Liege Belgian Waffles Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, giving the waffles their light, airy texture.

Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast, starting the fermentation process.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the waffles.

Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and a rich, buttery flavor.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, sweet aroma.

Pearl sugar: Creates crunchy, caramelized pockets of sweetness throughout the waffles.

When incorporating the pearl sugar into the dough, be sure to fold it in gently to avoid breaking the large crystals. This ensures that the sugar remains intact, creating those signature pockets of caramelized sweetness throughout the waffles. Additionally, when preheating your waffle iron, make sure it is thoroughly heated to achieve a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the waffles denser.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't need to be dissolved in water first.

• lukewarm water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds richness and a slightly sweeter flavor to the dough.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the taste of the waffles.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made from ground flaxseeds and water, though they may change the texture slightly.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a different flavor and is a dairy-free alternative.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• pearl sugar - Substitute with crushed sugar cubes: Crushed sugar cubes can mimic the crunch and sweetness of pearl sugar, though they may not be as uniform.

• Allow the waffles to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the waffles in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, wrap each waffle individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped waffles in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the waffles on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven. Toast on a medium setting until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
• Avoid microwaving the waffles as it can make them soggy and chewy instead of crispy.
• If you prefer, you can also reheat the waffles in a preheated waffle iron for a few minutes to restore their original texture and crispiness.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the waffles on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.

• Use a toaster oven for a quick reheat. Set it to a medium setting and toast the waffles for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

• For a microwave option, place the waffles on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 15-second increments.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the waffles in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the waffles in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix the ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, water, and other ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like yeast, salt, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Useful for mixing the yeast with water and for combining the dry ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing the dough after adding the eggs and yeast mixture.

• Spatula: Handy for folding in the pearl sugar gently.

• Waffle iron: Used to cook the dough into golden brown and caramelized waffles.

• Small bowl: Needed for dissolving the yeast in lukewarm water.

• Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.

• Measuring jug: Useful for measuring and pouring the lukewarm water.

• Knife: Handy for dividing the dough into portions before cooking.

• Cooling rack: Used to cool the waffles after they are cooked.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly and efficiently mix the dough, saving you time and effort.

Preheat the waffle iron early: Turn on your waffle iron while the dough is rising to ensure it's ready to go.

Divide dough ahead: Portion the dough before cooking to speed up the process when using the waffle iron.

Clean as you go: Tidy up while the waffles cook to save time on cleanup later.