Are you craving a weekend breakfast that's both decadent and delightful? Look no further than these incredibly fluffy, golden-brown Belgian waffles! This original recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, making it a breakfast champion for the whole family. Forget those sad, thin supermarket waffles – this homemade version is a game-changer. Get ready to experience the true joy of a perfectly cooked Belgian waffle, made from scratch with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. This recipe is perfect for easy recipes lovers and anyone looking for quick dinner ideas (yes, waffles can be enjoyed anytime!).
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk (whole milk recommended for best results)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease the iron with butter or cooking spray. This is crucial for preventing sticking and achieving perfectly golden waffles.
Make the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This prevents lumps in your batter.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined; don't overmix. A few lumps are okay – overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
Cook the Waffles:
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Pour 1/2 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron. The amount of batter needed might vary slightly depending on your waffle iron's size.
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Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time will depend on your waffle iron's settings and heat.
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Carefully remove the cooked waffle from the iron and serve immediately. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Tips for Perfect Belgian Waffles:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough waffles. Mix until just combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in lighter and fluffier waffles.
- Adjust cooking time: Waffle irons vary in heat output, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to achieve the perfect golden-brown color.
- Experiment with toppings: These waffles are delicious on their own, but feel free to add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, maple syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream!
Variations:
- Buttermilk Waffles: Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangier flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Waffles: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before cooking.
- Lemon Ricotta Waffles: Add 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and the zest of one lemon to the batter for a delightful twist.
Nutritional Information (per waffle, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on toppings)
- Fat: 6-8g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This original Belgian waffle recipe provides a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. It's a simple yet impressive dish perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Enjoy!