Belgian Waffles
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: 20 waffles
Description:
Indulge in the authentic taste of Belgian-style waffles, crafted from a yeast dough that harks back to the European tradition. Unlike the pourable batter familiar in American kitchens, these waffles are formed from dough balls, resulting in a texture that’s uniquely delicious. The recipe offers a starting point of 4 2/3 cups of flour, but be prepared to adjust as needed to achieve the perfect consistency. With each addition of sugar and butter, incorporate just enough flour to form loose, non-sticky dough balls. Too much flour yields a dense, bread-like texture, while too little leaves the dough overly soft and prone to sticking. Keep in mind that factors like temperature and humidity will influence the amount of flour required.
Ingredients:
- 4 2/3 cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup milk (additional)
- 2 tablespoons dry yeast
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions:
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the butter and sugar. Stir until well incorporated.
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Let Stand: Allow the mixture to stand for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the yeast to activate.
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Add Butter and Sugar: After 30 minutes, add the butter to the mixture. Gradually incorporate the sugar, stirring until evenly distributed.
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Adjust Flour: Begin adding flour gradually, stirring continuously until the dough reaches the desired consistency. Add only as much flour as needed to form balls with a loose but not sticky texture.
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Form Dough Balls: Once the dough reaches the optimal consistency, portion it into small balls, akin to the size of a small apple.
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Rest Dough: Let the dough balls rest for an additional 15 minutes, allowing them to rise slightly.
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Preheat Waffle Maker: While the dough is resting, preheat your waffle maker according to manufacturer instructions.
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Cook Waffles: Once the waffle maker is heated, place one dough ball in the center of the waffle iron. Close the waffle maker and cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
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No Grease Needed: Thanks to the butter in the dough, there’s no need to grease the waffle maker.
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Serve: Serve the waffles hot, topped with your favorite fruits or syrup for a delightful breakfast or snack experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 809.2
- Fat Content: 40.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 24.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 202.4mg
- Sodium Content: 416.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 102.1g
- Fiber Content: 1.9g
- Sugar Content: 55.8g
- Protein Content: 10.2g
Recipe Notes:
- These Belgian waffles are perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch, offering a taste of European indulgence.
- Customize your waffles with a variety of toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or powdered sugar.
- Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick and delicious treat.
- Experiment with different flavor variations by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, or incorporating grated citrus zest for a burst of freshness.
