Belgian Waffles Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat your Belgian waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions to medium-high heat. If it has temperature settings, aim for 375–400°F (190–205°C). Lightly brush or spray both grids with a little vegetable oil or nonstick spray so waffles release easily.

Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined and aerated.

Separate eggs

Separate the eggs into yolks and whites: place the yolks in a medium bowl and the whites in the bowl of a stand mixer or a clean mixing bowl for hand-whisking.

Make batter base

To the bowl with egg yolks, add the whole milk, melted cooled butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk to combine—stir just until no large pockets of flour remain. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

Beat egg whites

Using a whisk, hand mixer, or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 2–3 minutes by mixer or longer by hand.

Fold in egg whites

Fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites in two additions. Use a rubber spatula and fold with broad motions to keep as much air as possible. The final batter should be light and airy with small lumps from the whites.

Cook waffles: Working with a hot waffle iron, pour or ladle the recommended amount of batter (typically about 3/4 to 1 cup for a full-size Belgian waffle, but follow your waffle iron's capacity) onto the center of the lower grid. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is deep golden brown and crisp, usually 3–5 minutes depending on your iron. Avoid opening too early. When done, carefully remove the waffle with a fork or tongs.

Keep warm (optional): If making multiple waffles, preheat an oven to 200°F (95°C). Place cooked waffles in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep in the oven while you finish cooking the rest. This preserves crispness.

Serve: Dust waffles with confectioners' sugar if desired, top with fresh berries or sliced fruit, add a dollop of whipped cream if using, and serve with warm maple syrup on the side. Enjoy immediately so waffles remain crisp outside and tender inside.

Leftovers and reheating: To reheat leftover waffles and restore crispness, place them directly on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 6–8 minutes or use a toaster until heated through and crisp.