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Home » Recipes » Quick Bread Recipes

Southern Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

Published: May 28, 2024 · Updated: Mar 26, 2025 by Marye

This simple buttermilk waffles recipe has been our favorite for decades. They are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender and slightly sweet on the inside. When they're topped with melting butter, syrup, or fruit it's a special weekend meal that calls the whole family to the table.
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
A crispy golden brown waffle on a white plate with a pat of butter melting on top.
Buttermilk waffle on a plate with syrup nearby. Text overlay for Pinterest.

I've always loved big, fluffy waffles, and this recipe has never failed me. There's something magical about folding stiffly beaten egg whites into the batter – an old-timey trick my grandma taught me.

Not only does it keep the waffles incredibly fluffy, but it also helps the outsides stay perfectly crisp.

Whether you’re making these for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these waffles are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

A finished waffle on a pate with a stack of waffles in the background.
Table of Contents
  • .... delicious!
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🍴 Equipment
  • 🎥 Video
  • 🥫 How to store leftover buttermilk waffles
  • Marye's Tip
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Repurpose leftovers
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Buttermilk Waffles
  • 💬 Comments

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

.... delicious!

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Recipe worked just as described.... delicious!!
Jenn

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • Waffles are a classic breakfast treat. They freeze well, so I like to make a big batch on the weekend and freeze for breakfast all week long.
  • Serve waffles for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast for dinner. Just about everyone loves them!
  • For the crispiest waffles, be sure that the waffle maker is fully preheated before adding the batter and that it's stopped steaming completely before lifting the top!

This classic recipe is simple to follow and yields perfect results every time. It can be made with buttermilk or regular milk.

Follow the tips for the lightest, crispiest waffles you've ever tasted.

Try the blue cornmeal version with fruit for summer holidays!

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

There's nothing surprising here! I like to add a little vanilla to my waffle batter, but you can omit it if you wish. If you don't have buttermilk, be sure to read the tips for using plain milk instead.

Ingredients for buttermilk waffles with labels.

📖 Variations

  1. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons finely diced ham over the batter of each waffle before closing the waffle maker.
  2. Add ½ cup chopped nuts to the batter.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons lemon or orange zest to the batter.
  4. Try 1 cup shredded coconut in the batter.
  5. To use regular or non-dairy milk, leave out the baking soda and substitute the milk for the buttermilk.
  6. Customize with your favorite toppings!
  7. You can use this recipe for pancakes but this buttermilk pancake batter is better.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page. Click on the image to see it full size.

This classic buttermilk waffle recipe isn't difficult. Most people leave out the step of separating the eggs and beating the egg whites until stiff, but it's the secret to the crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Step by step images for making waffles.
  1. Separate the eggs.
  2. Add the whites to a mixer and beat.
  3. Beat until stiff peaks are formed. Set aside.
  4. Add the sugar to the flour.
  5. Add in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  6. Mix the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
  7. Stir into the dry ingredients.
  8. Fold in the egg whites. Let the waffle batter rest for 10 minutes if you have time.
  9. Bake on the waffle iron according to manufacturers' instructions.

🤫 Cook's secrets -

For lighter, fluffier waffles, substitute cake flour for the all-purpose flour called for in the recipe.

🍴 Equipment

  1. waffle maker
  2. large mixing bowl
  3. hand or stand mixer
  4. measuring cups and spoons

🎥 Video

🥫 How to store leftover buttermilk waffles

Waffles freeze beautifully! If you happen to have any left (doubtful), let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them.

When the waffles are frozen pop them into a ziploc freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you want waffles just put them in the toaster or air fryer and enjoy!

Marye's Tip

Letting the batter rest for 10 minutes allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender waffles.

💭 Things to know

Homemade waffles have a reputation for being tricky to make, but with these tips, you'll be making them like an expert in no time!

  1. Use room-temperature eggs. If you're in a hurry, just put the unbroken eggs in a bowl of hot water for about 5 minutes.
  2. Be sure to spray your waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. If you don't have buttermilk on hand you can use 1 teaspoon of vinegar to each cup of milk for a replacement. Buttermilk works best, though.
  4. You can make buttermilk yourself a couple of different ways.
  5. Don't overmix the batter! Overmixing can make the waffles tough. Gently fold in the egg whites until just combined.
  6. Make sure the iron is ready before adding the batter. Most will have a green light that comes on.
  7. They're done when it stops steaming and the lid raises up easily.
  8. Waffles are best as soon as they come off the waffle iron so have the family ready at the table if you can.
  9. If you have to keep them waiting put them on a wire rack in a warm oven so they'll stay crispy.
  10. You can freeze these by letting them cool and then placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Heat them up in the toaster or in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
A plate of waffles with strawberries and syrup.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Why aren't my waffles crispy?

Too much moisture. Here are some things to check --
-Make sure that the waffle maker is completely preheated before adding the batter.
-Try using plain milk and cake flour instead of buttermilk and all-purpose.
-Leave the waffles in the baker until all the steam stops.
-Keep them crispy on a rack in a 200F oven until you're ready to eat them.

What's the difference between this buttermilk waffles recipe and the Belgian type?

Not much. Belgian waffles are thicker because they are made in a waffle iron with deep grids. Technically you could say these are Belgian waffles but you could make them in a regular waffle iron and they'd be just plain waffles.
Honestly, I use a Belgian waffle maker because it makes them prettier for the pictures!

Should you let waffle batter rest?

I do. Letting the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes allows the gluten to relax, making the waffles more tender. You can skip this step if you don't have time.

Can these waffles be made gluten-free?

I haven't tried, so I am not sure, but I think they could be made gluten-free by using a good gluten-free baking mix. If you try it please come back and let me know how it worked.

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    Fluffy Gingerbread Waffles
  • Feature image for blueberry pancakes.
    Blueberry Blue Corn Pancakes
  • stack of buttermilk pancakes with oranges in the background.
    Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe from Scratch
  • Close up of chaffles on a plate.
    Keto Wonder Bread Chaffle Recipe

🍽️ Repurpose leftovers

Leftover waffles aren't a problem! Here are some great ideas for repurposing them.

  • Breakfast sandwiches. Use the waffles as the bread for breakfast sandwiches. Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage for a hearty morning meal.
  • Pizzas. Use the waffles as a base for mini pizzas. Top with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • French toast. Dip leftover waffles in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Cook them on a griddle until golden brown for a waffle-french toast hybrid.

📞 The last word

Homemade waffles just welcome you to the weekend, you know?

They've never seemed like something you should eat quickly on your way out the door but instead should be savored with plenty of hot coffee and great conversation.

I mean, if you take the time to make homemade buttermilk waffles from scratch you should savor them!

I think we do way too little of that these days. Everyone is heading out here and there like ants at a picnic. Maybe if we spent a little more time eating waffles and talking over the breakfast table we'd all be a lot happier.

This buttermilk waffles recipe is the one my mom used. I have no idea how old it is, but it always works beautifully for me, and I know it will for you, too.

I prefer this cornmeal waffle recipe for chicken and waffles and other, more savory, dishes.

Try this baked pumpkin oatmeal, too.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

A crispy golden brown waffle on a white plate with a pat of butter melting on top.

Southern Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

4.80 from 20 votes
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This simple buttermilk waffles recipe has been our favorite for decades. They are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender and slightly sweet on the inside. When they're topped with melting butter, syrup, or fruit it's a special weekend meal that calls the whole family to the table.
Course Breakfast,Brunch
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings:6 waffles
Calories:273
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour, all-purpose or cake flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 eggs, yolks and whites separated, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1-½ cups buttermilk, room temperature or slightly warm; check the notes for how to substitute regular milk.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla, optional

Instructions

  • Separate the egg yolks from the whites, being careful not to get the yolk into the whites.
  • Beat the egg whites until still peaks form; set aside.
  • Mix dry ingredients together; set aside.
  • Beat the egg yolks with a fork.
  • Add the melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla to the buttermilk.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing well.
  • Gently fold in half the stiffly beaten eggs whites to lighten the batter.
  • Fold in the remaining stiffly beaten egg whites until there are no more white streaks.
  • Set aside while preheating the waffle iron. Resting allows the gluten to relax and the waffles will be more tender.
  • Spray the waffle maker with non-stick spray and add about ⅓ cup of batter (depending on the size of your waffle baker!)
  • Close and cook according to manufacturers' instructions.
  • Waffles are done when the waffle iron stops steaming.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs - if you're in a hurry just put the unbroken eggs in a bowl of hot water for about 5 minutes.
  • Cake flour will make the waffles lighter.
  • Be sure to spray your waffle maker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Make sure the iron is ready before adding the batter. Most will have a green light that comes on.
  • They're done when it stops steaming and the lid raises up easily.
  • Waffles are best as soon as they come off the waffle iron so have the family ready at the table if you can.
  • If you have to keep them waiting put them on a wire rack in a warm oven so they'll stay crispy.
  • You can freeze any type of waffle by letting it cool then placing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Heat them up in the toaster or in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
  • If you don't have buttermilk on hand you can use 1 teaspoon of vinegar to each cup of milk for a replacement. Buttermilk works best, though.
  • You can make buttermilk yourself a couple of different ways.
  • To use regular milk, or non dairy milks, just leave out the baking soda and substitute for the buttermilk.
  • You can use this recipe for pancakes but this buttermilk pancake batter is better.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1waffle | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 348IU | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

First published April 20, 2020. Last updated May 28, 2024, for editorial improvements, tips, and helpful information.

A finished waffle on a pate with a stack of waffles in the background.

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Buttermilk Waffles

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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    4.80 from 20 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Pamela Cameron says

    January 13, 2024 at 6:13 pm

    Hi Marye, I want to try your recipe but I need a waffle iron. Can you tell me what brand you use? I want them waffles crisp on the outside. My waffle iron didn’t do that so I gave it away.
    Thanks,
    Pam in Sunny SC

    Reply
    • Marye says

      January 13, 2024 at 6:26 pm

      Hi Pam. This is the same type as what I use. It works well and makes crispy outsides and tender insides but you do have to make sure to leave the waffles in long enough to be done. It may take some testing out. I've had mine for years and I love it. https://amzn.to/3Sj2MC3

      Reply
  2. Jenn says

    January 14, 2023 at 12:27 pm

    5 stars
    Recipe worked just as described.... delicious!!

    Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

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