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The Best Waffle Recipes

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Making waffles always seems like a special occasion in our home. Probably because they take a a bit of extra effort so I tend to save them for weekends or special occasions. In addition, I LOVE to break out my heart shaped waffle iron to make our waffle breakfasts extra special as seen in this Brunch Board. So in the spirit of National Waffle Day (Aug 24) I thought I’d share these 35 best waffle recipes!

Here are five brunch board ideas you will love! From sweet to savory, these fun ideas will give you several recipes for festive, easy breakfast options. Whether it's a lazy Saturday morning, or you're hosting a gathering, these brunch charcuterie board ideas will help you take your brunch plans to the next level.

The Best Waffle Recipes

You’ll have to decide which of these “classic” waffle recipes is your favorite. Do you love with buttermilk or without? Have you tried traditional Belgian waffles with yeast? These recipes offer a number of variations so you can pick your favorite.

classic waffles with blueberries on side
Classic Waffle Recipe from Satori Design for Living

Favorite Classic Waffle Recipe

The epitome of the classic waffle, crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, along with a scrumptious buttery taste.

Homemade waffles with syrup
Best Waffles Recipe from JoyFoodSunshine

Best Waffles Recipe – Golden brown, fluffy and crispy. These homemade waffles are lightened with applesauce and are perfect to batch make for the freezer so you have some on hand for busy mornings.

classic buttermilk waffles with blueberries and glasses of milk
Classic Buttermilk Waffles Recipe from Laura Fuentes

Classic Buttermilk Waffles– When you think of waffles, this classic recipe is likely what pops to mind. Rich buttermilk, perfectly crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. YUM.

 

waffle squares topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar
German Waffle Recipe from Vanessa at Maple + Mango

German Waffles– Vanessa describes these waffles as a love child between a sugar cookie and a classic waffle. Sweet and perfect to top with berries, traditionally made in heart shaped (like mine above) but perfectly acceptable to pop in your traditional waffle iron. 

large yeast Belgian waffles with buttermilk syrup
The BEST Belgian yeast Waffles from Sunshine and Munchkins

The BEST Belgian Yeast Waffles– You may have to add a little more cooking time to account for the yeast component of this waffle recipe but the results are worth it! Fluffy, yeasty and oh so delicious.

Waffle Recipes with a Twist

Not quite your traditional waffle, these waffle recipes offer a little twist on the classic. 

sourdough waffles with blueberry compote and cream
Sourdough Waffles recipe from Home Grown Happiness

Sourdough Waffles– Did you start baking sourdough bread during the pandemic? Got some sourdough starter waiting to be used? This is a flavorful way to create delicious, crispy waffles that are a play on traditional (yeast) Belgian waffles. 

waffles topped with strawberries, blueberries and nuts
Granola Stuffed Buttermilk Waffles from Cozy Cravings

Granola Stuffed Buttermilk Waffles– a hearty, yet flavorful waffle recipe enveloping homemade granola into classic buttermilk waffles. 

chocolate waffles topped with fresh strawberries and cream
Healthy Chocolate Waffle recipe from Crafting my Home

Healthy Chocolate Waffles– these waffles rich with chocolate flavor and healthy with whole wheat flour. Top them with fresh berries or other fruit to up the health (and flavor) factor.

Is pancake and waffle mix the same?

While the batters are similar in their base ingredients; flour, eggs and milk, waffles tend to have more oil/ butter and maybe more sugar. The additional oil helps keep waffles from sticking to the waffle iron.

Fruit Laden Waffle Recipes

One of the best accompaniments to waffles is fruit, whether it be fresh mixed berries or a compote of peaches or apples. Fall inspired recipes might utilize pumpkin or cranberries. Following is an assortment of waffles paired with fruit to create mouthwatering recipes. 

waffles with bananas and side of berries
Simple Banana Oatmeal Waffles by Amy’s Delicious Mess

Simple Banana Oatmeal Waffles– Amy says she likes her waffles to be crisp so she created this recipe to create a crisper waffle with hearty oats added. Add smushed bananas for a little sweetness and you’ve got some tasty waffles that are easily frozen for future breakfasts as well.

waffles with cranberries, orange slices and cinnamon whipped butter
Cranberry Orange Waffles with Cinnamon Whipped Butter from Little Sugar Snaps

Cranberry Orange Waffles with Cinnamon Whipped Butter- This waffle recipe looks as delicious as it sounds. Tangy dried cranberries dot the batter and they are topped with griddled oranges. Slather on some whipped cinnamon butter and a dollop of whipped cream for a celebratory breakfast any day of the week.

stack of churro waffles topped with whipped cream and fresh peaches
Churro Waffles with Peaches and Cream by the Tao of Spice

Churro Waffles with Peaches & Cream– These gorgeous cinnamony churro inspired waffles look like a dessert rather than a breakfast, but why wait?? Fresh peaches and cream top a deep fried waffle that is liberally sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a taste treat!

pumpkin waffles topped with maple syrup and pecans
Buttermilk Pumpkin Waffles from Salt & Baker

Buttermilk Pumpkin Waffles- When fall starts creeping out, thousands reach for the pumpkin. Now aside from those pumpkin spice lattes you can cook up these delicious buttermilk and pumpkin waffles to welcome cooler temps. Pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin and buttermilk provide a rich base for these tasty treats that taste delicious topped with maple syrup and pecans. 

waffles topped with spiced apples and whipped cream
Waffles with Spiced Apples by Studio Delicious

Waffles with Spiced Apples– Here is another waffle recipe that screams fall to me. The waffles are pretty classic but the spiced apple topping provides a spicy, tangy and sweet topping that is terrific accented with a dollop of greek yogurt or whipped cream.  

What can I add to waffles?

Well, this post gives you tons of ideas.. from fruit to chocolate but here are some other ideas for delicious addition to your favorite waffle recipes:

  • Bacon or sausage cooked and crumbled.
  • Mini chocolate, cinnamon or butterscotch chips
  • Peanut butter ( 1/4 cup for every cup of flour)
  • Well drained, crushed pineapple. Try topping with shredded coconut and whipped cream. 
  • Your favorite chopped nuts.
waffles topped with caramel apples and whipped cream
Caramel Apple Stuffed Waffles by 4 Sons ‘R’ Us

Caramel Apple Stuffed Waffles– I wasn’t sure whether to add this mouthwatering waffle recipe into the dessert inspired waffles section or fruit topped waffles section, but because apples play such an integral part here they are. Scrumptious homemade caramel sauce, fresh picked apples and toasty waffles is a combination that is hard to beat.

carrot cake waffles with drizzle of cream cheese glaze
Carrot Cake Waffles from Your Choice Nutrition

Carrot Cake Waffles– I love a good carrot cake and any time you can sneak some vegetables into your kids food, its a win in my book. This carrot cake waffle recipe checks both boxes while being a healthier option by using whole wheat flour. Drizzle with greek yogurt cream cheese topping for a satisfying brunch treat.

waffles topped with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar and whipped cream
Easy Strawberry Waffles Recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen

Easy Strawberry Waffles– This strawberry waffle recipe is easy and uses fresh strawberries in the batter for a delicious and special breakfast that beats store bought hands down. In addition, Diana promises it is easy and your family will love them. Top with more strawberries and a little whipped cream to make the dish even more special.

lemon ricotta waffles topped with blueberries
Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Swirl Waffles by Cook Sleep Read

Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Swirl Waffles– You had me at lemon and ricotta, but the swirl of blueberries just sends me over the edge. Cynthia offers up a fluffy, tangy waffle recipe with a swirl of sweetness for your breakfast table. 

Dessert Inspired Waffles

chocolate waffles with cherry syrup and whipped cream
Black Forest Waffles by The Simple Sweet Life

Black Forest Waffles

Everything from the classic dessert is rolled into this mouthwatering Black Forest Waffle recipe. Dark Chocolate Waffles, topped with fresh whipped cream and homemade cherry sauce. The perfect way to start a special day!

Gingerbread Waffles by Caroline’s Cooking

Gingerbread Waffles

Nothing screams fall or winter like Gingerbread in my book. Now the spicy treat has made its way to the waffle iron with this recipe for a tasty and easy breakfast, perfect for cooler mornings. 

Red Velvet Waffles
Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze from Salt & Baker

Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze

Fans of Red Velvet cakes and cookies will love these rich, chocolate laden waffles topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. 

Butter Tart Waffles from Food Meanderings

Butter Tart Waffles

If you weren’t aware, Butter Tarts are a Canadian delicacy. These waffles are an offshoot of the rich treat. These waffles feature a light, fluffy, raisin butter waffle smothered in rich, creamy butter tart sauce. This recipe will definitely make for a memorable and delicious breakfast!

Nutella waffles with berries and whipped cream
Nutella Waffles from Heavenly Home Cooking

Nutella Waffles

You won’t believe how EASY and QUICK this recipe is! If you love Nutella, you’ll want to save this recipe for decadent breakfasts or even a delicious dessert. 

Chocolate Liege Waffles from Cooking with Curls

Chocolate Liege Waffles

Created with a brioche like, yeasty dough studded with pearl sugar, Liege waffles are a Belgian style waffle which become caramelized due to the addition of sugar pearls. In addition these waffles have an added layer of deliciousness with addition of chocolate for an ooey, gooey treat that is great for breakfast, snacks or dessert. 

What is the difference between a Belgian waffle and a regular waffle?

Its all in the size. Belgian waffles are generally larger and thicker than traditional waffles with bigger grids to hold meted butter, syrup and other toppings.  

Waffle Recipes for Dietary Concerns

Gluten free, dairy free and other “alternative” waffle recipes. 

belgian waffles topped with blueberries and banana slices
Home Made Belgian Waffles from The Unknown Chef

Gluten Free Homemade Belgian Waffles

Sara called these “mock buttermilk” waffles because they don’t actually use buttermilk but other ingredients to add that tanginess. Sub out regular flour for gluten-free as she does for a gluten-free but tasty Belgian waffle recipe that will make your family happy.

quinoa waffle wedges topped with blueberries and syrup
Protein Packed Quinoa Waffles from Two Cookin Mamas

Protein Packed Quinoa Waffles

As one might expect from waffles created with quinoa, these are packed with protein, hearty and delicious. Top them with your favorite toppings for a healthy breakfast that is sure to keep you going throughout the day. 

almond flour waffles topped with pomegranate seeds
Almond Flour Waffles by ifoodreal

Crispy Almond Flour Waffles 

This recipe creates delicious gluten-free and oil-free waffles that are crisp and packed with flavor. The flour gives and added boost of vitamins and healthful nutrients that might kids just love to gobble up.

Gluten Free Pumpkin waffles topped with butter, syrup and cinnamon sticks
Gluten Free Pumpkin Waffles Satori Design for Living

Gluten Free Pumpkin Waffles with Spiced Maple Syrup

These waffles are gluten free but packed with pumpkin spice flavor tucked into the fluffy inside. Perfect for fall mornings or holiday breakfasts.  Top them with the spice infused syrup for an extra treat that takes just minutes to whip up. 

protein packed whole wheat waffles topped with berries and bananas
Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles with Egg White by Fit Meal Ideas

Healthy Whole Wheat Waffles with Egg White

Skip the sugar with these 6 ingredient waffles that add pack a punch of protein from 100% whole grains. These hearty, healthy and fluffy waffles will fill keep the family running throughout the day. 

Find more Healthy Breakfast Recipes in this protein packed series!

gluten free coconut flour waffles topped with chocolate spread
Coconut Flour Waffles by Milk + Pop

Coconut Flour Waffles Keto, Gluten & Sugar Free

These light and crispy waffles are are great option for those look for keto and gluten free diets. They are quick and easy to make which is also perfect for busy mornings. 

pink "beet" waffles topped with berries, chocolate chips and coconut
Naturally Pink Beet Waffles by Its a Veg World After All

Grain Free Naturally Pink Beet Waffles

These pretty pink waffles are perfect for Valentine’s Day, showers, or kid breakfasts. They are made with roasted beets which is a great way to sneak some veggies into a meal and cassava root (tapioca) flour making them gluten-free to boot!

Chicken and Waffles

What waffle round up would be complete without a few chicken and waffle recipes? Classic Chicken and waffles is a southern staple and a great brunch option.

syrup dripping onto fried chicken atop waffles with scoops of honey-cinnamon butter
Chicken & Waffles with Honey-Cinnamon Butter by Sense & Edibility

Chicken & Waffles with Honey-Cinnamon Butter

A combination of all the best from top Chicken & Waffle houses, this recipe combines flavorfully crispy, yet juicy chicken and sweet cream waffles.

fried chicken atop belgian waffles with drizzling syrup
Southern Chicken & Waffles by Recipes from a Pantry

Southern Chicken & Waffles

“Lightly breaded, crispy, and crunchy buttermilk fried chicken is the perfect topper for delectable crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside buttermilk waffles.”

sweet tea brined fried chicken atop a Belgian waffle with butter, pickle slices and syrup
Sweet Tea Brined Friend Chicken and Waffles by Homegrown Fare

Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken and Waffles

“The chicken is simultaneously sweet, spicy, salty, and perfectly fried. The sweet and spicy elements of the chicken pair perfectly with the waffle and the spicy maple syrup.”

Friend chicken legs accompany wedges of fluffy waffles
Southern Chicken & Waffles from The Cagle Diaries

Southern Chicken and Waffles

This soul food favorite combines delicious savory and crispy fried chicken that pairs perfectly with the sweet and fluffy Belgian waffles. YUM!

friend chicken on top of mac n cheese waffles
Southern Fried Chicken & Mac n’ Cheese Waffles by Kendell Kreations

Southern Fried Chicken & Mac n’ Cheese Waffles

Author Kendell guarantees you’ll love his Southern fried chicken and the best ever mac and cheese waffles. Top them off with his Golden Cheddar syrup which he swear you’ll want to drink with a straw! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! For more inspiration, follow me on InstagramPinterestLIKEtoKNOW.itFacebook,  and Twitter. Here is a pin to save this to your recipes board!

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home design blog and food blog Jennifer Maune

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One Comment

  1. Thanks for including our gluten free belgian waffle recipe in your roundup!