Waffles Make Mornings Better! Try One of These 35 Super Waffle Recipes

When people hear the word “waffles,” they usually smile widely. Who doesn’t love these golden soft-yet-crisp squares with little nooks to hold syrup, jam, lemon curd and Nutella? Making waffles means you can pile up your treats and have each family member or guest customize their own. For some inspiration and a little savvy advice about waffle recipes, read on for ways to reheat waffles, store waffle batter and make waffles a healthy way to start your busy day.

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Should you spray a waffle iron?

While most waffle irons are typically non-stick, it’s perfectly fine to give yours a little spritz with cooking spray before adding a scoop of batter. There’s nothing worse than a stuck-on waffle when hungry kids (or adults) are waiting in your kitchen.

Are waffles healthy?

Waffles can be a healthy breakfast if you watch the way you make them and you’re careful with portions and toppings. Whole wheat flour is healthier than white in your recipes, and adding fresh fruit (instead of whipped cream and chocolate sauce) adds fiber and vitamins.

Related: 21 Stuffed Waffle Recipes That’ll Literally Transform Your Sandwiches Forever

Can I use pancake mix to make waffles?

Yes, you can use pancake mix to whip up almost any waffle recipe, though a slight change to the recipe is recommended. Most boxed mixes suggest adding a little more oil (vegetable or canola), milk and egg batter to the mix than you’d normally use for pancakes.

Waffle topping ideas

  • Fresh fruit

  • Powdered sugar

  • Whipped cream

  • Nutella

  • Chocolate syrup

  • Caramel

  • Peanut butter

  • Honey

  • Shredded coconut

  • Berries

  • Crushed/slivered nuts (almonds, pistachio, walnuts)

Also, you could mix eggs in your waffle batter for a cross between an omelet and a waffle or add in potato hash browns for a hybrid waffle and hash browns combination to serve for brunch with eggs and sausage links.

How long to cook waffles

Follow the instructions on your waffle iron, which usually has an audio warning that sounds when waffles are ready. Waffles are usually cooked after two to three minutes.

How to reheat waffles

Waffles are easily reheated in a toaster or toaster oven on low for a minute or so. And many waffles can be rewarmed in a low oven (200 F)—just wrap the waffles in foil first.

Related: 23 Creative Pancake Recipes That Will Delight Your Friends and Family

Can you make waffles without a waffle iron?

No waffle iron? No problem! You can make waffles in a grill pan and they’ll turn out just as deliciously. The only drawback is the lack of grid squares that result from an actual waffle iron. But with a grill pan, you can still get some indentations to hold melted butter and maple syrup.

How to keep waffles warm

If you’re making a batch of waffles, you can keep them warm in a low oven (200 F) on a sheet pan. Alternatively, you can warm up waffles in a toaster oven or in a microwave for 30 seconds.

How to store waffle batter

Store waffle batter in the fridge in a covered bowl or pitcher with a lid.

How to freeze waffles

Freeze waffles for future meals by laying them on a sheet pan and placing them in the freezer. Once they’re hard (after about two hours), remove them from the pan and place them in a sealed plastic bag. This way you can remove a frozen waffle and easily pop it in the toaster.

Can you freeze waffle batter?

Yup, waffle batter can be frozen for up to a month in an airtight container. When you want to use it, let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight and give it a stir (in case it’s separated).

How long can you refrigerate waffle batter?

Waffle batter can also be refrigerated for two days for later use.

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Best Waffle Recipes

When you're feeding a breakfast or brunch crowd, sometimes you want a waffle recipe that offers a little more oomph than your traditional waffle recipe (though we've got that too!). Here are some ideas to get started.