I’ve enjoyed challenging myself to come up with new and different waffle recipes over the years, such as Nutella Waffles, Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Waffles, Honey Waffles, and Gingerbread Buckwheat Gluten Free Waffles, to name just a few. Yeap. We looooooove waffles, and not just for breakfast!!! And if you’re anything like me, you’re gonna love the unexpected kick of diced jalapeño in these Southern buttermilk waffles. But for those who don’t want the heat, these are totally optional.

Why You’ve Gotta Try These Homemade Waffles

Perfect for breakfast or brunchFluffy and light inside texture with crispy edgesEasy to make in less than a half-hourThe ENTIRE family will rant and rave about themMade from scratch waffles are ALWAYS better than pre-made waffle mix

What Is Buttermilk?

Buttermilk is very popular in Southern recipes, rightfully so because it takes regular recipes up a notch. Traditional buttermilk is made from churning fresh butter. It leaves a leftover liquid that is lower in fat yet higher in protein and is very useful in many recipes. 

Tools Needed

Multipurpose mixing bowls.Measuring spoons and cups.A waffle maker.

Ready to see just how fast you can make the best Buttermilk Waffles? Then gather up your ingredients and I will show you……

How To Make Buttermilk Waffles  

Preheat the waffle iron.In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.Pour in the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir until well combined.Pour the waffle mix into the preheated waffle iron. The amount of batter needed varies based on each waffle iron. Scoop the batter into your waffle iron in batches and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions (lean toward being a little deep golden and crisp. Keep finished waffles warm while cooking the rest of the batch.

Recipe Tips

Keep the cooked waffles warm by storing in the oven for 5-10 mins at 200F / 94C on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Lightly oil or spray the waffle iron with cooking spray before cooking each batch. Want even crispier waffles? Turn the heat up on the waffle iron. Don’t worry you won’t burn them. Do not open the waffle maker halfway through cooking at the risk of breaking the waffles.Make sure you don’t overmix the waffle batter. This will make them turn out too dense. 

What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?

While I tend to think all Southern recipes that call for Buttermilk should use actual buttermilk, I know what it’s like to not always have some on hand. So, for the times you don’t have any extra buttermilk to use, try making your own.  Check out my how to make buttermilk post to learn how easy it is to make your own homemade buttermilk. And, go ahead and make extra and freeze it so you always have extra on hand when you need it!!!

What’s The Difference Between Homestyle Waffles And Southern Buttermilk Waffles? 

Some people may think that all waffles are just waffles. But, those of us waffle lovers know there’s a difference in these kinds of waffles in texture and taste. This Buttermilk Waffle Recipe is lighter and fluffier than traditional homestyle waffles as they’re made with buttermilk and homestyle waffles use regular milk. 

Waffle Topping Suggestions

Folks, waffles are just so darn versatile. Try adding on any of these tasty toppings other than the usual butter and syrup:

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries or any fresh fruitWhipped creamChocolate GanacheJams and JelliesChocolate ChipsMarshmallowsBacon (!)

Meal Prep and Prep Ahead

These Buttermilk Waffles are an ideal meal prep recipe because you can make the waffles ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer until you need them.  Prep Ahead – If you’re looking to prep the ingredients on the same day or the night before, you can mix the dry ingredients (from step 2) together ahead of time and store in a container. I do NOT recommend adding the wet ingredients (from step 3) as this will activate the baking powder and that should not be done until you’re ready to make the waffles.  Freeze – Follow the handy tips below on how to freeze the premade waffles.

Let the waffle cool down and then transfer into these very handy Ziploc freezer bags.Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags.Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer.Store your waffles in the freezer for 3 months.

Thaw – Remove  from the freezer the night before needed and let it thaw in the fridge. You may want to heat in the oven at 200F/94C for 5-10 mins to warm them up or toss in the toaster. 

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Bacon.Whipped Dalgona Coffee.Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole.

More Southern Recipes

Air Fryer Fried Chicken.Buttermilk Pancakes.Southern Banana Pudding Cake.Easy Southern Grape Salad.Bourbon Buttermilk Pie.Southern Squash Casserole.Easy Southern Butter Beans.Candied Sweet Potatoes.

Thank you for reading my Buttermilk Waffles recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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