Name: Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Belgian
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (room temperature); ½ cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk (room temperature); 2 tablespoons sour cream (room temperature); ¼ cup vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 85 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the warm, crisp charm of golden waffles that are fluffy on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside, you’re going to adore this Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms your kitchen into a cozy brunch spot in just 15 minutes, using simple ingredients that come together to create that unmistakable Belgian waffle magic. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special breakfast for guests, these waffles deliver that perfect balance of sweetness, lightness, and richness every time you make them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of waffle batter cooking in a black waffle iron, with a single thick layer of light beige batter spread evenly inside the iron. The edges of the batter slightly overflow the waffle iron's square grid pattern, showing where the batter is bubbling and starting to cook. The waffle iron is centered on a white marbled surface, and the scene is well-lit with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these delightful Belgian waffles is effortlessly delightful thanks to a straightforward list of ingredients. Each component plays a specific role, from the fluffy texture to the subtle sweetness, ensuring every bite tastes just right.

All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure and that familiar tender crumb.
Baking powder: Gives the waffles lift and a light, airy texture that’s essential for Belgian waffles.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic sour cream for extra fluffiness and perfect browning.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and richness in the batter.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together while contributing to the waffle’s golden color.
Whole milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and adds richness for tender, moist waffles.
Sour cream (room temperature): Adds moisture and a slight tang that makes the waffles wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a perfectly crispy waffle exterior with a soft, non-dry inside.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a gentle warmth and aromatic sweetness that makes these waffles utterly irresistible.

How to Make Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Maker

Before anything else, get that waffle maker heating up on a medium/low setting. This temperature ensures your waffles cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust without burning. Starting with a properly heated waffle iron is the first key to waffle success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. This ensures every bite gets the perfect lift and balance of flavor. Whisking these together also prevents clumps and helps your batter come together smoothly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using room temperature ingredients here is a small step that makes a big difference in creating a smooth batter that cooks evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk gently until all the flour streaks disappear. This step is about mixing just enough—overmixing can make the waffles tough, so a few small lumps are okay!

Step 5: Cook Your Waffles

Lightly grease your preheated waffle maker with butter or cooking spray, then pour approximately half of the batter onto the grid. Close the lid and cook until your waffles turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone will tell you they’re ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Serve Immediately with Toppings

Once cooked, these waffles are best served right away to keep their crisp exterior. They are the perfect canvas for a variety of delicious toppings or sides.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe

A stack of three golden brown waffles with crisp edges sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The waffles have a light dusting of powdered sugar and a bright red strawberry with green leaves sits on top of the stack. Part of the top waffle is broken off, showing the soft, airy inside. A gold fork rests on the edge of the plate in the foreground. In the blurry background, a white bowl filled with red strawberries and a clear glass bottle of white milk are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your Belgian waffles with fresh berries for a burst of vibrant color and natural sweetness, or drizzle warm maple syrup for that classic touch everyone loves. Whipped cream adds a luscious lightness, while a dusting of powdered sugar looks charming and adds subtle sweetness. Feel free to get creative with nuts or even a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your waffles with crispy bacon or savory sausage to balance the sweetness, or add a side of scrambled eggs to round out the meal into a hearty breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt adds a refreshing and healthy element that complements the richness of the waffles.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your waffles high for a show-stopping centerpiece or cut them into bite-sized pieces for fun waffle sliders. Layer waffles with yogurt and fruit like a parfait, or create a waffle sandwich with nut butter and bananas. Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe is versatile and fun to dress up according to your mood or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover waffles, storing them correctly is important to keep their texture. Place cooled waffles in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Freezing

To enjoy Belgian waffles later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This helps prevent them from sticking together. Frozen waffles keep well for up to a month, making it easy to have a quick breakfast ready anytime.

Reheating

For the crispiest reheated waffles, toast them in a toaster or toaster oven rather than microwaving, as this restores that lovely crunch. If using a microwave, expect a softer texture, but it’s still delicious for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Buttermilk is a fantastic substitute when you don’t have sour cream on hand. It provides the same tangy flavor and acidity that helps the waffles rise and become tender.

Do I need to separate the egg whites for this recipe?

This recipe keeps things simple by using the whole egg mixed in with the wet ingredients. Separating and whipping egg whites can add extra fluff, but it’s not necessary for delicious Belgian waffles that are light and satisfying.

Can I make a larger batch of waffle batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but make sure to give it a gentle stir before cooking. Avoid making the batter too far in advance as the leavening agents work best fresh.

What if I don’t have a waffle maker? Can I make these as pancakes?

While this recipe is designed for waffles, the batter also works well for pancakes. Cooking them on a griddle or non-stick pan will yield soft pancakes with a similar flavor, just without the characteristic waffle texture.

How do I prevent waffles from sticking to the waffle maker?

Greasing your waffle iron generously with butter or a non-stick spray before each batch helps prevent sticking. Also, make sure your waffle maker is properly preheated so the batter sets quickly and releases easily.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe is a little bit of magic made simple. It’s the perfect recipe to brighten any morning with warm, crispy, and tender waffles that feel special without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly this becomes a beloved staple in your breakfast routine!