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This classic recipe for buttermilk waffles yields crispy exteriors with soft middles every time!

Get ready to dust off the waffle maker because this buttermilk waffle recipe will become a weekend breakfast winner.

two waffles on a plate topped with blueberries

What Does Buttermilk Do In Waffles?

Buttermilk is what makes these waffles extra light and fluffy. The acids in the milk react with the baking soda and give the batter an extra ‘lift.’ It’s similar to the effect of Greek yogurt in my Greek Yogurt Waffles recipe.

You’ll be left with extra buttermilk, but don’t toss it out! Buttermilk has a long shelf life and can be used to make these old-fashioned pancakes for another breakfast or crispy chicken strips. I’ll leave the decision to you.

Buttermilk Waffle Ingredients

Here’s a list of everything you need to make these buttermilk waffles:

all-purpose flour: the foundation to waffle perfection.
baking soda: reacts with the acids in the buttermilk and makes these waffles extra fluffy.
baking powder: fresh baking powder gives the batter extra lift.
salt: enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
sugar: helps the waffles brown and adds a little sweetness.
eggs: to bind the other ingredients and help the waffles rise.
unsalted butter: adds moisture and flavor.
buttermilk: the key to light and fluffy waffles.
cooking spray: to grease the waffle iron. Melted butter would also work.

If you’re a fan of chocolate chip waffles, stir ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter before cooking!

a person drizzling syrup over buttermilk waffles

How to Make Buttermilk Waffles

Are you ready to make perfect buttermilk waffles? Let’s get to it!

Get the waffle iron ready
Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar to make your waffle mix.
Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and butter until smooth. Add the buttermilk and stir to combine.
Make the batter
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
Cook
Grease the waffle iron and pour the batter. Cook the waffles until golden. Serve with butter and maple syrup.

Watch the video to see how these waffles are made from start to finish:

I highly recommend double batching, so you can enjoy fresh waffles today and freeze the rest for up to 2 months. Reheat them the toaster or toaster oven until warm and golden crisp.

Can You Make Buttermilk Waffles Without Buttermilk?

So if you are wondering, “can I make buttermilk waffles with regular milk?” You can, but it’s not the same. Instead, make your own buttermilk, one cup at a time, by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or apple vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and stir. Let it sit for 2 minutes, and voila! You’ve got “buttermilk.”

One final note on the buttermilk is to use whole milk or at least 2% milk. Non-fat milk buttermilk is a no-go.

overhead view of waffles with blueberries, large bowl of blueberries to one side

Toppings for Buttermilk Waffles

Delicious topping ideas for waffles are endless. You could grab some ideas from my list of EPIC toppings or use one of the ideas below:

Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Sliced bananas
Brown Sugar Syrup
Homemade Blueberry Syrup
Homemade Strawberry Syrup

How do you like to eat your buttermilk waffles?

Classic Buttermilk Waffles

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

This classic recipe for buttermilk waffles yields crispy exteriors with soft middles every time!

4.91 from 11 votes

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Watch how it’s made:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature

Instructions

Make the waffle batter:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Then add the melted butter, vanilla, and buttermilk.
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, and stir to combine. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the waffle iron.

Cook the waffles:

Heat the waffle maker to your preferred setting. If your waffle maker has an adjustable temperature gauge, I recommend medium-high. Grease it if necessary.
Scoop some of the batter into the center of the hot waffle maker and spread it out with the back of the spoon towards the edges without over-filling it. Close the lid and cook until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.