Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
Belgian Light 'n Crispy Waffles
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Light and crispy, just the way Belgian waffles should be! Serve them with your favorite toppings or try one of the included variations (we're partial to the blueberry version!). If you don't have a Belgian waffle maker you can use a regular one, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
23 reviews
2 comments
ingredients
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 cups milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup oil
2 egg whites, stiffly beaten
directions
Preheat a Belgian waffle maker. Grease only if recommended by machine manufacturer.
Combine the egg yolks, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with a mixer until mixed.
Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until smooth and no clumps of flour remain.
By hand, gently fold in the beaten egg whites.
Using a half-cup measure, pour the batter onto the waffle maker grids. Close the top and cook until steam no longer escapes, about 3-5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Variations:
Pecan or Macadamia Nut Waffles: Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. finely chopped pecans or macadamia nuts over preheated waffle grids. Pour 1/2 cup batter over nuts and close waffle maker. Bake as directed.
Blueberry Waffles: Fold 2 c. fresh blueberries into batter. Pour 3/4 cup batter over grids. Bake as directed.
Chocolate Chip Waffles: Fold 1 cup chocolate chips into batter. Bake as directed.
recipe tips
Make sure the waffle maker is preheated before adding the batter.
Gently folding in the egg whites without overmixing helps retain their volume.
For an even more decadent flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, fruits, or spices to create different flavors.
Serve immediately for the best texture; waffles can lose crispiness as they cool.
Adjust cooking times based on your waffle maker.
If making multiple batches, keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven (around 200 degrees F) until ready to serve.
For a nutritious boost, add ground flaxseed or protein powder to the batter.
common recipe questions
What makes Belgian waffles different from regular waffles?
Belgian waffles are generally thicker, lighter, and crispier than regular waffles. They typically use yeast or separate beaten egg whites for leavening, which contributes to their airy texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the waffles may be denser and have a nuttier flavor. Try a mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Why do I need to beat the egg whites stiffly?
Beating the egg whites until stiff creates air pockets in the batter, which lightens the waffles and makes them crispy. It's an essential step for achieving the desired texture.
What can I use instead of milk?
You can use any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as an alternative.
How can I make the waffles sweeter?
You can add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter, or incorporate sweet toppings such as syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruits for added sweetness.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While it's possible to prepare the batter ahead of time, it's best to use it fresh because the egg whites may deflate, resulting in less fluffy waffles. If you must prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge and fold in the egg whites just before cooking.
How should I store leftover waffles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze the waffles?
Yes, Belgian waffles can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the waffles?
To reheat, place the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-10 minutes.
What toppings work well with Belgian waffles?
Popular toppings include fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, yogurt, chocolate sauce, or even savory toppings like fried chicken, cheese, or eggs.
Can I make these waffles without eggs?
While you can experiment with flaxseed meal or applesauce as egg replacements, the waffles may not turn out as light and crispy. There are specialized recipes for egg-free waffles you can try.
tools needed
Belgian Waffle Maker: The primary tool needed for making Belgian waffles, allowing for the characteristic shape and texture. If a Belgian waffle maker is not available, a regular waffle maker can be used, but adjustments to cooking time may be necessary.
Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl to combine the wet and dry ingredients such as egg yolks, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and oil.
Electric Mixer: An electric mixer for beating the batter until smooth and making sure that there are no clumps of flour.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients, including the milk, flour, baking powder, oil, and salt.
Spatula: A rubber or silicone spatula is useful for gently folding in the beaten egg whites into the batter without deflating them.
Grease Spray or Brush (optional): Depending on the manufacturer's recommendation, grease may be needed for the waffle maker to prevent sticking; this can be applied using spray or a brush.
nutrition data
503 calories, 25 grams fat, 55 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
June 29, 2020
Love this waffle!! Added sugar in the egg whites:) itâs the perfect crisp and fluff. Although had a question what if I have extra batter left? Can I leave it in the refrigerator? Will it be less crispy or do I just leave it out.
February 2, 2020
Loved it! Followed another commenterâs suggestion to add sugar to the egg whites and make a bit of a merengue first and it worked beautifully! So fluffy.
December 23, 2019
Best recipe I've found. Mix the dry, then wet, then combine and fold in stiff egg whites. Beautiful
May 18, 2019
BEST WAFFLES EVER!!! We have been making these waffles since 2012 before having kids! 7 years and 3 kids later itâs one of our familyâs favorite weekend treats. It smells like heaven in our home when we make these and all the kids love to help...and eat of course!!!
Not only being a father of 5 children, but a baker for all of my life, the little trick that I use in making crispy waffles is to also add sugar to the whipped egg whites and make a meringue which is stiffer than just egg whites.
December 4, 2016
Yes these are the best waffles on the net. First I tried the recipies that came with my machine and they were awful. These are so nice and fluffy and tasty. These are my favorites and you can add your own extras for your taste. I did add vanilla and sugar to taste though. Yummy!!
November 29, 2015
Best waffles I think I've ever made!!
January 13, 2015
I have tried several Belgian waffle recipes. This recipe was perfect. I added a little sugar and some vanilla to boost the flavor. The waffles were light and crunchy. I believe, the secret is letting the steam escape completely. Disregard the light on the waffle iron.
October 19, 2014
i liked the texture of these waffles quite a bit. however, i'd never made waffles before and this recipe made SO MANY WAFFLES. literally, about 15. since i was only making them for two, we had a lot left over. also, imo, the batter was pretty flavorless. i would suggest adding a bit of spice and/or sugar for the plain or using the blueberries as suggested.
October 8, 2013
Great texture on these waffles. Just the right crispness on the outside while being moist inside.
February 6, 2013
YUM! I hate making waffles from scratch because they never taste as good as a box- sad right - until i found these! they were just great and since low sugar, healthy alternative for a diabetic
December 29, 2012
I just made these this morning. I used coconut oil, and replaced a 1/2 cup of flour for almond meal (almond flour)... they were delicious!!!! Crisp, light, and coconut oil is healthier and tastes amazing. I did add a couple extra tablespoons of regular flour too. 5 stars!!
October 7, 2012
Finally: a quick, crispy waffle recipe! I added vanilla and more flour; other than that, it was fantastic!
May 28, 2012
Just added a little cornmeal, whole wheat flour, and oats in place of some of the white flour... used the chopped pecans in the bottom of the waffle iron as suggested, and these were the best waffles I've ever had :o)
February 11, 2012
Most waffle recipes are either really difficult or not any good. This recipe is easy and it made great (read 'light') waffles! The only reason I came back to rate was so that others might benefit from the recipe as I did...
October 2, 2011
I only hard Smart Balance oil and I can still taste the oil. I suppose my mom used peanut oil. Otherwise, they reminded me of my youth. I added 1 T of powdered sugar to the egg white and added "orange flower" flavor and it was just like being in France. Delicieux.
is that olive oil or Vegetable oil in your recipe?
June 10, 2011
Waffles turned out awesome!! I'm going around looking for that crispy outside - fluffy inside - and flavorable waffle recipe. This one is a keeper!!!
February 22, 2011
After 20 years, just lost the recipe book that came with our waffle maker. Thank Heaven that you have almost the identical recipe for these fabulous waffles. They're the only ones I make now. Thank you, thank you.
December 14, 2010
I have tried many different recipes but this is the best by far!!!!! unbelievable waffles!! very light and crispy! I added chocolate chips and fresh strawberries, WOW!
February 10, 2010
Tried these tonight.. They were excellent! My husband loved them too. They were very light, and very crisp. Thank you for providing this exceptional recipe.
January 9, 2010
EXCELLENT! These are the best waffles I've ever had. I could barely taste it--it was that light and fluffy. I hate thick, heavy waffles and these were completely the opposite! Definitely the best.
November 21, 2008
WOW - You need a higher rating -- how about a 10! These are great. Light, fluffy, and easy to make. They are going on my keeper list. Thanks!
January 4, 2008
WOW, BETTER THAN MY TWICE-SIFTED, 10,000 STEPS RECIPE! SO EASY, BUT LIGHT AND CRISPY...THANKS!
August 19, 2007
This is a fantastic recipe!! I make these waffles every Christmas morning. We add fresh fruit,(strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple etc...) real whipped cream, and plenty of REAL maple syrup. It's now become a family tradition!