When I visited the stunning and incomparable fairytale city that is Bruges nestled in the northwestern part of Belgium, there were three delicious things I quickly learned were their claims to fame: Beer (it’s everywhere and some of the finest in the world), Chocolate (also everywhere and also some of the finest in the world), and the inspiration for this recipe – Waffles! Chances are you’ve had fluffy Belgian Waffles in your own corner of the world but I’m less-inclined to think you had them with beer in the batter, which we learned is how they’re commonly made in Belgium at a super fun Beer & Waffles class we took. And given Belgium’s quality of beer, it makes sense! The fluffy and cake-like waffles don’t have a beer-heavy flavor but rather a hint of the type used in the batter – so whichever you choose, go with your favorite (or simply use seltzer or even ginger ale in place of it)! This recipe is super easy, fast and a hit every time.
Watch The Video!
Batter Up!
The Folding Secret to Fluffiness
Fold In The Fluff
Let’s Make Belgian Waffles!
Choose Your Style
Beer Belgian Waffles
When I visited the stunning and incomparable fairytale city that is Bruges nestled in the northwestern part of Belgium, there were three delicious things I quickly learned were their claims to fame: Beer (it's everywhere and some of the finest in the world), Chocolate (also everywhere and also some of the finest in the world), and the inspiration for this recipe - Waffles! Chances are you've had fluffy Belgian Waffles in your own corner of the world but I'm less-inclined to think you had them with beer in the batter, which we learned is how they're commonly made in Belgium at a super fun Beer & Waffles class we took. And given Belgium's quality of beer, it makes sense! The fluffy and cake-like waffles don't have a beer-heavy flavor but rather a hint of the type used in the batter - so whichever you choose, go with your favorite (or simply use seltzer or even ginger ale in place of it)! This recipe is super easy, fast and a hit every time.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, with yolks separated from whites
- 3/4 cup beer of your choice (see Jeff's Tips)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups self-rising flour (not all-purpose)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted is fine), melted
- A pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of salt
- Any toppings you love (be it whipped cream, sundae sauces, jams, ice cream, and/or fruit)
Instructions
- Place the egg whites in a medium mixing bowl and the yolks in large mixing bowl. Set the bowl with the whites aside for now as we'll come back to them later.
- Whisk the yolks until well-beaten and smooth, about 30 seconds. Then, add the beer and whisk until combined and frothy, about another 30 seconds. Follow by adding the milk and whisk until combined into the eggy-beer mixture, about another 30 seconds.
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and melted butter and whisk until a batter is formed. Once smooth and free of lumps, you're good. Set the batter bowl aside for the time being.
- Now it's back to the egg whites! Add the salt to the bowl with the whites and use a hand mixer to beat until foamy stiff peaks form (it should look like shaving cream), about 1 minute. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the frothy egg whites into the batter until nicely combined. (NOTE: For Schitt's Creek fans, folding means to use a mix in a scooping/swirling motion.)
- Cover the bowl with a lid, plate, or dish towel and let it rest for 15 minutes as you turn on the waffle maker so it preheats.
- After 15 minutes of the batter resting and once the waffle maker is preheated, add the batter to the center (I find 1/2 cup is the norm for most circular waffle makers - but check your model's suggested batter amount) and cook according to your waffle maker's instructions, usually 2-3 minutes per waffle. (NOTE: If steam comes out of the sides of the waffle maker, that's a good thing because it means your waffle is cooking)!
- Enjoy topped with any toppings you desire!
Jeffrey's Tips
The beer you use will indeed impact the flavor of the waffle. So if you want a dark stout, it’ll have that deep, slightly chocolately flavor. If you use a fruity or wheat beer, it’ll have hints of that. And so on.
If you don't do beer, feel free to use seltzer or even ginger ale or ginger beer in its place!
If you can have the eggs, beer and milk at room temperature, that's ideal for an extra smooth batter. But, if you don't feel like it, it'll still be great - just ensure the batter is as smooth as possible after folding and mixing the egg whites into it in Step 4. A happy medium is to take the eggs, beer and milk from the fridge and just leave it on the counter for 20-30 minutes while prepping the rest of the ingredients.
Larkin
That’s alot of leavening for my altitude of 8,000 ft. What are your thoughts on that? They sound wonderful and who doesn’t like waffles?
Nancy Heller
Made this for Christmas Day breakfast. What a wonderful recipe! Best waffles I’ve ever made and the kitchen smelled like fresh baked bread all day.
Jeffrey
I am so happy to hear!