Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles

I may be one of a handful of people who have never been to the Waffle House. While we have passed a countless number of them when on long road trips, not even hunger pangs had ever compelled us to exit the highway to stop at one. Those who know me have said more than likely I might be disappointed. So rather than prove them wrong, I have heeded their cautionary advice and continued to enjoy my fair share of fluffy, delicious, rich Belgian style buttermilk waffles at home. Which also has had the added benefit of giving me all the more reason to justify my impulse purchase of an All-Clad waffle maker way back when. Fortunately, instead of it being one of those nice to have kitchen appliances, the kind that take up space and gather dust, it's status has been elevated to a must-have one around here. 

Next to Liege Waffles and Cinnamon Roll Waffles, these Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles are yet another good reason why everyone should own a waffle maker. And, if you happen to be one of those who love to eat breakfast for dinner and/or love to invite friends over for breakfast or brunch, you might someday wonder how you had ever lived without one. But this isn't a sales pitch for buying a waffle maker, but it could very well be. It's a blog post with the intention of making your mouth water for a plate of these Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles.

A breakfast of buttery, crispy, fluffy, buttermilk waffles makes for a great start to the day, to the weekend! Just imagine everyone's eye-widening reaction when you set out a platter of warm, homemade waffles! Who doesn't love to make and serve a breakfast everyone swoons over? 

When you look at the ingredients for these waffles you might be wondering if they aren't the same as the ones used to make pancakes. While there are similarities between waffle and pancake ingredients, there are some significant differences between the two. In general, waffle batter contains more sugar, butter and eggs than pancake batter. The result is a richer batter with a higher fat content. There are textural differences between waffles and pancakes as well. Waffles tend to have fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors, due in large part to the sugar and extra fat in the batter. Pancakes then to have a softer, more cake-like texture. Although some pancake batters are made with leavening agents (baking powder and/or baking soda), they are more the exception than the rule. Waffles on the other hand always contain leavening agents in order to contribute to creating their fully interiors. Last, but not least, the difference in ingredient amounts between waffles and pancakes results in differences in batter consistency. Waffle batter is generally thicker than pancake batter.

Like most batters, the wet and dry ingredients are first whisked together separately. But when the wet ingredients are added to the dry ingredients, the best tool for gently blending the batter is a spatula. The batter should be lumpy. So when adding in the fresh blueberries, don't over mix and eliminate all of those lumps. Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes before you begin making them.

Most waffle makers have non-stick surfaces, lightly oiling them before making your first batch of waffles helps them release easier. Instead of using an aerosol spray, lightly brush on some vegetable oil. There are additives in aerosol sprays you don't want to put on a hot waffle maker as they can cause non-stick surfaces to become sticky and hard to clean over time. So to be safe and to extend the life of your waffle maker, don't use aerosol sprays. 

Cooking time for these thick, golden Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles ranges from 3 to 5 minutes. Cooking time will depend on the heat setting you select as well as the depth of the well of the waffle maker. Most waffle makers will beep when the waffles are done (so look for that feature if you are buying one for the first time).

For the most epic Blueberry Buttermilk Waffle eating experience, serve them with an assortment of toppings. Lightly sweetened whipped cream, butter (room temperature), maple syrup, jams, preserves, confectionary sugar, and/or berries are some of my favorites. 

Not a fan of fresh blueberries? No problem. Leave them out. Because with or without the blueberries, these fluffy, crispy, golden, caramelized finished waffles are throw down worthy delicious. With waffles like these, breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner might best be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Who knows, your friends might start calling your house the BEST 'Waffle House' ever!

Recipe

Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles

Serves 4-6

Makes 8-10 five inch sized waffles

Ingredients

2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon (62g) granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted, and slightly cooled

2 large eggs

2 cups buttermilk

1 Tablespoon good quality vanilla

2 cups (300g) fresh blueberries

Serving options: butter, lightly sweetened whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, jam/perserves, and/or sifted confectionary sugar

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Set aside.

2. In a medium sized bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Then add in the vanilla, buttermilk and melted butter. Whisk until blended.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to blend. Do not over mix. There will be some lumps. 

4. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Let the batter rest 10-15 minutes.

5. Heat your waffle maker. Set your heat setting to at least 4. Lightly brush the waffle maker with vegetable oil.

6. Pour 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the batter into your waffle maker. Most waffle makers will beep when the waffles are done. If not, check for doneness after three minutes. 

7. Transfer the cooked waffles to a platter or individual plates.

8. Serve with freshly whipped cream, butter, maple syrup, jams or preserves, and/or additional fresh berries.

9. Place any leftover waffles in a ziplock bag and store in the refrigerator. Heat them up in a toaster (they will re-crisp up beautifully).

Notes: (1) I used this All-Clad waffle maker to make these Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles. If I were buying a new waffle maker I would consider buying the four versus two square one. (2) If you don't like Blueberry Waffles, make these super delicious waffles plain.