Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd
If you’re looking to impress a hungry group with a breakfast that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than this Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd. Fluffy, golden brown, and perfect for stacking, these waffles are a beloved breakfast staple that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Whether it’s a family gathering, a brunch with friends, or a holiday celebration, these waffles will not only fill plates but also hearts.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about homemade waffles, and this recipe is no exception. Here’s what makes this Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd a must-try:
- Fluffy Texture: The buttermilk gives these waffles a tender crumb and an airy lift, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Easy to Scale: This recipe is designed to serve a crowd, ensuring that no one leaves the table hungry.
- Customizable: Top your waffles with a variety of toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the batter in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.
Ingredient Notes
To create the perfect batch of waffles, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that ideal flavor and texture.
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour: Provides the base for your waffles, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon (2.6g) kosher salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons (36g) sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the waffles.
- 3 teaspoons (12g) baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6g) baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to leaven the batter.
- 4 cups (980g) buttermilk: The star ingredient that adds moisture and a rich flavor.
- 4 large (200g) eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted: Provides richness and flavor, making the waffles more decadent.
- 2 teaspoons (9g) vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a lovely aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
Toolbox for This Recipe
Gather these tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable:
- Waffle Iron: A good-quality waffle iron is essential for achieving that perfect crispness.
- Mixing Bowls: Use large bowls to mix your dry and wet ingredients separately before combining.
- Whisk: A whisk is perfect for blending your ingredients without clumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a successful waffle.
- Spatula: An offset spatula can help you gently lift the waffles from the iron.
Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd, Made Easy
Ready to whip up some delicious waffles? Follow these simple steps for a crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron
Before you begin mixing, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that your waffles cook evenly and achieve a golden brown color.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The buttermilk is essential for creating that rich flavor and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the batter together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense waffles.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Spray your preheated waffle iron with a light coat of non-stick spray. Pour an appropriate amount of batter onto the center of the iron (usually about 1 to 1.5 cups, depending on the size of your waffle iron). Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 4-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Keep Waffles Warm
As you cook the waffles, keep them warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in the oven set to low (around 200°F or 93°C). This way, all the waffles will be warm when you’re ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the waffles are cooked, stack them high on a platter and serve with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, whipped cream, syrup, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar are all delightful options!
Make It Year-Round
These Buttermilk Waffles are perfect for any season. Here are some ideas to enjoy them year-round:
- Summer: Top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a refreshing treat.
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Serve with warm maple syrup and crispy bacon for a comforting breakfast.
- Spring: Pair with lemon zest in the batter and top with a berry compote.
Steer Clear of These
While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing the batter can lead to tough waffles. Stop mixing when the batter is just combined.
- Not preheating the waffle iron can result in unevenly cooked waffles.
- Using cold ingredients can negatively affect the texture; let your eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature.
- Skipping the non-stick spray can cause the waffles to stick to the iron.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
Want to enjoy your waffles later? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Freezing: Allow cooked waffles to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop frozen waffles in the toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crispy.
- Batch Prep: Make a double batch on a quiet day, and enjoy fresh waffles anytime!
Quick Q&A
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. A 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour is a great compromise for added nutrition while keeping some fluffiness.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken while sitting.
What toppings do you recommend for these waffles?
The possibilities are endless! Classic maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even nut butter can elevate your waffles. Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra flavor!
How do I know when my waffles are done cooking?
Your waffles are done when they are golden brown and crisp. Most waffle irons have a light that indicates when they are ready. If yours doesn’t, it usually takes about 4-5 minutes of cooking time.
See You at the Table
With this Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd, you can create a delicious and comforting breakfast that brings people together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a leisurely weekend morning, these waffles are sure to delight. So gather your friends and family, whip up a batch, and enjoy the joy that comes from sharing a meal together. Happy cooking!
Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Cook the Waffles. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick spray, pour batter, and cook until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- Step 6: Keep Waffles Warm. Keep cooked waffles warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Stack the waffles and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
- Make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate until needed.
- Freeze leftover waffles for a quick breakfast treat later.
