Secrets to Making Perfect Waffles Every Time

Get the scoop on how to get a crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside flavorful, golden brown waffle every time. Perfect waffles do exist and you definitely won’t want to miss out on all my favorite tips and tricks!

Where Did Waffles Come From?

Fun Fact:  Did you know Thomas Jefferson started the waffle craze?

That’s right, in 1789,  Jefferson returned to the United States, from France with a long-handled waffle iron, and set off a national waffle craze. Everybody who was anybody began having and attending waffle parties. Attendees could top their waffles and enjoy them with either sweet or savory toppings.

People who attended waffle parties in the South enjoyed their waffles with a hefty side of fried chicken, and a culinary classic was born!

Jefferson may have introduced the waffle iron to the States, but Cornelius Swartwout perfected it – and patented it!   General Electric later made the waffle iron a household item by the 1930s, and the waffle iron can still be found in most US kitchens today.

Secrets to Making Perfect Waffles Every Time

Many of us own a waffle iron but don’t know the proper techniques to make a good waffle at home.  Let’s take a look at a few tips that can take your waffles from drab and soggy, to fab and crispy! 

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CHOOSE THE PERFECT WAFFLE MAKER

When purchasing a waffle iron, here are a few things to consider:

* Look for temperature control. An adjustable thermostat allows you to dictate the cooking temperature on your waffle maker. This way you can please anyone, whether they prefer soft, light-colored waffles, or crispy, dark-colored waffles. Not to mention its a must-have if you want to use nonstandard recipes such as whole-grain or oatmeal waffles. This is because the different ingredients all cook differently.

* Opt for cool-touch handles if you have small children. Waffle irons with plastic a handle heat up less than models with chrome or stainless-steel housings.

* Size matters.  Consider how much space you have for storing the waffle maker, some can be rather bulky. If you’ll be making waffles for a family or a crowd, consider a model that makes several individual waffles at once. For those with limited space, consider a mini waffle maker that can be easily stored.

Be sure to read the instruction manual for your unit thoroughly. Different waffle makers are designed to cook waffles differently.

DON’T FORGET THE SECRET INGREDIENT

It may seem weird, but surprisingly cornstarch is the perfect secret weapon for a restaurant quality waffle.

The cornstarch along with the flour will guarantee you come out with waffles that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. 

NOTE:  Be sure to check the expiration date on your cornstarch. The date on the container is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the cornstarch will remain at peak quality.  Expired cornstarch may not yield the desired results.

SEPARATE EGG WHITES + SUGAR

PERFECT WAFFLES have a light and fluffy interior. To achieve this leave the sugar out of your dry ingredients and separate your eggs.

Once the eggs are separated into yolks and whites, add the yolks to the wet ingredients of your batter. In a separate bowl beat the egg whites to almost soft peaks. Sprinkle in the sugar and continue to beat until the peaks are firm and glossy and gently fold into the final batter using a spatula.

DON’T OVERMIX BATTER

Waffle batter can be a little tricky. It should be smooth enough to flow freely through the dimples of the waffle plate, but, like cake batter, it should never be over-mixed (over-mixing turns the flour into gluten which produces a chewier, less-fluffy texture).

The solution to this chewy disaster is a gentle hand and patience. Grab a rubber spatula and gently mix the wet ingredients of your batter into the dry ingredients. Using a gentle motion mix the batter until smooth. This should take just a few minutes, then you can fold in the egg whites and sugar just until combined.

USE BUTTERMILK AND MILK

A thinner batter generally results in a crisper waffle.

Buttermilk waffles are flavorful, but the batter is thick and the waffles aren’t as crisp. Waffles made with milk, on the other hand, are crisper but less flavorful than buttermilk waffles. Use both buttermilk and milk for a crisp texture full of flavor.

**Use REAL buttermilk for best flavor.  But, if you’re in a bind, you can substitute with homemade buttermilk (1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk).

NO PEEKING

Don’t lift the lid too early. It’s usually best to wait until your waffle maker says it’s okay, by way of its indicator light or beeping mechanism. If you lift the lid too soon could cause your waffle to rip, leaving one half of a waffle stuck to the top and the other half to the bottom.

If your iron doesn’t have a beeper or light, check the manufacturer’s instructions for minimum cooking times. Also, watch the steam; it will decrease as the waffle cooks.

Another tip to avoid ripping is to respray the pan after EVERY SINGLE WAFFLE. This may sound tedious, but if you want that picture perfect waffles shape, you’re not going to want to lose half of it to the pan.

CRISP WAFFLES IN OVEN

Once the waffles are cooked, crisp them further in the oven. While making waffles, preheat your oven to 250°F.  Before serving, place waffles directly on the oven rack (do not stack) for five minutes.  

This allows you to make all the waffles before serving, so everyone can eat at the same and the low heat of the oven reinforces the waffle’s crispness. Don’t stack the waffles or within seconds they’ll turn moist and limp.

FIRST WAFFLE IS THE TESTER

The first waffle is usually a throwaway –or you can snack on it while making the others like I do;). Often that first waffle doesn’t turn out perfectly – simply adjust the amount of batter and the color control settings until you get the results you like.  Start with about a 1/2 cup of batter for the smallest irons and 2/3 cup for bigger ones; increase as necessary to fill out waffles.

FIND THE PERFECT WAFFLES (AND TOPPINGS) RECIPE

The perfect waffle doesn’t come without the perfect recipe. Today you’re in luck because I have just the recipe for you.

My Buttermilk Waffles Recipe is a breakfast staple in our house and is great for implementing all of these waffle tips and tricks. These waffles will make you want to ditch your breakfast plans and pull out the waffle iron.

If you want to add even more sweetness to your morning, toppings galore is what you want. Homemade Blueberry Syrup and  Roasted Strawberry Sauce are my personal favorites.

For the times you want to make an extra special breakfast for a group try making your own waffle bar at home. It’s perfect for any parties, showers, or special occasions.

MAKE EXTRA Perfect Waffles

Waffles keep well.  So I like to make extra and store leftovers in a freezer bag for months and reheat in a 400-degree oven when the waffle-eating mood strikes.

Now that you know how to make perfect waffles at home, break out the waffle iron and make some of these babies for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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