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}
Crystal says
I made these waffles this morning and they did not disappoint! Very tasty, thanks for sharing your recipe! This is the only one I’ll ever use!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you love them, Crystal!
Natalie says
We made these for breakfast this morning. They were delicious! I will be bookmarking this site to use again. Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love the waffles, Natalie.
tamika says
I think im in love going to try asap thank u thank u 💓 and for you 💓
Mary Younkin says
I’m so very happy to hear that you love the waffles too, Tamika.
Patty says
Please don’t give 5 star ratings to a recipe that you haven’t tried yet. Doesn’t help anyone. Thanks
Mary Younkin says
Hi Patty, there are a great number of solid tested reviews here to consider. Feel free to skip over the ones you find unnecessary.
Kip says
Patty,
Please don’t give unwelcome, sharp and abrasive comments either. Thanks
lmao says
patty has a point, though
Rosanna says
So happy to have come across your site. We made these waffles today along with your waffle sauce and they were a hit. My son (who can drink syrup if you let him) vowed he preferred them with the sauce. Will be making these again and trying some of your other recipes as well. Thanks!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you’re enjoying the waffles, Rosanna! We had waffles with waffle sauce for breakfast today too.
LaShanna says
This recipe is AWESOME! My husband SWEARS by Alton Brown’s, which calls for wheat flour, but after two attempts, no matter how my husband altered it, I didn’t like the flavor.
THIS?!? Is everything! I did triple the recipe because we have a house of 5, and then:
– I added 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– I separated my eggs and beat my egg whites to a soft marshmallow meringue Instead of a meringue peak (with a whisk, my mixer is broken and being replaced! 🙁 …. OWEE! I don’t recommend it unless like me, you’re desperate for waffles!). Then folded it into my batter.
I only came out with 10 although I tripped which is weird, but my gosh…. The base recipe was an AMAZING starting point.
I also never comment on recipes but this one was worth it. It rivals Alton Brown (and I love him too!). Heh heh heh!!
Be blessed,
L Tripp
Mary Younkin says
Awe, I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks for taking the time to tell me how much you like the waffles.
Cjm says
This lady has the best waffle down pat! Tried other recipes online none have come close to this!! Layers of flavors, you can taste the butter vanilla and I used homemade buttermilk so I’m sure that altered the taste a smidge BUT THANK YOU FOR AN AMAXING RECIPE- I will NOT be searching for anotger
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the waffles so much.
Kal says
I’m confused Mary.. CJM says he made his own buttermilk but I dont see your original recipe even calling for buttermilk. It is regular milk correct?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, these waffles are made with regular milk, Kal. Some people just like to use buttermilk.
Johannah says
Best waffles I’ve ever made!
Mary Younkin says
YAY! I’m so happy to hear it.
Kim says
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!!! We added lots of cinnamon! It was perfect!!! Thank you for the perfect waffle!! How would you store these and reheat?
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you like the waffles so much. We freeze the waffles and toast them for breakfasts.
rrc says
Delicious! Added 1.5 T sugar, 2 t vanilla and 1 tbsp cinnamon. My family is raving!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the waffles.
Cynthia says
This recipe was amazing! Simple, fluffy, tasty, and easy. Thanks for an easy to follow no extra steps recipe. This will be added to my favorite recipes!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you like the ice cream, Cynthia.
Brenda says
Just getting ready to heat up the waffle maker and am looking forward to trying one. Haven’t had one in years! Thanks for sharing recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I hope that you love them as much as we do, Brenda.
Aimee says
This recipe is excellent and very easy to whip up! I love that the eggs don’t have to be separated. Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I am thrilled that you like the waffles so much, Aimee.
Sue K says
I was extremely disappointed in this recipe. If you were making 1 waffle it might be ok but a lot of batter for just 1. When 1 was done cooking and I was waiting for another to be cook in the waffle iron, it lost all crispness. There are just 2 of us and so I finally decided to just give him his and let him eat while I was waiting for another to be finished for me. Nothing special in my opinion.
Mary Younkin says
Hi Sue. So sorry to hear that you were “extremely disappointed” here. Waffles do tend to soften as they cool. If you like them extra crispy, it does help if you cook them a bit longer too. And if you keep them on a rack in a warm oven, that can help short term. However, if you find a waffle recipe that stays as crisp after it’s cool as it is straight out of the waffle iron, please feel free to pass it on. For what it’s worth, I prefer a toaster vs a microwave for reheating leftover waffles, for that same reason. Better luck next time.
Yvette says
This recipe is delicious and very easy to follow 😋
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the waffles, Yvette!
Cece says
Very delicious!! I love this recipe! It is so easy! Thanks so much!! Everyone in the family loves and askes for more!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the waffles, Cece!
Ksenia says
Fantastic waffles – THANK YOU!!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the waffles, Ksenia.
Lexi says
Used this recipe to make waffles for fried chicken and waffles. I added green onions and black pepper. I was worried it would be too much baking powder but they were very tasty and crispy. Yummy! We topped ours with Nashville hot chicken and maple syrup.
Mary Younkin says
Mmmmmmm, now I’m craving chicken and waffles too, Lexi!
Cinta says
Not only did they turn out delicious, but they were also quick to pull together using ingredients on hand. Thanks so much for sharing!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you are enjoying the waffles, Cinta!
Julie says
Delicious! Came right out of the waffle iron. They were fluffy inside and crispy outside. Perfect!
Mary Younkin says
Happy you liked them, Julie.
Rose M says
These were fluffy and yummy.(Super easy too) Thank you
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the waffles, Rose!