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}
Kate Goldenbaum says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us! It was delicious and so easy to make!
We haven’t made waffles in such a long time and the best way to start was to find the perfect recipe, which was obviously this recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad to hear that you love the waffles, Kate!
KRIS says
It turned out great! In the waffle iron we usually need to spray between each waffle but with this recipe they just fall out. I only added a couple dashes of cinnamon and one I added a couple chocolate chips.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the waffles, Kris!
Lila says
No one has mentioned this yet, but I can’t imagine 1 and a half TABLESPOONS baking powder is correct?! That’s way more than other recipes, and I imagine you would taste the harsh flavor of the baking soda (which is one of main ingredients in baking powder). I am going to try teaspoons, especially since good organic flour is hard to come by during the pandemic and I don’t want to waste it. But tell me if I’m wrong about that being wrong, and the large quantity of baking powder magically works in the recipe! Thanks.
Mary Younkin says
It magically works, Lila. There isn’t even a hint of baking powder flavor. I’ve tried countless variations and versions of different waffle recipes. These turn out light, airy, and perfect every time. As you can see from the rave reviews, I’m not alone in thinking they are perfect.
ADT says
Most delicious homemade waffles hands down! They were fluffy and buttery. We topped them with blueberries, bananas and maple syrup. Never again using box brands!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so very happy that you love the waffles!
Ana H says
These are delicious! They are also great frozen. I just pop them in the toaster and they taste amazing!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the waffles, Ana. I’m eating a freshly toasted frozen one this morning too!
Peggy Shinkle says
SANDWICH STYLE WAFFLES TO GO: Two frozen homemade waffles, toasted, filled with sliced banana and homemade whipped cream, make a delightful, on the go, breakfast, so delicious and refreshing. (Skip the sticky syrup)
Mary Younkin says
Sounds delicious, Peggy!
Tudi says
What has potassium and why so much?
Mary Younkin says
Hi Tudi, I honestly have no idea. I use an online recipe calculator to calculate the nutritional information and it adds the numbers into the recipe card for me.
Y Gonzales says
Glad I tried your recipe first! These came out perfectly! I used the Perfect Every Time recipe. I had retired my waffle maker after coming up with dry waffles from Instant Pancake mixes haha. Found you in a Google search for “waffle recipe” Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the waffles!
Mariam Shokooree says
Hi can you use almond milk?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, these waffles work nicely with almond milk.
Suq says
“Want to know a secret?” No, I just want the recipe not some stupid story that is tangential.
Mary Younkin says
Sounds like you might be happier with a traditional cookbook, my friend. Otherwise, feel free to make use of that handy “jump to recipe” link at the top of the page.
Dee says
These were so good. I want to make them again tomorrow but I’d like to double the recipe so I Have more to freeze. Think I’ll have the same results doubling?
Thx
Mary Younkin says
Yes, doubling or tripling the recipe works beautifully, Dee. I almost always multiply the recipe when I make waffles so that we’ll have plenty left to freeze.
Emily says
Tried your recipe this morning….turned out great even without the salt since i try not to put salt in anything……and we have leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast….thank you
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you are enjoying the waffles, Emily!
Kathryn England says
Full of flavor, light on the inside and crispy on the outside. Best waffles ever!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy you love the waffles, Kathryn!
Betina Hudson says
Waffles turned out great better than the store bought this would be my second time making them like having leftovers so than we we are in rush we can just take from freezer pop in toaster and its ready and they are perfect.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear this, Betina!
terry allen says
I made these with non dairy coconut milk and they were truly the best waffles I have ever eaten!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the waffles, Terry.
P says
I just made these and they were incredible!! They were crisp on the outside & soft and moist on the inside. I have made waffles many times and never had the waffles turn quite like these, just as I like! I am making waffles for some moms for Mother’s Day tomorrow, so I’m excited to share these delicious waffles with them.
I did alter the recipe a little, I whisked the eggs & sugar in a mixer (as many recipes I’ve made in the past did this, so I couldn’t help it! I was just worried about not doing this?) and then added the ingredients to the mixer with the paddle, in the order the recipe specified. I also added a tbsp of brown sugar and a little extra vanilla, and they came out amazing! I only like the tiniest bit of syrup on my waffles, (I know I’m weird) so I like a little extra sweetness inside my waffles!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the waffles!
Marie Mitchalk says
Best waffle recipe I’ve ever tried! And easy. Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the waffles, Marie!
Angel says
Hi I am not great in the cooking following recipe Dept Even though I have grown children that I managed to feed every day I am still what I would consider beginner status because it just doesn’t come natural to me. Having said that I found this recipe because it didn’t have the extra steps of separating yolks and whipping egg whites i thought i can do it and tried my best to do it but as I added in the milk and then melted butter it back as so soupy. I just don’t know what I could have done. So I ended up adding almost a 1/2 cup more flour to try and get it to the consistency of what I thought waffle batter should be but it didn’t thicken really and when I made them my son said all he could taste is flour lol. To me it tasted almost like cornmeal but was edible so that’s not bad. Any thoughts to help me because I need simple recipes and your reviews are so good I just need to try again.
Mary Younkin says
Hi Angel, the waffle batter should be very liquid. I think the extra flour you added contributed to the floury taste. I’d try making it exactly as written and see if you like the waffles better that way.
Debra Miller says
5 stars! Loved this recipe and I have tried them all! Super easy and half the work of the others I tried and the family loved this one more!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the waffles so much, Debra!
DJCANARSIE says
What is a great Beliguim waffle maker to use for all those wonderful waffle recipes shown? I have had problems in the past with waffle makers, and I am searching for a reasonable priced maker for weekend usage only. HELP !
Thank you.
Mary Younkin says
My favorite waffle maker is linked above the recipe. Happy waffle making!
Tim Harris says
Not very good, neither fluffy nor charming crispy
Mary Younkin says
No clue what went wrong there, Tim. Any chance you substituted an ingredient or changed something in the recipe?
Kaitlin says
We have been making a double recipe of these twice a week now, for a couple months. So much that my husband and I both memorize the recipe!
They are truly the best waffles ever. I’ve taken to having one for a snack every night after the kids are in bed.
I think anyone who comes up with a dense waffle from this recipe probably misread the baking powder (I accidentally did that the second time I made it. Ech). It’s the key to getting a big, fluffy waffle. We need to buy it in bulk because we go through so much!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love them, Kaitlin!