Belgian Waffles: Unlocking Belgium’s Famous Dish

Last updated on October 6th, 2023 at 02:38 pm

Belgium doesn’t have an official national dish, but if they did, it’s likely that Belgian waffles would take that honor. Fluffy, warm, and versatile, they’re delicious at breakfast or after a night out. Want to learn more—including how to recreate that taste at home?

Our team at Remitly put together this guide as part of our series celebrating the traditional foods of our customers around the world. Let’s get started.

The History of Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles have a long and interesting history. The first known recipe for waffles dates back to the 14th century, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that the modern Belgian waffle was created. The waffle became popular in Belgium due to the abundance of wheat and the country’s status as a major trading hub.

Belgian waffles made their way to the United States in the early 1960s, thanks to Maurice Vermersch, a Belgian chef who introduced them at the 1964 World’s Fair.

Traditional Belgian Waffle Ingredients

Belgian waffles are made using a yeast batter that is allowed to rise before being cooked in a waffle maker. The batter typically includes eggs, milk, flour, and sugar, along with yeast or baking powder.

The texture of a Belgian waffle is what sets it apart from other types of waffles. The outside is crispy and caramelized, while the inside is soft and fluffy. This unique texture is achieved by using a yeast-based batter and cooking the waffle in a specialized waffle iron.

Toppings that Complement Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are delicious on their own, but they are even better when topped with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. Some popular options include fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, Nutella, and powdered sugar.

Savory toppings like fried chicken, bacon, and eggs are also popular.

Brussels vs. Liege Waffles: What’s the Difference?

There are two main types of Belgian waffles: Brussels and Liege. Brussels waffles are made using a light and crispy batter, while Liege waffles are made using a denser, sweeter dough that includes pearl sugar.

Brussels waffles are typically rectangular in shape and have deep pockets, while Liege waffles are round and have a caramelized, crunchy exterior.

Both types of waffles are enjoyed throughout Belgium.

What is Pearl Sugar, Anyway?

Pearl sugar is a key ingredient in Liege waffles and is what gives them their unique texture and flavor. The sugar is made by compressing small pieces of sugar into larger chunks, which do not dissolve during the cooking process and create a caramelized exterior on the waffle.

Pearl sugar can be difficult to find outside of Belgium, but it can be ordered online or substituted with other types of sugar in Liege waffle recipes.

Belgian Waffles: Not Just for Breakfast

While Belgian waffles are often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch food, they are also a popular dessert in Belgium. They are often paired with ice cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit.

In recent years, Belgian waffles have become a popular street food and can be found at food trucks and stalls around Europe.

##Traditional Belgian Waffle Recipe

While it’s possible to buy a waffle mix, we find that homemade Belgian waffles are a hit with the whole family—and don’t take much prep time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense waffle.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Nonstick waffle makers may not need butter or vegetable oil for greasing, but test a small amount of waffle batter first to be sure.
6. Once the batter has risen, give it a gentle stir to deflate it slightly.
7. Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron and spread it evenly. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crispy.
8. Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and repeat with the remaining batter. Keep waffles warm on a baking sheet in the oven while you work.
9. Serve the waffles warm with your favorite toppings, such as blueberries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Pro tip: these waffles reheat easily in the toaster.

Do I Need to Separate the Eggs?

Not all Belgian waffle recipes require separating the egg yolks from the egg whites to achieve their famous texture.

While the technique of whipping egg whites until stiff peaks form is commonly used to create a light interior, it’s not absolutely necessary for the best Belgian waffles. Just keep a light hand when mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.

Do I Need a Belgian Waffle Iron?

A Belgian waffle maker is a specialized kitchen appliance designed to create Belgian-style waffles. It features a unique grid pattern that produces waffles with deep pockets and a larger size compared to standard waffle irons. These deep pockets are perfect for trapping syrups, sauces, or other toppings.

While having a Belgian waffle maker enhances the authenticity of crafting these waffles, it’s not required. You can use a traditional waffle iron for delicious results.

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