Waffle

Baked batter-based food with a characteristic grid pattern

Waffle

A close-up of a waffle with a crisp golden texture.
Alternative names	Gaufre (French)
Type	Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Course
Place of origin	Various
Region or state	Worldwide
Associated national cuisine
Created by
Invented
Cooking time	minutes to minutes
Serving temperature
Main ingredients	Flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, baking powder or yeast
Ingredients generally used
Variations	Belgian, Liège, American, Scandinavian, Stroopwafel, Pandan
Food energy	kcal
Nutritional value	Protein: g, Fat: g, Carbohydrate: g
Glycemic index
Similar dishes
Other information
Website	[ Official website]

Waffles topped with strawberries.

Waffles are typically cooked using a specialized waffle iron. This heart-shaped iron is used for Scandinavian-style waffles.

Liège waffle, a denser Belgian variety with caramelized sugar.

A waffle is a batter-based dish that is cooked between two heated plates to give it a characteristic grid-like pattern. Made from a mixture of flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and leavening agents, waffles can vary in texture from light and crispy to dense and chewy. They are a popular breakfast food, dessert, and snack, often served with a variety of toppings such as syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate.

Waffles originated in medieval Europe, evolving over centuries into numerous regional styles. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, with distinct regional variations in Belgium, the United States, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, and more.

History

The origins of waffles can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where flat cakes were cooked between two metal plates. By the Middle Ages, iron molds imprinted intricate patterns onto waffles, and they became a popular street food in medieval Europe.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the concept of waffles spread throughout France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, eventually reaching North America with European settlers.

The first patented waffle iron was introduced in 1869 by Cornelius Swartwout, revolutionizing the way waffles were made at home.

Waffle Varieties

Waffles come in multiple forms, differing in texture, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

Belgian Waffles

Brussels-style Belgian waffle, known for its deep pockets.

Belgian waffles are thicker and crispier than other types, typically made with yeast-leavened batter or baking powder. There are two main types:

• Brussels waffle – Rectangular, airy, with deep pockets, often topped with powdered sugar, fruit, or whipped cream.
• Liège waffle – Denser, chewier, with caramelized pearl sugar, giving it a sweet, crunchy crust.

American Waffles

Classic American-style waffle with syrup.

American waffles are thinner than Belgian ones and are leavened with baking powder instead of yeast. They are commonly eaten for breakfast with:

• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Fruit
• Fried chicken (as in the popular dish chicken and waffles)

Scandinavian Waffles

Scandinavian waffles have a heart shape.

Popular in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Scandinavian waffles are thinner and crispier, often served with:

• Whipped cream
• Berry jam
• Cheese or sour cream (in savory versions)

They are typically heart-shaped due to specialized waffle irons.

Stroopwafels (Dutch Waffles)

Originating in Gouda, Netherlands, stroopwafels are thin, round waffles with a syrup (stroop) filling. They are traditionally placed over a hot cup of tea or coffee to soften the filling.

Hong Kong-style Waffles

Traditional waffle iron used in France.

Known as "grid cakes", Hong Kong waffles are larger, rounder, and often eaten as street food. They are typically spread with:

• Butter
• Peanut butter
• Condensed milk

They are folded in half before serving.

Pandan Waffles (Vietnamese Waffles)

These bright green waffles contain pandan extract and coconut milk, giving them a distinct fragrance and flavor. They have a chewy texture and are often eaten plain or with sweetened condensed milk.

Toppings and Serving Styles

Waffles are enjoyed with a variety of toppings, depending on the region:

• North America – Maple syrup, butter, fresh fruit, whipped cream, fried chicken.
• Europe – Chocolate sauce, Nutella, fresh berries, powdered sugar.
• Asia – Condensed milk, red bean paste, matcha, taro paste.

Savory waffles also exist, often served with:

• Cheese
• Ham
• Eggs
• Smoked salmon

Cooking Methods

Waffles are made using a waffle iron, which consists of two metal plates that imprint the signature grid pattern. They can be:

• Traditional cast-iron – Heated over a stove or open flame.
• Electric waffle makers – Common in modern kitchens for ease of use.
• Commercial waffle irons – Used in restaurants and street vendors.

Cultural Significance

Waffles are associated with many cultural traditions:

• National Waffle Day – Celebrated on August 24 in the United States.
• Waffle Day (Våffeldagen) – Observed on March 25 in Sweden, marking the beginning of spring.

Etymology

The word "waffle" derives from the Dutch "wafel", which in turn originates from the Frankish "wafla", meaning "honeycomb". The term also has a secondary meaning, referring to "speaking without making a clear point".

Gallery

• 

  A Belgian waffle stand.

• 

  Waffles topped with fruit.

• 

  Traditional Dutch stroopwafel.

• 

  Vietnamese pandan waffle.

See Also

• Pancake
• Crepe
• French toast
• Doughnut
• Bubble waffle

External Links

• Waffle History
• Waffle Recipes

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