Clean Eating Belgian Waffles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are Belgian waffles healthy? ›

Let's be honest: Waffles may be delicious, but they aren't exactly good for you. They're usually made with ingredients that nutritionists say to limit, such as white flour, butter, and lots of sugar. A Belgian waffle from IHOP, for example, has 590 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 17 grams of sugars.

While regular old waffles are made from a typical pancake-like batter, Belgian waffles are made from a brioche dough. The secret ingredient in Belgian waffles is the pearl sugar, which gives the waffles a unique texture and slight, satisfying crunch.

Not waiting until the iron heats up properly means your waffles will cook, but never achieve that satisfyingly crisp exterior. Overworking the batter will leave your waffles dense and chewy instead of light and airy. And stacking even the most perfect waffles will cause them to become soggy and limp in minutes.

A 6-ounce waffle at Bob Evans “costs” 340 calories, while Denny's Belgian waffle platter will run you more than 600 calories — before adding syrup, butter or fruit. French toast, though, is typically the least healthy choice. Denny's French toast platter has more than 1,200 calories.

The most important is the balance, so once in a while you can eat pancakes and waffles, but don't make it a every day thing. Ruperto A. You could probably still have pancakes or waffles if you use a healthy recipe with low sugar, and you could top them with fresh fruit and/or cream or yoghurt.

When it comes to making waffles, using extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil can make all the difference. The distinct and rich flavor of olive oil adds a unique twist to the classic waffle recipe. It brings a subtle fruity and peppery taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the batter.

As you are cooking, simply transfer each finished waffle from your waffle maker to the wire rack. That's it! The low temperature of the oven will keep the waffles warm and crispy without burning them and the the elevation of the rack in the baking sheet helps keep away sogginess.

What's the difference between a Belgian waffle and an old fashioned waffle? ›

The ingredients for both regular waffles and Belgian waffles are similar and include flour, milk, eggs, and butter or oil. However, Belgian waffles use egg whites to give a fluffier texture. Additionally, Belgian waffles have yeast in their recipe while regular waffles use baking powder.

Belgian waffles were originally showcased in 1958 at the Brussel's World Fair, and later introduced to the United States by a man named Walter Cleyman. They were further popularized in 1964, when Maurice Vermersh introduced his recipe at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

Recommended overnight or 2 hr resting – for the tastiest waffles, rest the batter overnight in the fridge or for at least 2 hours. This makes the flour grains absorb the liquid so it makes the inside of the waffles softer.

If the waffles aren't fully crisped when they come out of the waffle iron, put them in a 250 degrees F oven for 5 minutes, directly on the metal racks of the oven (not on a baking sheet). This will crisp the waffles even further and putting it on the wire oven rack will allow the steam to escape and prevent sogginess.

Belgian waffles start with a yeasted batter, require a leavening agent and tend to include more butter, milk and sugar. If you try to make the Liege style, larger sugar granules are added for more crunch. Traditional or American waffles often substitute yeast with baking powder and do not sit overnight.

The Difference Between Belgian Waffles and Regular Waffles

Belgian waffles have extra-deep pockets—the better for filling with butter, jam, maple syrup, or whipped cream. They're sometimes made with egg whites to give them their signature crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture.

Neither carb-tastic treat is exactly spa food (though both can be made healthier and/or made to suit special diets—by using almond flour for gluten-free versions, for instance), but if you're counting calories, waffles have about 100 more of them than pancakes, and more cholesterol too, but that's before you factor in ...

Despite their tasty profile, these comfort foods are often made with refined white flour and topped with butter and syrup, which is essentially pure sugar. This means that pancakes and waffles are high in calories, fat, and sugar, yet lacking in protein and fiber.