These homemade buttermilk waffles are crisp and golden on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and full of buttery flavor. They are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and are delicious topped with butter and maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite waffle toppings.
The buttermilk gives these waffles a slight tang while helping create a light, tender texture. They are the kind of waffles that make an ordinary Saturday morning feel a little more special.
Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk Waffles
- Crisp and golden on the outside
- Soft and fluffy in the center
- Made with simple ingredients
- Easy to prepare
- Delicious with sweet or savory toppings
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a weekend treat
Tips for the Best Buttermilk Waffles
Don’t overmix the batter.
A few lumps are better than a perfectly smooth batter. Gentle mixing helps keep the finished waffles light and tender.
Let the waffle iron get hot.
A properly preheated waffle iron helps create that crisp, golden exterior.
Don’t stack hot waffles.
Stacking them traps steam and can make them soft. Place finished waffles on a wire rack instead if you’re making a large batch.
For extra-crispy waffles:
Let the cooked waffles sit on a wire rack for a minute or two before serving. You can also keep them warm directly on a rack in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the batter.
Can I Make Buttermilk Waffles Without Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute.
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then add enough whole milk to reach 1 3/4 cups. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
The homemade version works well in this recipe and is especially handy when you don’t keep buttermilk in the refrigerator.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?
Yes. You can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The waffles will have a slightly heartier texture and nuttier flavor.
If you replace all of the flour with whole wheat flour, you may need a small splash of additional buttermilk if the batter seems unusually thick.
Can I Make These Waffles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Cook the waffles as directed and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and refrigerate for several days or freeze them for longer storage.
To reheat, place them in a toaster, toaster oven, or oven until hot and crisp.
How to Freeze Buttermilk Waffles
Let the waffles cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freezing them individually first helps prevent the waffles from sticking together.
Reheat frozen waffles directly from the freezer in a toaster or toaster oven.
Buttermilk Waffle Topping Ideas
There are so many ways to serve homemade waffles. Try:
- Butter and warm maple syrup
- Butter Syrup
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream
- Blueberries and powdered sugar
- Sliced bananas and pecans
- Cinnamon apples
- Homemade fruit sauce
- Peanut butter and bananas
- Honey and butter
- Chocolate chips and whipped cream
For a savory breakfast, skip the sugar in the batter and serve the waffles with fried chicken, eggs, bacon, sausage, or sausage gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my buttermilk waffles not crispy?
The waffle iron may not have been hot enough, or the cooked waffles may have been stacked while hot. Steam softens the exterior. For crispier waffles, keep finished waffles on a wire rack rather than stacking them.
Why are my waffles sticking to the waffle iron?
Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated and lightly greased if your manufacturer’s instructions recommend it. Also, avoid opening the waffle iron too early. The waffle usually releases more easily once it has finished cooking.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but buttermilk is recommended because its acidity reacts with the baking soda and contributes to the waffles’ tender texture. If using regular milk, add an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar to make a quick buttermilk substitute.
Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?
For the best texture, I recommend cooking the batter soon after mixing because the baking powder and baking soda begin working once they are combined with the wet ingredients. If you need to make waffles ahead, cook them completely and reheat them instead.
How do I keep waffles crispy for a crowd?
Place cooked waffles directly on a wire rack in a 200°F oven. Don’t stack them. The rack allows air to circulate around the waffles while the oven keeps them warm.
Can I make these waffles savory?
Yes. Simply reduce or omit the sugar and serve them with savory toppings such as fried chicken, eggs, bacon, sausage, or gravy.
My recipe for Butter Syrup.
Buttermilk Waffles
Equipment
- waffle maker
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir just until combined. A few small lumps are fine. Do not overmix.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed.
- Pour the recommended amount of batter into the preheated waffle iron.
- Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully remove the waffle and place it on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. FREEZING:
Allow waffles to cool completely. Freeze in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or oven until hot and crisp.
