Belgian
👍 Beginner Friendly
35 mineasy
BelgianBreakfast
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThese traditional Belgian waffles are a world away from their American counterparts. Made with a yeasted batter that requires resting time, they develop a complex flavor and airy texture that is simply unmatched. The secret ingredient is Belgian pearl sugar, which doesn't melt during cooking but instead caramelizes on the outside of the waffle, creating delightful crunchy-sweet moments. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly, while the yeast creates a light, crispy exterior with a tender, fluffy interior. Unlike dense American waffles that need toppings, these Belgian beauties are best enjoyed on their own or with just a light dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch, these waffles are worth the extra time and effort. The dough can be prepared the night before, making morning assembly a breeze.
Instructions
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In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Add the egg mixture and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick but pourable.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight. The batter will become bubbly and rise.
When ready to cook, preheat your Belgian waffle maker to medium-high heat.
Gently fold the pearl sugar into the batter, being careful not to deflate it too much.
Brush the waffle iron lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Pour about 3/4 cup of batter (or according to your waffle maker's instructions) onto the center of the iron.
Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The waffle should release easily when done.
Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining batter.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy, or keep warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack until ready to serve.
Belgian Buttermilk Waffles with Pearl Sugar
4.3 (15)
Authentic Belgian waffles featuring a light, yeast-raised batter enriched with buttermilk and studded with crunchy pearl sugar that caramelizes as it cooks, creating irresistible pockets of sweetness in every golden, crispy bite.
medium
35 min
6 servings
Ingredients
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Batter
- 2 cups Flour, sifted
- 3/4 cups Milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 pieces Eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 8 tablespoons Butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•Pearl sugar is essential for authentic Belgian waffles - it can be found in specialty baking stores or online.
•If you cannot find pearl sugar, you can make a simpler version without it, though it won't be as traditional.
•The batter improves with resting time, so making it the night before actually enhances the flavor.
•For extra crispy waffles, use a bit less batter than you think you need - overfilling creates thick, doughy waffles.
•Never stack hot waffles directly on top of each other as they will steam and lose their crispness.
•A wire cooling rack is essential.
•These waffles freeze beautifully - cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
•Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•Do not substitute regular sugar as it will melt.
Serving & Pairings
what goes well•Traditional Belgian waffles are served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar, but they're also delicious with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Store cooled waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between waffles to prevent sticking.
Reheating
For best results, reheat waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the heating time.
