Crispy Belgian Waffles Recipe | Quick Homemade Breakfast

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.

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.