Authentic Brussels Belgian Waffles
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Brussels Belgian Waffles, crafted from scratch for a truly authentic experience. This delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of butter, warm milk, and a touch of vanilla to create light, fluffy waffles with a crispy exterior. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, these waffles can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The process of allowing the batter to rise adds depth to the flavor, making these waffles a family favorite they will keep asking for. Serve them fresh off the waffle iron for a warm, comforting treat that brings smiles to the breakfast table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
1 tablespoon (Sprinkled over warm milk)
Warm milk
1/2 cup + 1 1/4 cups (Heated to 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (Measured)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
Butter
8 tablespoons (Melted and cooled)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Eggs
2 (Separated into yolks and whites)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast over 1/2 cup of warm milk (between 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
3
In another bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks with a fork. Then, combine the melted butter, 1 1/4 cups warm milk, vanilla extract, and the beaten egg yolks. Mix until well blended.
4
Pour the butter and egg mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined and the batter is smooth.
5
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them.
6
Add the foamy yeast mixture to the batter and stir gently to combine.
7
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter sit at room temperature until it has doubled in size, which will take about 30 to 60 minutes.
8
Preheat your Belgian waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9
Once the batter has risen, stir it gently to ensure even consistency. Pour the batter into the preheated waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer's directions until golden brown and crisp.
10
Serve the waffles immediately with your choice of toppings, or for enhanced flavor, refrigerate the batter overnight and bake fresh waffles in the morning.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Brussels Belgian Waffles?
Authentic Brussels Belgian Waffles are light, fluffy waffles with a crispy exterior, made from a yeast-based batter that is allowed to rise for depth of flavor.
How do I activate the yeast for this recipe?
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over 1/2 cup of warm milk (100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
What temperature should the milk be?
The milk should be heated to between 100 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the yeast activates without being killed by heat.
How long does the batter need to rise?
The batter should sit at room temperature for approximately 30 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Why do I need to separate the eggs?
The yolks are mixed into the wet ingredients for richness, while the whites are beaten separately to create air and lightness in the final waffle.
What stage should the egg whites be beaten to?
The egg whites should be beaten until soft peaks form before being gently folded into the batter.
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the batter overnight for enhanced flavor and bake the fresh waffles the following morning.
What type of flour is recommended?
This recipe uses 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How do I ensure the waffles are crispy?
Cooking the batter in a preheated waffle maker until golden brown and using melted butter in the batter helps achieve a crisp exterior.
What are the best toppings for these waffles?
Popular toppings include fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
How much yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is whisked into the flour and sugar mixture.
Should the butter be hot when added to the mix?
No, the 8 tablespoons of butter should be melted and then cooled before being combined with the other ingredients.
What is the role of vanilla extract in this recipe?
A 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to provide a touch of aromatic sweetness and flavor depth.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the all-purpose flour helps create a smoother batter and a lighter waffle texture.
What should I do if my yeast doesn't foam?
If the yeast doesn't foam after 5 minutes, it may be inactive. You should discard it and start over with fresh yeast and properly tempered milk.
How do I mix the flour and liquid ingredients?
Stir the butter and egg mixture into the flour mixture until just combined and the batter is smooth.
When do I add the yeast mixture to the main batter?
The foamy yeast mixture is added to the batter after the egg whites have been folded in.
What should I cover the bowl with while the batter rises?
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel to keep it protected while it sits at room temperature.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which are separated into yolks and whites.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of granulated sugar whisked into the dry ingredients.
How much total milk is needed?
You will need a total of 1 3/4 cups of milk (1/2 cup for the yeast and 1 1/4 cups for the batter).
What is the texture of these waffles like?
They are designed to be light and airy on the inside with a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
Should I stir the batter after it has risen?
Yes, stir it gently once it has risen to ensure an even consistency before pouring it into the waffle maker.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, these waffles are perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering.
How long should I cook the waffles?
Cook them according to your waffle maker's specific manufacturer directions until they are golden brown.
Can I use a regular waffle iron?
While a Belgian waffle maker is recommended for authentic results, a standard iron can be used, though the waffles will be thinner.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can deflate the air from the egg whites and yeast, resulting in a denser, less fluffy waffle.
Does the batter contain butter or oil?
This authentic recipe specifically uses 8 tablespoons of melted butter for a rich flavor.
What is the preparation for the yeast?
The yeast is prepared by being sprinkled over warm milk and left to sit until it reaches a foamy state.