thicken the batter.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder. Leavening agents that make the waffles fluffy.
- Egg. For binding the ingredients together.
- Granulated Sugar. For a touch of sweetness.
- Butter. For richness and flavor.
- Whole Milk. The liquid that saturates the dry ingredients. Use warm milk to keep the butter melted and incorporated into the batter well.
- Buttermilk. It reacts with the baking soda, making your waffles wonderfully fluffy.
Tips for the Best Waffles
- Preheat the waffle iron well to ensure crispy waffles. Set it to medium-high heat for best results. I recommend preheating it before combining the wet and dry ingredients so the batter won’t have to sit out long.
- Do not over-mix the batter, otherwise, the waffles won’t be fluffy.
- If you want berries incorporated into the waffles, scatter them over the batter once it’s on the waffle iron.
- For extra fluffy waffles, separate the egg white from the yolk, beat it until stiff peaks form, and fold it into the batter.
- For crispier waffles, toast them post-cooking. Or, pop them in the oven and cook at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Let the waffles cool on a single layer on a wire rack. Unlike pancakes, avoid stacking them on top of one another while they’re hot, or they’ll lose their crispness.
- To store leftover waffles, ensure that they are cooled completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat waffles, use the toaster. The waffles will be as crisp as the day you made them. The oven works, too – 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Topping Ideas
The best thing about waffles is that you can go crazy on the toppings. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, waffles are the perfect vessel for toppings.
- For a classic breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a simple butter and maple syrup combo. It’s a delightful treat that will start your day on a high note.
- Besides maple syrup, sweet sauces such as chocolate, raspberry, and salted caramel sauce also make for a breakfast you’ll never forget.
- If you’re a peanut butter fan like me, smother that waffle with peanut butter and drench it with maple syrup. It’s a beautiful medley of sweet and salty flavors.
- Waffles are very filling, so a light and refreshing topping makes perfect sense. A dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit contrast the heaviness of the dish. Blueberries, bananas, mangoes, peaches – just use whatever you have on hand!
- Aside from fresh fruit, preserves, compotes, and jellies pair beautifully with waffles, too.
- For an element of crunch, top your waffles with chopped walnuts and pecans.
- Want something savory? How about a piece of fried or poached egg? I love how the silky, golden yolk slowly oozes down the waffles after slicing into the egg!
- Also, bacon. You can never go wrong with bacon.
- Have a classic Southern meal by topping waffles with chicken and gravy.
- For a Tex-Mex inspired breakfast, load your waffles with sour cream, guacamole, and cheese.
Why Add Buttermilk to Waffles
Buttermilk makes waffles extra light and fluffy, while still being crisp on the outside. It brings the traditional home-style waffles to shame.
True buttermilk is the liquid that remains after churning butter. Butter-churning isn’t a common, day-to-day activity, so it’s a good thing pre-made buttermilk is easy to find!
In case your local grocery is out of buttermilk, don’t worry, it’s easy to make at home. All you need is a tablespoon of vinegar (or lemon juice) and a cup of any type of milk.
Combine the two and then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes or until it starts to curdle. Voila – your very own buttermilk.
Waffle House Waffle Recipe
6
servings10
10
minutesIngredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted, softened butter (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, softened
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
Cooking spray
Maple syrup
Instructions
- In a bowl, sift and stir together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, butter, shortening, and vanilla, until well-combined. Mix in half-and-half and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Gently stir with a rubber spatula until combined. A few small lumps are okay.
- Preheat a waffle iron according to instructions and grease with cooking spray. Spoon 1/2 cup of batter into the waffle iron and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
