How to Make Amazing Waffles

On a laid-back weekend morning, nothing hits the spot like fresh, warm waffles. Read on to learn how to make them like a pro, then find some of our favorite seasonal recipes—perfect for your next Saturday or Sunday in.

To mix the waffle batter, combine dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another and then mix the two together with a light hand. (A few lumps in the batter are fine, but be careful not to overmix.)

There are two main types of waffles: classic and Belgian. Both have a grid of pockets for holding delicious syrup and other toppings, but the pockets of Belgian waffles are especially wide and deep and can accommodate even more goodness. Each type needs to be cooked in a waffle maker with plates designed to create the characteristic pockets.

Waffle makers turn out uniform waffles with a delightfully crisp and golden brown exterior, in just five minutes or less. Stick to the instructions on the waffle maker, but here are some additional guidelines.

1. Preheat

Always preheat the waffle maker before adding your batter. You can make the most of your time by doing this while you’re preparing your waffle batter.

2. Oil

Lightly brush the plates of your waffle iron with oil—even if they’re nonstick. This will ensure the easiest release possible.

3. Measure

To prevent the batter from overflowing, be sure to measure it. We’d suggest about 1 cup for a 4-inch waffle, but when in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s directions for how to use. A small silicone spatula will help spread the batter evenly all the way to the edge.

4. Don’t Touch It!

Don’t even think about checking on that waffle if you still see steam coming out the sides of your machine. If you’re lucky, your waffle maker may chime, but if it doesn’t, look for that point when steam stops being released from the sides of the iron and the lid is slightly raised. Check on it by lifting the handle ever so slightly; if you sense any resistance at all, your waffle’s not ready yet. If the iron opens easily, the waffle is done.

5. Keep Warm

If you’re making a big batch of waffles, you’ll want to keep them warm until serving. Just arrange them uncovered on a heatproof serving platter and place the platter on the middle rack of an oven preheated to 250°F (120°C). Otherwise, the waffles will become soggy.

Plus a Few Recipes to Get You Started…

Ready to put all this into practice? Try your hand at one or a few of the waffle favorites below.

• Waffles with Strawberries and Cream
• Ad Hoc Fried Chicken and Waffles
• Chocolate Waffles with Compote and Whipped Cream
• Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Waffles
• Raised Waffles with Strawberry-Rhubarb Compote
• Brown Butter Waffles with Cherries