Crisp and buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside, this easy waffle recipe is perfection. Included are loads of options for sweet or savory waffles, plus all the toppings you could ever desire.
I like sweet waffles, savory waffles, snack waffles (handheld Ham and Cheese Waffles, I’m looking at you). If you can waffle it, I will probably love it.
Homemade Waffles
Want to know a secret? I almost never order waffles at a restaurant. That’s how picky I am about my waffles.
I know exactly how I like my waffles and restaurant waffles are never as good as the homemade waffles from my own kitchen.
I take my waffle enthusiasm too seriously to waste a meal on waffles that are anything less than spectacular. Rest assured, I’d never share a waffle recipe with you that I didn’t absolutely adore. My standards are just too high.
Easy Waffles
Considering how deep my love for waffles runs, it’s high time I shared with you my ultimate list of best waffle recipes.
I’ve been making waffles a long time and I’ve discovered that, while everyone has their own preferences, there are a few things that all great waffles have in common.
The ultimate waffle recipe is crispy on the outside (but never oily or greasy!) with a soft fluffy interior. The best waffles won’t fall apart when you lift them from the iron, they won’t bend in half, and they also won’t get tough and dense as they cool.
Rest assured that when I say this is the best waffle recipe ever, I don’t make that claim lightly. Part of the reason this recipe is the best is simply because it’s as easy as can be.
These are a few of my all-time favorite waffle recipes, ranging from savory to sweet and everything in between.
Waffle Ideas
Want the best ever classic Homemade Waffles Recipe? Scroll straight to the bottom of this post and print the recipe.
This is our go-to recipe and it’s also the base for countless sweet and savory waffle combinations here on the website. This recipe is from my Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook and it’s a huge favorite with everyone who tries it.
A lightly sweet waffle topped with a pat of butter and drizzled with maple syrup makes any morning beautiful. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a Whole Wheat Waffle covered in your favorite waffle toppings.
Few things make me smile like a plate of Blueberry Waffles. My blueberry waffle recipe features what I think is the exact right ratio of berries to batter, and never disappoints.
Waffles from Scratch
You’ll need the following ingredients to make perfect waffles every time:
- all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
- baking powder
- sugar
- milk
- eggs
- vanilla extract
Waffle Recipe
- Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the milk and the eggs. Whisk to combine. (I LOVE my dough whisk for making pancakes and waffles!)
- Pour the melted butter and the vanilla into the batter and stir until mostly smooth. Take care not to over-stir the batter. Let the batter rest for at least 10-15 minutes while heating the waffle iron.
- Heat the waffle maker. (This is my favorite Belgian waffle maker!) Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions. Serve warm or let cool completely before storing.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover waffles, completely cooled waffles may be frozen in zipclose bags. Reheat from frozen in the toaster, microwave, or on a rack in the oven.
Gluten Free Waffles
Light and fluffy waffles that are crisp on the outside and tender inside are a year-round favorite in our house. My family has been making waffles along with my grandma’s waffle sauce since long before I was born. I was happy to discover that both the waffles and the sauce freeze beautifully, making this a dream of a make-ahead breakfast.
The added starches in the gluten-free version of this recipe make them extra crispy on the outside. I might be guilty of loving the gluten-free recipe even more than the original, but truly they are both delicious.
Savory Waffles
While I love a sweet waffle, I sometimes think savory waffles don’t get nearly the amount of attention they deserve. Whether I’m serving them for breakfast, brunch or dinner, they always disappear almost as fast as I can get them on the table.
Cheddar Bacon Green Chile Waffles are the ultimate cheesy waffle with southwestern flavors. The green chiles add a little spice to the savory, cheesy waffle batter with pieces of bacon providing smokiness and even more flavor.
Speaking of southwestern flavors, Cornbread Waffles topped with chili and cheese are simply divine. We love this meal anytime of day and it’s become one of our favorite ways to enjoy homemade chili!
Cheddar Chive Waffles are yet another “must try” waffle on my list of best waffle recipes. Served with a fried egg and sausage gravy, they’re a hearty and delicious comfort food meal.
A few years ago I started making Pumpkin Spice Waffles inspired by the pumpkin muffins my family has loved for years. They’re lightly spiced and sweet and perfect served with a hot cup of coffee, especially on a cool crisp autumn morning (or anytime you need to be transported to fall!).
If you like banana bread as much as the members of my household, then Banana Waffles are for you. We enjoy them on their own or topped with slices of fresh bananas, chopped nuts, and maple syrup.
Some mornings you can’t choose between homemade waffles and homemade donuts, and I believe you shouldn’t have to. Enter Maple Glazed Doughnut Waffles. They’re the ideal sweet indulgence for breakfast (or any time of day).
Whole Wheat Zucchini Waffles , Buckwheat Waffles and Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles are even more homemade waffle recipes I enjoy on the sweeter side.
Waffle Toppings
One of the joys of making waffles is the many different ways that you can top these waffles! The same waffle recipe may taste entirely different depending on what you choose to top them with and that, for me, is part of the fun.
I’ve been making my grandmother’s Homemade Waffle Sauce for years and it’ll always have a special place in my heart (and in my kitchen). This sauce is delicious on a waffle on its own or alongside fruit and nuts.
Have you tried my Kahlua Cream Sauce yet? I first made it to pour over a Challah Bread Pudding and immediately knew it would also be perfect on waffles.
Buttermilk Syrup, Brown Sugar Butter Syrup , Strawberry Simple Syrup, and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream are more topping ideas that I love on my waffles.
I also love just about any variation of fresh sliced fruit and chopped walnuts or pecans on top of my waffles!
On savory waffles, I love toppings like chili, cheese, sour cream, and even guacamole. A fried egg or a helping of warm savory sausage gravy is a welcome sight served next to a stack of savory waffles.
Can’t get enough waffle recipe ideas? Strawberry Shortcake Waffles with Maple Whipped Cream from Well Plated and these Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed Almond Crusted Waffles by The Noshery are what breakfast dreams are made of.
For a classic sweet side, toss together this almost effortless Rainbow Fruit Salad.
Kitchen Tip: I LOVE my double Belgian waffle iron for making loads of waffles in no time at all!
Perfect Every Time Homemade Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour*
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1⅔ cups milk
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*Gluten-Free Alternative
- 1⅓ cups brown rice flour
- ⅔ cup tapioca starch
- ¼ cup potato starch
Instructions
- Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the milk and the eggs. Whisk to combine. (I LOVE my dough whisk for making pancakes and waffles!)
- Pour the melted butter and the vanilla into the batter and stir until mostly smooth. Take care not to over-stir the batter. Let the batter rest for at least 10-15 minutes while heating the waffle iron.
- Heat the waffle iron. (This is my favorite waffle iron!) Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions. Serve warm or let cool completely before storing.
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 8/9/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/27/23}
Lisa says
i’ll never make packaged waffles again! thank you for this simple, but perfect, recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy that you love the waffles, Lisa!
Heather Hilton says
These are maybe the best waffles I’ve ever tasted. I only had almond milk, so that was my only substitution. They were amazing and I will never make waffles with another recipe again. Crispy on the outside but melt in your mouth. Perfection!
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy that you’re enjoying the waffles, Heather!
Sandy Elliott says
Great. Add cinnamon ♥️
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like the waffles, Sandy!
Effie says
I used 1/2 & 1/2 instead of milk. This recipe is easy and will not disappoint. Saw another comment about them not being fluffy but mine turned out fluffy and perfect. Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you love them, Effie!
Jen says
My household is staying inside as much as possible especially with our state’s mandatory COVID19 shelter in place law so I made these with what I whatever I had at home: oat milk… then ran out so I used some almond milk too, margarine, Red Mill’s Egg Replacement (eggs are high commodity now). Even with all the substitutions, they came out so delicious!! I’m not sure if it was the egg replacement or the recipe itself, but the waffles tasted like mochi style waffles!!! YUM 🙂
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome, Jen! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the waffles!
Syreeta says
Haven’t made these yet; but, planning on it this weekend. They look so good. No milk at home and DON’T want to go out due to COVID-19. Thoughts on using whipping or heavy cream?
Mary Younkin says
I would use half heavy cream and half water, Syreeta. It should work fine!
Ali says
My son and I make your waffle recipe together almost every Saturday! A family favorite
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that your family loves the waffles, Ali!
Sarah says
They were great! Exactly the texture and taste I had hoped for.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you love them so much, Sarah!
Lisa says
This was a very easy and delicious recipe! I had to use oat milk (because that’s all I had) and I added an extra tablespoon of sugar and they were perfect! Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the waffles, Lisa!
Tera says
My oldest son and I just got done making this. We used table salt and didnt see the comment about using less until now. They are a little salty but still yummy. And we submitted the vanilla extract for lemon extract. And it now has a lemon cake taste. Thank you for sharing this!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the waffles, Tera!
Barbara Jo Dunbar says
I wanted to share a photo, because these waffles were delicious!!! My husband asked for waffles this morning and I found your recipe. I will NOT lose your recipe. It is definitely a keeper. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts. May I add…. sooo easy to make!! I used xylitol to replace the sugar and it was fine. Thanks again… God bless you and your families at this time! Barbara
Mary Younkin says
This makes me so happy, Barbara! I’m so glad that you love the waffles.
Deborah Gerard says
I made these waffles using a brand new waffle maker. I used rice milk instead of regular milk and beat the eggs until they were frothy. It made the best waffles I’ve ever had.
PS this was the first time I’ve ever made waffles!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you love the waffles, Deborah!
Kelsey says
This is the best waffle recipe I’ve ever tried! Thank you, Mary!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the waffles, Kelsey!
Kaitlin says
These are the best waffles! My four year old took a bite and exclaimed “these are too good for syrup!”
They smell like vanilla cupcakes and taste almost as good when covered in Maple syrup!
Mary Younkin says
That is awesome, Kaitlin!
Kaitlin says
I have to tell you these are truly the best, still! We make a double batch to freeze at least weekly. They’re breakfast for my three kids almost every morning. I make it so much that I started buying baking powder in bulk!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you love the waffles so much, Kaitlin!
Michele says
Truly, the best tasting waffles I’ve ever had and made right here at home! Delicious, Thank you for sharing:)
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like them, Michele!
Chimere says
Wasn’t a fan. It was too salty. Not sure if it was because we used regular butter (not unsalted) and almond milk instead of regular milk.
Mary Younkin says
That’s interesting, Chimere. I use regular butter as well. I have no idea how the almond milk might have changed it.
Rachel Franklin says
Ours came out super salty as well and we used unsalted butter. I did use table salt instead of kosher salt?? I’m wondering if that’s what caused it.
Mary Younkin says
Table salt is absolutely what caused the problem, Rachel. Table salt is much finer than kosher. If you’re using table salt in a recipe that calls for kosher, I recommend using half the amount or even less than that.
Kimberly Dawn West says
I instructed my 11 year old boy in making these this morning. He said they were better than the other recipes I have made with the egg white beaten and added in. This recipe was easier and delicious! And he learned how to measure-mix-and pour and clean up by himself. Thanks! I have now written down this recipe and taped it to the inside of my cabinet.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the waffles, Kimberly!
Jat says
what waffle maker did you use?
Mary Younkin says
I linked to my favorite waffle irons in this post, Jat. The double Belgium waffle maker is my favorite.
Edna Kiernan says
I haven’t tried the recipe yet. But I bet it is great. I am substituting with egg whites and adding some applesauce. I will let u know. Have done this in the past and couldn’t tell the difference. 🤗
Mary Younkin says
Let me know how it works for you, Edna. Enjoy the waffles!
Yvonne @ Tried and Tasty says
Made these and loved them! Almost loved them even more as leftovers!! What’s so great about this recipe is that it’s truly super easy – I was on the hunt for a recipe where I didn’t have to whip egg-whites separately and then fold into batter… aint nobody got time for that 😉 Glad I landed upon this one. Will be making another batch very soon!
Mary Younkin says
This makes my day, Yvonne! I’m so glad that you love the waffles.
Nancy Turner Smith says
During the CV pandemic, we were unable to find pancake or waffle mix in the grocery stores. So we found this amazing website and prepared the basic recipe from scratch. These were the best waffles we ever had … fluffy and tasty … there’s no going back!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you love the waffles, Nancy!