First Watch Waffle Recipe
First Watch is a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant chain known for its extensive menu of delicious dishes. One of their most crave-worthy offerings is the sweet and fluffy waffles. Light yet crispy, these waffles have just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any morning craving.
In this recipe, we recreate the First Watch waffles at home with simple pantry ingredients. Cooked to golden brown perfection in a waffle maker, they are then topped with fresh fruit, syrup, and whipped cream for a picture-perfect plated breakfast.
The following First Watch Waffle Recipe captures the essence of the coveted First Watch waffles, with step-by-step instructions so you can enjoy breakfast-style waffles from your own kitchen.
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Why You Will Love These Waffles?
1. Classic Breakfast: These waffles are a timeless breakfast classic, and they never go out of style. The combination of crisp edges and a soft, fluffy interior is pure breakfast bliss.
2. Easy and Quick: Making these waffles is a breeze. The batter comes together in no time, making them a perfect choice for a hassle-free morning meal.
3. Customizable Flavors: Whether you prefer them plain, with chocolate chips, or loaded with blueberries, you can easily customize these waffles to suit your taste. Get creative and add your favorite ingredients.
4. Make-Ahead and Freeze: These waffles are fantastic for meal prep. You can whip up a batch, freeze them, and enjoy them whenever you like. It’s the ultimate convenience breakfast.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: Approximately 3 minutes per waffle | Yields: 4 waffles
Ingredients For First Watch Waffle Recipe
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) all-purpose flour: The base of your waffle batter, providing structure and texture.
- 2 Tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 Tbsp (9 g) baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your waffles rise and become fluffy.
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 ¼ cups (310 mL) buttermilk: Adds a rich, tangy flavor and helps achieve a tender texture.
- ½ cup (125 mL) vegetable oil: Provides moisture and richness to the waffles.
- 2 large eggs, separated: The yolks are added to the wet ingredients for richness, while the beaten egg whites contribute to fluffiness.
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips (optional): A delightful surprise for chocolate lovers, adding a decadent touch to your waffles.
- Maple syrup and fresh berries, for serving: The finishing touch, making your waffles extra special.
Equipment and Tools:
- Waffle Iron
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk or Fork
- Spatula
- Cooking Spray or Oil
Let’s Make First Watch Waffle Step by Step
Step 1. Preparing the Waffle Batter:
- First, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt in a mixing bowl. This dry mixture will be the foundation of your waffle batter.
- Whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg yolks in a separate bowl. This mixture provides moisture, tanginess, and richness.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture and stir gently until they are combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps, just like pancake batter – this makes the waffles tender and fluffy.
Step 2. Incorporating the Fluffiness:
- Whisk the two egg whites in another mixing bowl until they form soft peaks when the whisk or beaters are lifted. These beaten egg whites will add airiness to your waffles.
- Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the waffle batter. This step is essential for achieving the waffle’s fluffiness. If you opt for a chocolatey twist, stir in the chocolate chips at this stage.
Step 3. Cooking the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions. If the instructions suggest greasing the iron, do so lightly.
- Once the waffle iron is ready, ladle the batter into the iron, filling it as instructed (remember, the first waffle is your test to determine the right amount of batter). Close the iron and cook the waffle until it’s lightly browned and crisp. Then, remove it.
- Repeat this process with the remaining batter to make more waffles. You can prepare these ahead of time and re-warm them in the oven, on the grill, or in a toaster, but avoid using the microwave, as it may affect their texture.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve:
- To complete your waffle experience, drizzle each waffle with maple syrup for that delightful sweetness and add a generous topping of fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
Make a big batch and freeze extras to heat up for a quick breakfast on busy mornings! These chocolate chip waffles are sure to become a new family favorite.
Please watch the provided video for a more comprehensive understanding:
Tips for Making Perfect Waffles
Preheat the Waffle Iron: Ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. This will help your waffles cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the iron.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
Separate and Whip the Egg Whites: This is a key step for achieving fluffy waffles. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then gently fold them into the batter for that airy texture.
Customize with Add-Ins: Experiment with your waffle batter by adding extras like chocolate chips, blueberries, or zest for added flavor and texture.
Serve Immediately or Reheat Properly: Waffles are best enjoyed immediately when they’re at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven, on a grill, or in a toaster. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve these waffles with crispy bacon and eggs for a hearty breakfast.
2. For a lighter breakfast, enjoy the waffles with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
3. Drizzle the waffles with maple syrup or honey for a sweet touch.
4. For a creamy pairing, serve the waffles topped with vanilla yogurt and granola.
5. Make it a weekend brunch by serving mimosas, coffee, or fresh orange juice alongside the waffles.
6. For dessert, top with ice cream and chocolate sauce for a delicious treat.
7. Leftover waffles can be frozen and then toasted for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
FAQs on First Watch Waffle Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions and their short answers on First Watch Waffle Recipe:
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using.
2. How do I store leftover waffles?
Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for several weeks. Reheat them in the oven, on a grill, or in a toaster for the best results.
3. Can I make these waffles without a waffle iron?
A waffle iron is essential for making traditional waffles. However, if you don’t have one, you can use the batter to make pancakes on a griddle or in a skillet.
4. What’s the difference between waffle batter and pancake batter?
Waffle batter typically includes whipped egg whites, resulting in a fluffier texture compared to pancake batter. The crispy outer layer of waffles also sets them apart.
5. How do I know when the waffles are done cooking?
The waffles are ready when they are golden brown and crisp. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron, but it’s usually around 3-4 minutes.
6. Why are my waffles sticking to the iron?
To prevent sticking, make sure to preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it if the instructions suggest doing so. Overfilling with batter can also lead to sticking.
7. Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these waffles. Just ensure it’s a suitable replacement for all-purpose flour.
8. What’s the secret to making the waffles fluffy?
Whipping the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter is the key to achieving fluffy waffles.
9. How can I make mini waffles for a party or event?
If you want to make mini waffles, consider using a mini waffle iron or pour smaller portions of batter onto your regular waffle iron.
10. Can I make these waffles vegan?
You can adapt the recipe to be vegan by using plant-based buttermilk (like almond or soy milk with lemon juice) and replacing eggs with a suitable egg substitute.
Final Thoughts
Recreating the signature First Watch waffles at home is easy with this simple recipe. Fluffy, lightly sweet, and perfectly crisp, these waffles are a breakfast treat. Top them with fresh fruit, syrup, and whipped cream just like the diner original.
Enjoy this taste of First Watch from your own kitchen anytime you crave those diner-style waffles.
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