All the Best Waffle Toppings

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How many waffle toppings can you think of off the top of your head? My family has a well-established weakness for waffles and with that comes a weakness for all the awesome ways that you can top a hot crisp freshly made waffle.

Is “waffle season” a thing? Or is that just me? We enjoy hot breakfasts all year long, but there is something wonderfully fall and winter about pulling out the waffle iron and watching the steam rise as they cook in the mornings.

All I know is that right now, we are deep in waffle season over here and we’re making all the toppings to pour, stack, and pile on top of our waffles.

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Waffle Toppings

From the sweet to the savory there are so many options when it comes to dressing up your waffles. A basic buttermilk waffle can be transformed from simple to spectacular with the right combination of toppings.

I recently shared a list of some of my all-time favorite waffle recipes. After spending all that time thinking about waffles, it became clear that I’d need a whole other post just to talk about waffle toppings!

Craving something sweet? My Grandmother’s Waffle Sauce will forever reign supreme, (just ask literally anyone who has ever tasted it!) but there are so many other delicious ways to top them too.

Grandmother's Waffle Sauce

Sweet waffle toppings are hands-down the most popular and maple syrup is a nearly universal favorite when it comes to waffle toppings. No self-serve waffle bar is complete without a bottle of the stuff. You can even make your own homemade syrup – this one is a particular favorite!

This Maple Cream Cheese Syrup that I originally made for a batch of carrot cake pancakes brings the best of a creamy sauce and maple syrup together.

Beyond maple, there’s a whole world of other kinds of syrup to explore.

Banana Coconut Pecan Pancakes are fluffy, hearty banana pancakes sprinkled with sweet coconut and chewy pecans! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

Buttermilk Syrup first caught my attention when I tried it on pancakes at a restaurant. As soon as I managed to recreate it at home, I knew it would be delicious on waffles as well and I was right.

Creamy, rich, Peanut Butter Syrup makes a fantastic topping for your favorite stack of homemade pancakes or waffles.

creamy peanut butter syrup pour shot over pancakes

Waffle Topping Ideas

This Strawberry Syrup is a sweet taste of summer drizzled on top of waffles. Fruit lovers will enjoy it on waffles along with sliced fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas or peaches.

Strawberry Compote tastes like happiness and sunshine in a jar. (That’s a thing, right? YES!) Not too sweet, with a hint of bright lemon, and filled with fresh summer berries, this is a huge hit every time I serve it.

Strawberry compote in a ladle over a jar

Speaking of peaches, sweet peaches in a light sauce made with a sprinkling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon are the perfect way to brighten your morning waffles.

If you like fruity syrups, make sure to check out Meyer Lemon Syrup and Pomegranate Syrup, too.

Oh! And don’t forget the awesomeness of lemon curd as a tangy sweet waffle topping. With a scoop of freshly whipped cream on top along with a handful of berries, that’s a waffle breakfast I could never turn down.

The Best Homemade Waffles are crispy, fluffy, buttery, and they're everyone's favorite meal of the day!

Best Waffle Toppings

My waffle loving family also enjoys Brown Sugar Butter Syrup whenever we are making waffles and as far as homemade syrups go, it’s hard to think of one that’s easier to make.

Whipped cream is another classic waffle topping that’s never steered me wrong. Something about a fluffy dollop of whipped cream on a waffle makes breakfast feel extra special, whether it’s homemade or from a can.

One of the easiest waffle toppings is also among the tastiest–simple fresh fruit.

I could write sonnets about the magnificence of fresh fruit on waffles. Taking a bite of crisp fluffy waffle paired with a juicy berry, crunch sliced apple, sweet banana or tangy peaches is one of life’s greatest joys.

Crisp, fluffy Zucchini Waffles are a summer favorite

Ideas for Waffle Toppings

Along with fresh fruit, I also like to put cooked fruits, jams, or jelly on top of my waffles. Try Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce or Homemade Peach Jam on your next batch of waffles for a treat.

Peanut butter might not immediately come to mind as a waffle topping but it’s certainly one of my favorite quick ways to dress up a waffle, especially on a busy morning. (It also adds the perfect savory balance to vanilla waffle sauce! We love the combination.)

Popping a frozen waffle in the toaster and smearing some peanut butter on top makes for a nutritious and easy breakfast when we’re running out the door to a morning activity. Try this with a smear of Nutella for another great option.

Everyone’s had butter on waffles but have you tried Whipped Strawberry Honey Butter yet? This creamy sweet buttery topping is as pretty in pink as it is delicious.

Whipped Strawberry Honey Butter is a dreamy spread for toast, muffins, croissants, rolls, and more! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

Savory Waffle Toppings

Have you tried a savory waffle? You’re really missing out if you haven’t tried them yet. Cornbread waffles or Cheddar Chive Waffles are a great place to start.

Soft fried eggs are a dream on top of a savory waffle. Serve with a side of bacon for a hearty weekend breakfast no one will be able to turn down.

Cheddar Chive Waffles with Sausage Gravy are BETTER than Biscuits & Gravy! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

Toppings for Waffles

If you like biscuits and gravy wait until you taste waffles and gravy. Try a ladleful of Sausage Gravy on a savory waffle for brunch, breakfast or a fun dinner.

If you like chili and cornbread and frito pie, then cornbread waffles topped with homemade chili should be on your menu soon! Add all your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado and you’ll be in savory waffle heaven.

Cornbread Waffles topped with pulled pork and coleslaw on a plate. Get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

If you’ve tried a BBQ Sundae and loved it, these cornbread waffles with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw are going to make you very happy.

I love the idea of these Taco Stuffed Waffles from Beyond Frosting. It makes perfect sense to take the best parts of tacos and stuff them into a perfectly cooked waffle. I can’t wait to give them a try.

Ham and Cheese Waffles are a sweet and savory breakfast that everyone loves! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

How about sweet AND savory? These Ham and Cheese Waffles are pretty amazing topped with maple syrup, and they’re even more amazing topped with “hot” maple syrup. (It’s kind of amazing what a splash of hot sauce does to simple maple syrup.)

Does your family have a favorite waffle topping? Whether it’s classic or completely non-traditional, I’d love to hear about it!

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Grandma's Waffle Sauce is like nothing else you've ever tasted. It's a must have for waffles and pancakes! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

Waffle Sauce

4.56 from 34 votes
Creamy, rich, vanilla waffle sauce is the best possible topping for your favorite breakfasts.
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings, or about 2 1/2-3 cups

Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour *
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or ½ vanilla bean, scraped)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly ground or store-bought)

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour and sugar. Add the milk and set the stove heat to medium. Whisk smooth and continue stirring or whisking frequently as it cooks. 
  • Continue cooking until the sauce begins to bubble and has thickened. Remove pan from the heat, add the butter and vanilla and stir to combine. Pour sauce over hot waffles and grate or sprinkle nutmeg over the top.

Notes

* Gluten-free alternative: ¼ cup brown rice flour may be substituted for the all-purpose flour in this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal · Carbohydrates: 19g · Protein: 1g · Fat: 3g · Saturated Fat: 2g · Cholesterol: 10mg · Sodium: 41mg · Potassium: 64mg · Sugar: 17g · Vitamin A: 150IU · Calcium: 55mg · Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!

{originally published 11/22/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/29/23}

All the best Waffle Toppings - from savory to sweet!

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Mary Younkin

Mary Younkin

Hi, I’m Mary. I’m the author, cook, photographer, and travel lover behind the scenes here at Barefeet In The Kitchen. I'm also the author of three cookbooks dedicated to making cooking from scratch as simple as possible.

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  1. Anita Pinson says

    August is when peaches are ripe in Michigan. We take the hour trek to Romeo, MI every year for the best red havens around. I can them to enjoy for the rest of year. My husband is the waffle expert in the family. I like powdered sugar on mine, he prefers maple syrup. We BOTH add my canned peaches to make a heavenly breakfast on the weekend.

  2. Charleen says

    Just reading this post makes me hungry for waffles. I am pretty old school ,lots of butter or peanut butter and syrup.i like my waffles crispy !!love chopped pecans in them as well.Have a great week .

  3. Doreen says

    We generally keep it simple. our usual waffle topping is butter & maple syrup. I sometimes make a compote of berries or just strawberries. For really special occassions we will add whipped cream and some sliced toasted almonds.

  4. Paula Hitchcock says

    My favorite Homemade waffles with buckwheat flour, topped with blueberries or raspberries and maple syrup!

  5. Judy N says

    My favorite waffle topping–actually the only topping I ever use when making waffles at home–is what you call Grandma’s Waffle Sauce. The vanilla creamy sweet flavor is the perfect accompaniment to crispy hot waffles. Add a side of salty bacon–perfect!
    Growing up in a Mennonite Brethren home, this was my mother’s sauce, from her heritage. In fact, I remember as a child when we went to IHOP one day, and I tried to order “Cream Sauce” on my waffles. I was greatly disappointed to learn that the whole world didn’t enjoy waffles the way I did. Lol!

  6. Connie Dunfield says

    Hi, Growing up, waffles were a special treat. My mother always put jelly on her’s, never maple syrup. So when I see any recipe offer to put jelly on their waffles, it lovingly reminds me of my mother.

  7. Sarah says

    I made this sauce and put it on pancakes with some bananas sliced on top, and I LOVE it! It’ll definitely be my go-to from now on. Thank you!5 stars