Table content
- Introduction Belgian waffle
- Ingredients For Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Instructions For Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Serving Suggestions Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Storage Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Troubleshooting Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Substitutions Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Conclusion: Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Crispy Belgian Waffles Recipe
Introduction Belgian waffle
Belgian waffles have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when they were sold as round crispy snacks outside churches. The two main types of Belgian waffles are Brussels waffles, known for their lighter and crispier texture, and Liege waffles, which have a thicker base. These waffles gained popularity in the US after being introduced as Bel-Gem waffles at the New York World Fair in 1964. In Belgium, waffles are commonly enjoyed as a dessert or snack, unlike in North America where they are often consumed for breakfast. The authentic Belgian waffles can be found in various eateries in Belgium, offering a delightful culinary experience that showcases the unique flavors and textures of this beloved treat.
Ingredients For Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Flour – All-purpose or bread flour provides structure.
- Baking powder – Helps the waffles rise with lightness.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and promotes browning.
- Eggs – Give richness and bind the batter.
- Vanilla – Provides depth of flavor.
- Milk – Contributes to a tender, cakey texture.
- Butter – Imparts irresistible buttery richness when melted.
Amount | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 cups | all-purpose flour |
1 Tbsp | baking powder |
1 tsp | salt |
1/4 cup | granulated sugar |
2 | large eggs, at room temperature |
1 tsp | vanilla extract |
1 3/4 cups | milk |
8 Tbsp | unsalted butter, melted |
Instructions For Crispy Belgian Waffles
Preparation
Before mixing the batter, preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Most standard irons require 5-10 minutes of preheating at a medium to medium-high heat setting. Properly preheating the iron prevents sticking and allows the waffles to cook evenly.
Combining Ingredients
Making the batter is quick and easy. First, in one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sugar
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients:
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Milk
Whisk the wet ingredients until fully blended.
Next, slowly incorporate the melted butter into the wet mixture while continuing to whisk. The butter should be cooled slightly so that it does not cook the eggs.
Finally, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and whisk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which would cause the glutens in the flour to toughen resulting in dense waffles. The batter should remain slightly lumpy.
To achieve an extra light and fluffy texture, beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks then gently fold them into the batter. The whipped egg whites act as a natural leavening agent.
Cooking
Once the waffle iron is fully heated, brush or spray the top and bottom surfaces with melted butter. This helps the batter spread evenly and prevents sticking.
Working in batches, ladle the recommended amount of batter onto the iron, spreading it evenly with a spatula or spoon to fully cover the surface. Close the lid securely and cook for the suggested time, usually 2-4 minutes, until the waffles are nicely browned and crispy.
Carefully remove the golden waffles and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining batter.
Serving Suggestions Crispy Belgian Waffles
Freshly made Belgian waffles are best served immediately while still warm and crisp. Enjoy them plain, or create a sweet breakfast spread by topping with your favorites:
- Fresh fruit like berries and sliced banana
- Whipped cream, ice cream, or frozen yogurt
- Maple syrup, honey, chocolate sauce, or nutella
- Chopped nuts for crunch
- A dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon
Get creative with mix-and-match toppings suited to your taste. The light sweetness of Belgian waffles makes the perfect base for any combination.
Storage Crispy Belgian Waffles
Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in a toaster or oven until hot and crisp before serving. They also freeze well for longer term storage. Simply reheat frozen waffles in the toaster or oven directly from frozen.
Troubleshooting Crispy Belgian Waffles
- Batter sticks to waffle iron – Make sure to grease the iron well before adding batter. Overmixing can also cause sticking.
- Waffles not crispy – Try increasing heat slightly and cooking a minute longer. Make sure iron is fully preheated before use.
- Waffles too dense – Avoid overmixing the batter which overdevelops gluten. Make sure to fold in whipped egg whites.
- Waffles fall apart – Reduce mixing once flour is incorporated to avoid overworking. Check expiration of baking powder.
Substitutions Crispy Belgian Waffles
- For a dairy-free version, use oil in place of butter and non-dairy milk such as almond, oat or soy.
- For a gluten-free batter, replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend plus xanthan gum.
- For vegan waffles, use plant-based milk, maple syrup instead of eggs, and coconut oil in place of butter.
Conclusion: Crispy Belgian Waffles
Recreating the delightful Belgian waffles from your favorite coffee shop is easy with this basic recipe. Crisp and golden on the outside, light and custardy inside – enjoy waffles any day of the week with just a few simple ingredients. Top them sweet or savory, freeze ahead, and add your own creative mix-ins. Follow these tips for fluffy Belgian waffles worthy of a weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, separated (egg yolks and whites separated)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron. This ensures the batter cooks evenly and gets crispy right away.
- Whisk the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Separate the eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until slightly beaten. In another clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a hand mixer or electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the egg whites. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a rubber spatula. It's okay if there are still a few streaks of egg white. Overmixing will deflate the batter and make the waffles less airy.
- Cook the waffles. Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron. Pour enough batter to fill each waffle section according to your waffle iron's instructions. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy Belgian waffles warm with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or chocolate chips.
Notes
- For extra crispy waffles, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes after mixing. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Don't overfill your waffle iron. The batter will rise as it cooks, and overflowing can make a mess.
- If your waffles aren't cooking through evenly, adjust the cooking time or the temperature of your waffle iron.
- Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat waffles in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Crispy Belgian Waffles Recipe
Serves: 4 persons
Amount Per Serving: | ||
---|---|---|
Calories | 500 | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 25 | 38.5% | |
Saturated Fat 12 | 60% | |
Trans Fat 0 | ||
Cholesterol 200 | 66.7% | |
Sodium 300 | 12.5% | |
Total Carbohydrate 50 | 16.7% | |
Dietary Fiber 2 | 8% | |
Sugars 15 | ||
Protein 15 |
Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
Calcium 0 | Iron 0 |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me