Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd
When it comes to feeding a large group, nothing beats the joy and warmth of freshly made waffles. This Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd is perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or any occasion where you want to impress everyone with a delicious, fluffy breakfast option. Light, airy, and oh-so-satisfying, these waffles are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. With a few simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up a batch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd is special for several reasons. First, buttermilk adds a unique tanginess and a light texture that elevates the flavor and fluffiness of the waffles. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures they rise beautifully, resulting in waffles that are crisp on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside. Additionally, this recipe is designed to serve a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to delight everyone without spending all morning in the kitchen. Each bite is a reminder of cozy mornings and cherished memories.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour (4 cups / 480g): This is the base of our waffles, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon / 2.6g): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar (3 tablespoons / 36g): Adds a touch of sweetness to the batter.
- Baking powder (3 teaspoons / 12g): Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda (1 1/2 teaspoons / 6g): Works in tandem with buttermilk for a light texture.
- Buttermilk (4 cups / 980g): Provides rich flavor and tenderizes the batter.
- Large eggs (4 / 200g): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup / 113g): Adds moisture and flavor to the waffles.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons / 9g): Infuses a warm, sweet aroma.
Gear Checklist
- Waffle iron: A good-quality waffle iron is essential for making perfectly cooked waffles.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk helps to blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to the recipe’s success.
- Spatula: Handy for folding ingredients and scraping the bowl.
- Cooling rack: To keep the waffles crispy while you cook the rest.
Build Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 4: Preheat Your Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A hot waffle iron is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Once the waffle iron is ready, lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter. Pour an appropriate amount of batter onto the iron (usually about 1 cup, depending on your waffle iron size). Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, usually about 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Keep Waffles Warm
As you cook the waffles, place them on a cooling rack to prevent them from steaming and getting soggy. If serving immediately, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the waffles warm with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are all delightful options.
Spring to Winter: Ideas
- Spring: Top with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of honey.
- Summer: Serve with a berry compote and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice to the batter and serve with caramel sauce and pecans.
- Winter: Use peppermint extract in the batter and top with crushed candy canes and chocolate sauce.
Author’s Commentary
This Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by incorporating different flavors, spices, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. I love serving these waffles at family gatherings because they bring everyone together over a delicious meal. The aroma of freshly cooked waffles always draws people into the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, leftovers freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them even on busy mornings!
How to Store & Reheat
Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy them fresh and crispy, just like the first time!
Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd Q&A
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the waffles in advance and freeze them for later use.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the waffle’s structure and texture.
What toppings do you recommend for these waffles?
The possibilities are endless! Some popular toppings include fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, nut butter, or yogurt. You could also add a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.
Make It Tonight
Next time you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to treat yourself and your family to a delightful breakfast, remember this Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and brings a little bit of joy to your morning routine. Gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious waffles that everyone will love!
Buttermilk Waffles Recipe for a Crowd
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda until well combined.
- Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold until just combined.
- Step 4: Preheat Your Waffle Iron: Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 5: Cook the Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron, pour the batter, close the lid, and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 6: Keep Waffles Warm: Place cooked waffles on a cooling rack to keep them crispy. If serving immediately, keep them warm in a low oven.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup or fresh fruits.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Leftover waffles freeze well; reheat in a toaster for crispy results.
- Experiment with toppings like yogurt, nuts, or chocolate chips for variety.
