Perfect Every Time Homemade Waffles

Crisp and buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside, this easy waffle recipe is perfection. Included are loads of options for sweet or savory waffles, plus all the toppings you could ever desire.

I like sweet waffles, savory waffles, snack waffles (handheld Ham and Cheese Waffles, I’m looking at you). If you can waffle it, I will probably love it.

Homemade Waffles

Want to know a secret? I almost never order waffles at a restaurant. That’s how picky I am about my waffles.

I know exactly how I like my waffles and restaurant waffles are never as good as the homemade waffles from my own kitchen.

I take my waffle enthusiasm too seriously to waste a meal on waffles that are anything less than spectacular. Rest assured, I’d never share a waffle recipe with you that I didn’t absolutely adore. My standards are just too high.

Easy Waffles

Considering how deep my love for waffles runs, it’s high time I shared with you my ultimate list of best waffle recipes.

I’ve been making waffles a long time and I’ve discovered that, while everyone has their own preferences, there are a few things that all great waffles have in common.

The ultimate waffle recipe is crispy on the outside (but never oily or greasy!) with a soft fluffy interior. The best waffles won’t fall apart when you lift them from the iron, they won’t bend in half, and they also won’t get tough and dense as they cool.

Rest assured that when I say this is the best waffle recipe ever, I don’t make that claim lightly. Part of the reason this recipe is the best is simply because it’s as easy as can be.

These are a few of my all-time favorite waffle recipes, ranging from savory to sweet and everything in between.

Waffle Ideas

Want the best ever classic Homemade Waffles Recipe? Scroll straight to the bottom of this post and print the recipe.

This is our go-to recipe and it’s also the base for countless sweet and savory waffle combinations here on the website. This recipe is from my Weekday Lunches & Breakfasts Cookbook and it’s a huge favorite with everyone who tries it.

A lightly sweet waffle topped with a pat of butter and drizzled with maple syrup makes any morning beautiful. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a Whole Wheat Waffle covered in your favorite waffle toppings.

Few things make me smile like a plate of Blueberry Waffles. My blueberry waffle recipe features what I think is the exact right ratio of berries to batter, and never disappoints.

Waffles from Scratch

You’ll need the following ingredients to make perfect waffles every time:

• all-purpose flour
• kosher salt
• baking powder
• sugar
• milk
• eggs
• vanilla extract

Waffle Recipe

1. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the milk and the eggs. Whisk to combine. (I LOVE my dough whisk for making pancakes and waffles!)
3. Pour the melted butter and the vanilla into the batter and stir until mostly smooth. Take care not to over-stir the batter. Let the batter rest for at least 10-15 minutes while heating the waffle iron.
4. Heat the waffle maker. (This is my favorite Belgian waffle maker!) Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions. Serve warm or let cool completely before storing.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover waffles, completely cooled waffles may be frozen in zipclose bags. Reheat from frozen in the toaster, microwave, or on a rack in the oven.

Gluten Free Waffles

Light and fluffy waffles that are crisp on the outside and tender inside are a year-round favorite in our house. My family has been making waffles along with my grandma’s waffle sauce since long before I was born. I was happy to discover that both the waffles and the sauce freeze beautifully, making this a dream of a make-ahead breakfast.

The added starches in the gluten-free version of this recipe make them extra crispy on the outside. I might be guilty of loving the gluten-free recipe even more than the original, but truly they are both delicious.

Savory Waffles

While I love a sweet waffle, I sometimes think savory waffles don’t get nearly the amount of attention they deserve. Whether I’m serving them for breakfast, brunch or dinner, they always disappear almost as fast as I can get them on the table.

Cheddar Bacon Green Chile Waffles are the ultimate cheesy waffle with southwestern flavors. The green chiles add a little spice to the savory, cheesy waffle batter with pieces of bacon providing smokiness and even more flavor.

Speaking of southwestern flavors, Cornbread Waffles topped with chili and cheese are simply divine. We love this meal anytime of day and it’s become one of our favorite ways to enjoy homemade chili!

Cheddar Chive Waffles are yet another “must try” waffle on my list of best waffle recipes. Served with a fried egg and sausage gravy, they’re a hearty and delicious comfort food meal.

A few years ago I started making Pumpkin Spice Waffles inspired by the pumpkin muffins my family has loved for years. They’re lightly spiced and sweet and perfect served with a hot cup of coffee, especially on a cool crisp autumn morning (or anytime you need to be transported to fall!).

If you like banana bread as much as the members of my household, then Banana Waffles are for you. We enjoy them on their own or topped with slices of fresh bananas, chopped nuts, and maple syrup.

Some mornings you can’t choose between homemade waffles and homemade donuts, and I believe you shouldn’t have to. Enter Maple Glazed Doughnut Waffles. They’re the ideal sweet indulgence for breakfast (or any time of day).

Whole Wheat Zucchini Waffles , Buckwheat Waffles and Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles are even more homemade waffle recipes I enjoy on the sweeter side.

Waffle Toppings

One of the joys of making waffles is the many different ways that you can top these waffles! The same waffle recipe may taste entirely different depending on what you choose to top them with and that, for me, is part of the fun.

I’ve been making my grandmother’s Homemade Waffle Sauce for years and it’ll always have a special place in my heart (and in my kitchen). This sauce is delicious on a waffle on its own or alongside fruit and nuts.

Have you tried my Kahlua Cream Sauce yet? I first made it to pour over a Challah Bread Pudding and immediately knew it would also be perfect on waffles.

Buttermilk Syrup, Brown Sugar Butter Syrup , Strawberry Simple Syrup, and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream are more topping ideas that I love on my waffles.

I also love just about any variation of fresh sliced fruit and chopped walnuts or pecans on top of my waffles!

On savory waffles, I love toppings like chili, cheese, sour cream, and even guacamole. A fried egg or a helping of warm savory sausage gravy is a welcome sight served next to a stack of savory waffles.

Can’t get enough waffle recipe ideas? Strawberry Shortcake Waffles with Maple Whipped Cream from Well Plated and these Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed Almond Crusted Waffles by The Noshery are what breakfast dreams are made of.

For a classic sweet side, toss together this almost effortless Rainbow Fruit Salad.

Kitchen Tip: I LOVE my double Belgian waffle iron for making loads of waffles in no time at all!

originally published 8/9/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/27/23