Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe (Brussels Style)
Published May 7, 2021. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
You will absolutely love this authentic Brussels-style Belgian waffle recipe that uses yeast to help it rise and provide flavor.
I just love breakfast, but I don’t always eat it. When I do decide to make it, I usually try and make something epic. If you’re similar and want to check out some new ideas, then for sure make my chilaquiles or frittata.
Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are a breakfast food consisting of a cooked yeast-leavened batter in a hot waffle pattern iron (here is an affiliate link which allows me to make a few bucks on the sale to the waffle maker I used: https://amzn.to/3vxI9nr). It is a common breakfast menu item in restaurants across the globe. Waffles are also very popular when serving them with fried chicken.
There are two different types of Belgian waffles, Brussels style, and Liege waffles. Here are the main differences:
- Brussels: Thin batter that has a slightly tangy taste due to the use of yeast that is classically cooked in a rectangularly shaped waffle iron.
- Liege: Thick almost cookie dough-like batter with chunks of pearl sugar that is cooked in a round waffle iron and serve with assorted toppings.
The main difference between a Belgian waffle and a regular waffle you may have cooked in the past is the use of yeast. Most waffle recipes here in the United States use baking powder as a leavening agent where no proofing time is needed. You do however miss out on flavor if you go the regular waffle route.
How to Make Belgian Waffles from Scratch
Be sure to follow these step-by-step instructions for how to make Belgian waffles from scratch:
Add warm milk, sugar, and yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk until combined. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Next, add in the egg yolks, vanilla, and melted butter and mix on medium speed using the whisk attachment until well combined, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Slowly pour in the sifted flour and salt until it is completely combined into the wet ingredients. There should be no lumps.
Set the batter to the side and then whisk the egg whites in the stand mixer with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff peaks have been formed, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
Fold the egg whites into the batter until completely combined, and then cover and set in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Fill up a hot waffle iron with the batter and cook until golden brown.
Serve the waffles with powdered sugar and berries.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: These are meant to be eaten as soon as they are done cooking. You can keep them warm in an oven at very low temperatures for up to 20 minutes before serving.
How to Reheat: Place your desired amount on a cookie sheet tray lined with parchment paper and cook at 350° for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed and crisp. You can heat in the microwave until warm, but they will not be crispy.
How to Store: Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They will freeze covered for up to 3 months. You can reheat them straight from the freezer.
chef notes + tips
- When proofing the batter, it does not need to be a perfect double in size, just as long as there are bubbles, and the yeast is working.
- I prefer to use whole milk in this recipe.
- If you are using instant yeast you can skip the yeast activation at the beginning.
More Breakfast Recipes
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Video
Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe (Brussels Style)
Ingredients
- 3 cups of whole milk in between 115° and 118° F
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet active yeast
- 3 eggs, separate the yolks from the whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick melted unsalted butter
- 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- pinch of sea salt
- powdered sugar and berries for garnish
Instructions
- Add the warm milk to a stand mixer along with the sugar and yeast and whisk vigorously with a hand whisk until well combined. Let stand until a raft has formed, which takes about 10 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg yolks, vanilla, and butter and mix on medium speed until well mixed.
- Slowly add in the flour and salt at low speed and then turn the speed up to medium to medium-high and mix for 2 to 3 minutes or until the batter is smooth.
- Transfer the batter to a separate bowl and clean the stand mixer bowl and the whisk attachment.
- Add the bowl back to the stand mixer and whisk the egg whites with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes or until stiff peaks have formed.
- Fold the egg whites into the waffle batter. Cover and keep in a warm place for 1 hour or until the batter has doubled in size.
- While the batter is proofing, heat waffle iron.
- Spray the waffle iron with some non-stick spray and add in about 6 ounces of the batter and cook until the waffle is browned about 2-3 minutes.
- Continue until all of the batter has been cooked and serve the waffles dusted with powdered sugar and with fresh berries.
I’ve made this recipe countless times and it’s been absolutely perfect every time. whenever I’ve made Belgian waffles with yeast in the past it’s been too thick, so I’ve stuck with cornstarch. But this recipe will forever by my go to for waffles! Always crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, pairs so well with bacon and a little maple syrup. They still taste good after being stored in the freezer and reheated in the oven/toaster.
So yummy
Made these and will always make them this way
Thank you
Ace chef
So yummy
Made these and will always make them this way
Thank you
Master chef
The waffles were so moist and delicious. Froze the leftovers. Certainly will enjoy another breakfast of these.
amazing!
These waffles are AMAZING. The extra minimal effort is worth it! Delicious. I ended up with 14 waffles (smaller waffle maker I suppose). Wrapped and in the freezer.
appreciate you trying it
Any downside to reserving some of the leftover batter in the fridge for a day or two?
I would go 1 day max!
These were delicious waffles!
Wonderful texture!
This recipe is a keeper!
thank you
I’m making them for the second time and both times I have used ripple milk( a pea protein milk), and a gluten flour mix . Nobody would know they’re gluten free and milk free. I do use butter as I’m ok with it. They come out so crispy and light! Excellent! Thankyou so much. I used to have a good yeast recipe for waffles, but lost it somehow. Just to let you know how well this works with alternative ingredients.
I have not made these yet, but I have done yeasted waffles using an overnight refrigerated version. I am looking forward to making these, as I don’t always remember to get my act together the night before. But once you do yeasted waffles, you never want to go back.
I really enjoy all your posts, so thank you for sharing.
Agreed, they are the best!
Excellent recipe Chef. Made these yesterday evening for dinner. My wife, stepson, grand child, and I all chowed them down. Toppings included: 4-berry sauce, bananas, real Maple syrup, and peanut butter. Tasty.
I love me some Belgian Waffles more than pancakes. Oh thank you for the recipe