There’s something magical about waking up in a cozy B&B in Ghent, Belgium. The morning light filtering through lace curtains, the scent of fresh Belgium Waffles wafting from nearby bakeries, and the promise of a new adventure just a train ride away.
That day, we boarded the scenic train to Brugge—a journey I had seen in countless travel videos, but nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand.
Brugge greeted us with its storybook charm: cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and the lively hum of the Marktplatz. It was there, in the heart of the bustling marketplace, that I tasted my very first authentic Belgian waffle. Light, fluffy, golden perfection—each bite was a revelation. The crisp exterior gave way to a tender, airy center, delicately sweet and utterly irresistible. I savored every morsel, sitting among locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
We rarely revisit the same place twice when traveling through Europe—there’s simply too much to see and explore. But Brugge, with its enchanting beauty and unforgettable flavors, might just be the exception. That waffle, enjoyed under the open sky with the sounds of the city swirling around me, is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
If you ever find yourself in Belgium, do not miss the chance to indulge in a true Belgian waffle. And if travel isn’t on the horizon just yet, why not bring a taste of Brugge into your own kitchen?
Belgian Waffles Inspired by Brugge – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by activating the yeast, which gives these waffles their signature light and airy texture. In a small bowl, dissolve one packet of instant dry yeast in ½ cup of lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Crack 3 fresh eggs and whisk them together with ½ cup of melted butter, ⅓ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the juice and zest of one lemon. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your batter, with the lemon adding a subtle brightness that complements the richness of the butter and eggs.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt and mineral water. Use 1 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt (or substitute with quark or sour cream if you prefer) and 125 ml of sparkling mineral water. This combination adds a gentle tang and helps create a tender, moist crumb in the finished waffles.
4. Add the yogurt mixture to the egg and butter base, stirring gently to combine. Then, gradually sift in 2⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, but be careful not to overwork it.
5. Now, fold in the activated yeast mixture, blending it into the batter until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 45 minutes. During this time, the yeast will create tiny bubbles that give the waffles their delightful lift.
6. Once the batter has risen, preheat your waffle iron to its highest setting. A hot iron ensures a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Spray the waffle iron with cooking oil.
7. Spoon the batter into the waffle iron, using just enough to fill the mold without overflowing. Bake each waffle until it turns a deep golden brown and releases easily from the iron—several minutes, depending on your machine.
8. Serve the waffles warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar. For an extra indulgent treat, top them with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, warm cherries, vanilla sauce, or a drizzle of Nutella. Each topping adds its own delicious twist, echoing the joyful variety found in Belgian cafés.
Belgium Waffles
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup butter
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup greek yoghurt (or sour cream)
- 2 1/3 cup flour
- 125 ml mineral water
- 1 packet instant dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 dash salt
- 1 tsp juice of one lemon (zest)
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Dissolve the instant yeast in warm water.
- Add all other ingredients, except the powdered sugar (tip: mix together the Greek yoghurt and mineral water and add to the mixture).
- Let dough rise for 45 minutes
- Warm up the waffle maker to the highest possible setting.
- Bake the waffles until they get golden-brown.
Notes
When finished cover with powdered sugar or fruit and whipping cream, hot cherries, strawberries, vanilla sauce, Nutella etc.
