So, the recipe I want to share with you today is for Buttermilk Waffles, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels very simple but still makes breakfast feel a little special.
The waffles come out light and crisp on the outside while staying soft in the middle, and that balance makes them really easy to enjoy with syrup or jam. The nice thing is that the recipe doesn’t take too much effort, and you can put it together pretty quickly without needing fancy equipment.
It’s best served in the morning for breakfast, but you can also make it for a relaxed brunch or even as a fun snack when you want something warm and filling. It’s the kind of recipe that feels cozy and reliable every time.
What is Buttermilk Waffles?
So, Buttermilk Waffles are basically a classic type of waffle that use buttermilk in the batter, which gives them a light texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
They cook up crisp on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside, which is why people love them so much. Usually, they’re served warm straight from the waffle iron, and most of the time you’ll see them topped with butter, maple syrup, or even fruit and whipped cream.
They’re really popular as a breakfast or brunch dish, but you can also make them ahead and reheat them later for a quick snack. It’s one of those recipes that feels familiar and comforting, no matter how you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick to make: The recipe for Buttermilk Waffles doesn’t take much time, and you can easily have a batch ready in under forty minutes, which makes it very manageable even on a busy morning.
Simple ingredients: All the items you need are very basic pantry staples like flour, eggs, butter, and buttermilk, so you don’t have to go searching for anything unusual.
Beginner-friendly: The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need any special skills or equipment, which means anyone can make these waffles without feeling stressed.
Easy to customize: You can keep the waffles plain or add toppings like fruit, syrup, or even whipped cream, so it’s flexible depending on what you feel like eating.
Perfect for breakfast or brunch: These waffles are best enjoyed in the morning, but they also work well for a relaxed weekend brunch or even as a snack later in the day.
Ingredients Needed:
So, when you make Buttermilk Waffles, you really just need a few basic things that all work together to give the waffles their texture and flavor. Each ingredient has a simple role, and once you see how they fit in, it feels very easy to understand.
- Flour – this is the base that gives the waffles structure.
- Sugar – adds a little sweetness and helps with browning.
- Baking powder and baking soda – these make the waffles rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt – balances the flavors so the waffles don’t taste flat.
- Buttermilk – gives a light tang and keeps the inside tender.
- Eggs – help bind everything together and add richness.
- Butter – adds flavor and makes the waffles soft inside with a golden crust outside.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Buttermilk Waffles:
Step 1: Warm the oven and prepare the rack
Before you even start mixing, it helps to set your oven on low heat and place a cooling rack on a baking sheet inside. This way, when the waffles come out of the iron, you can keep them warm and crisp instead of letting them soften. Think of it as a little holding area that keeps the texture right until you’re ready to serve.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In one bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together so everything is evenly blended. This step makes sure the waffles rise properly and taste balanced, without any clumps of baking soda or flour hiding in the batter.
Step 3: Whisk the wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness, and it helps the waffles stay tender inside while still crisping up on the outside.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and stir gently until the batter looks mostly smooth. Don’t overmix, because a few small lumps are fine and actually help keep the texture light. At this point, fold in the melted butter, which adds flavor and helps the waffles turn golden when cooked.
Step 5: Rest the batter while heating the waffle iron
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the batter sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the ingredients to settle and makes the waffles cook more evenly. Meanwhile, heat your waffle iron until it’s fully hot. If a drop of water sizzles on the surface, you know it’s ready.
Step 6: Cook the waffles in the iron
Brush the waffle iron lightly with butter if you want extra color and crispness, then scoop in some batter. Close the lid and let the waffles cook until they look golden brown and feel firm when lifted. The outside should be crisp, and the inside should stay soft and fluffy.
Step 7: Transfer waffles to the oven rack
As each batch finishes, place the waffles on the rack in the oven. Keeping them in a single layer helps steam escape so they stay crunchy instead of soggy. After a few minutes, they’ll have that perfect crisp shell that holds up even after cooling.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Once all the waffles are ready, serve them warm with butter, syrup, or any toppings you like. The combination of crisp edges and soft centers makes them perfect for breakfast or brunch.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Don’t overmix the batter: When you stir the wet and dry ingredients together for Buttermilk Waffles, stop once everything looks combined. If you keep mixing too much, the waffles can turn out dense instead of light.
Heat the waffle iron fully: Make sure the waffle iron is really hot before you add the batter. If it’s not heated enough, the waffles may cook unevenly and won’t get that nice golden crust.
Rest the batter a little: Letting the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking helps the texture settle, which makes the waffles cook more evenly.
Try small swaps carefully: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it works fine in a pinch.
Keep waffles crisp in the oven: Place cooked waffles on a rack in a warm oven so they stay crunchy instead of softening while you finish the rest of the batch.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Add chocolate chips: Stir a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter version that kids usually love.
- Make it fruity: Mix in blueberries or diced strawberries before cooking to give the waffles a fresh flavor.
- Go savory: Skip the sugar and add shredded cheese or herbs to the batter for a waffle that works well with eggs or bacon.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour so everyone can enjoy them.
- Seasonal twist: Add pumpkin puree and a little cinnamon in the fall, or lemon zest in the spring, to match the season.
- Healthier swap: Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier taste and more fiber.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Serve with syrup and butter
The easiest way to enjoy Buttermilk Waffles is to serve them warm with maple syrup and a little butter. The syrup adds sweetness while the butter melts in, giving the waffles a soft and rich flavor.
2. Perfect for brunch gatherings
Buttermilk Waffles are perfect for brunch with friends or family. You can keep batches warm in the oven and serve them together, which makes the meal feel cozy and complete without much extra effort.
3. Pairs well with fruit and cream
Another option is to serve Buttermilk Waffles with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas along with whipped cream or yogurt. The fruit adds freshness while the cream makes them feel a little more indulgent.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: Buttermilk Waffles can be stored in the fridge for a few days, usually up to five, without losing too much texture.
- Best storage method: Keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag so they don’t dry out or pick up other flavors.
- Simple reheating advice: Reheat waffles in a toaster or warm oven until crisp again, which brings back the fresh taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it works fine.
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Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter a few hours earlier and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking.
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Why are my waffles not crisp?
If your waffles feel soft, it usually means the iron wasn’t hot enough or they need a few minutes in the oven to dry out.
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Are these waffles suitable for dietary changes?
You can swap in gluten-free flour or reduce sugar if you want a lighter version.
Buttermilk Waffles
Description
Buttermilk Waffles are light and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and works perfectly for breakfast or brunch. You can serve them sweet with syrup and fruit or even pair them with savory sides.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F and place a wire rack on a baking sheet to keep waffles warm and crisp.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk 2 cups buttermilk and 2 large eggs until smooth.
- Pour the buttermilk and egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined. Do not overmix; small lumps are fine.
- Fold in ¼ cup melted unsalted butter until the batter looks smooth and slightly glossy.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let the batter rest for about 5 minutes while the waffle iron heats.
- Brush the waffle iron lightly with melted butter if desired, then scoop ⅓–½ cup batter into each grid.
- Cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside, following your waffle iron’s instructions.
- Transfer cooked waffles to the oven rack in a single layer for 5–10 minutes to stay crisp.
- Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or savory sides.
Notes
- For extra-crispy waffles, replace half the buttermilk with whole milk and reduce baking soda slightly.
- Do not stack waffles directly after cooking; keep them in a single layer to avoid sogginess.
- Leftover waffles can be frozen and reheated in a toaster for quick breakfasts.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Serving Size 1 waffle
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 156kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 47mg16%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 180 IU
- Vitamin C 0.2 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 12 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
