Waffles have always been a breakfast staple, but who has the time to whip up a batch before the morning rush? Enter the overnight yeasted waffle—a game-changer for lazy mornings. Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of ready-to-cook batter, just like a warm hug from your kitchen, especially after those unpredictable late-night Netflix binges.
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and warm water, allowing it to stand for a few minutes until the yeast dissolves. Stir to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Melt the butter over low heat or in a microwave. Mix the melted butter with milk, salt, and sugar (if using), ensuring the mixture is lukewarm before adding it to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until a thick, shaggy dough forms with no visible flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature overnight, allowing the batter to rise significantly.
- The next morning, beat the eggs and add them, along with the baking soda, to the risen batter. Whisk or blend these ingredients together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Preheat your waffle maker and cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 4 to 6 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- Serve the waffles immediately for best taste. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months, reheating them in a toaster when needed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 cups whole or 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
FAQ
- Why do these waffles need to rise overnight?
- The overnight rise allows the yeast to develop, giving the waffles a unique flavor and a chewy texture that sets them apart from those made with baking soda alone.
- Can I make these waffles without sugar?
- Yes, the original family recipe doesn’t include sugar, but adding a few spoonfuls can enhance the flavor. You can try it both ways to see which you prefer.
- What should I do if my waffle maker has deep wells?
- If your waffle maker has deep wells, you might want to double the recipe, as the standard batch size is designed for regular waffle irons.
- How long can leftover waffles be stored?
- Leftover waffles can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. They reheat well in a toaster, even straight from the freezer.
- What type of mixing bowl is recommended for preparing the batter?
- It’s advisable to use a very large mixing bowl, as the batter will expand significantly, doubling or even tripling in size during the overnight rise.
Tips
- Use a Large Mixing Bowl: Choose a very large mixing bowl for this recipe, as the batter will expand significantly, doubling or even tripling in size overnight.
- Test Liquid Temperature: After melting the butter and combining it with milk, salt, and sugar, ensure the mixture is lukewarm before adding it to the yeast. This helps in activating the yeast properly without killing it.
- Adjust Recipe for Waffle Iron Size: Depending on your waffle iron’s depth, adjust the recipe accordingly. If your waffle iron has deep wells, consider doubling the recipe for the best results.
- Store and Reheat Leftovers: If you have leftover waffles, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Reheat them directly in the toaster for a quick and crispy treat.
Equipment
- Waffle Maker – Essential for cooking the waffles.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Necessary due to the batter’s significant expansion as it rises overnight.
- Hand Blender or Whisk – Useful for mixing the batter thoroughly, especially after adding eggs and baking soda.
