Can You Make Waffles Without a Waffle Iron?
The enticing aroma of freshly cooked waffles is a breakfast delight that has captured the hearts and appetites of many. However, what if you find yourself craving these delectable treats without the luxury of a waffle iron?
The classic waffle iron, with its signature grid pattern, is undoubtedly a kitchen staple for crafting the perfect waffle. But does the absence of this specialized appliance mean you have to forgo the joy of waffles altogether?
Waffles can be made without a waffle iron. Despite not having a waffle maker, you can still make crunchy, light, and delicious waffles without one.
When you find that you don’t own a waffle maker, it’s really a sting when you crave homemade waffles. There’s always a back-up plan. They are best grilled!
It’s one of the best hacks of all time to make waffles in a grill pan. There are still plenty of ridges for holding extra syrup and they still cook up perfectly fluffy. Whether for breakfast (or dinner), it’s the perfect meal.
Different Ways To Make Waffles Without A Waffle Iron
In order to cook waffles the way you like them, you may have to experiment with the methods below. It is easy to make waffles without a waffle maker if you are willing to test your options thoroughly.
Method 1: Using a Silicone Waffle Mold
You can make waffles using a silicone waffle mold just as you would make them in a pan without a waffle maker. When you’re cooking without a waffle iron, you can use a waffle mold inside your oven.
The square indentations and crispy edges you like on your waffles are still possible because you’re using mold. Waffles can be made by whisking the ingredients together in a bowl until they are smooth.
As you combine all the ingredients, use your whisk to remove any lumps of powder. The waffle molds should be placed on a baking sheet (make sure the baking sheet fits the oven well).
Before filling the molds with your recipe, preheat the oven to 430 degrees. Be careful not to fill the waffle mold too much, and level the waffle mold if necessary.
It takes around 9-10 minutes to cook your waffles until they are golden brown on the edges and the batter appears well done.
Waffles need to be removed from the molds after baking, and you should avoid touching the tray with your hands.
There’s no shortage of delicious toppings for these new waffles, including ice cream, sugar, homemade jam, maple syrup, and whipped cream.
Method 2: Making Grill Pan Waffles
Waffles have long been a beloved breakfast indulgence, known for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
While a traditional waffle iron is the go-to tool for crafting these delightful treats, there’s a lesser-known method that can bring waffles to your plate even without the specialized appliance – enter the grill pan waffle.
A grill pan, typically used for creating those coveted grill marks on meats and vegetables, can also serve as a surprisingly effective substitute for a waffle iron.
This technique allows you to enjoy waffles with all the classic texture and flavor, complete with the added charm of grill marks.
Whether you’re embracing your inner culinary adventurer or simply making do with the tools at hand, making waffles on a grill pan can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/4 c. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 c. milk
- 4 tbsp. melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
- Softened butter, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Directions
Step 1
The flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt should be whisked together in a large bowl.
Milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla should be whisked together in a medium bowl. Adding wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mixing just until combined is the best way to combine them.
Step 2
Prepare a medium grill pan by spraying it with cooking spray and heating it over medium heat. In the center of the pan, add about 1/2 cups of batter.
It takes about 3 minutes for waffles to bubble around the edges and make it easy to flip them, then flip them and cook for another 2 minutes. Using the remaining batter, repeat the process.
Step 3
Butter and maple syrup should be served with warm waffles.
Method 3: Using a Cake Pan and an Oven
If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can make waffles in a cake pan. It is possible to prepare waffles with special cake pans.
In order to get soft or crispy waffles, make sure you research your options carefully. A waffle pan’s design can influence the outcome of a recipe, depending on whether it is made for thin waffles or thick waffles.
With your pan, your waffles will be evenly baked, giving them a delicious golden-brown finish.
In order to ensure the waffle batter doesn’t stick to the pan, coat the inside of it with butter or oil before making waffles.
Depending on your waffle pan, you may also need to follow the instructions on how to make waffles. You may need to bake your waffles at a particular temperature depending on your oven and pan.
Method 4: Using a Sandwich Maker
Sandwich makers can be used to make waffles, but they can be messy, especially if you use them often.
The inside of the sandwich maker should be lubricated with oil or melted butter before making waffles.
Close the lid of the machine and allow the mixture to cook for at least one minute after you pour some of it into it.
You may top your waffles with whatever toppings you prefer after removing them from the sandwich maker.
Check if your sandwich maker can make waffles before mixing up your recipe, as some do not have deep enough pans.
Does Making Waffles Without A Waffle Maker Change The Texture?
It might seem impossible to bake a waffle and get the same result as with an iron, but it’s possible. There is no doubt in my mind! As opposed to my standard waffle iron, I actually prefer this one.
No matter how good waffles taste, whenever I receive a waffle request from friends or family, I know I will spend time making several batches while I’d rather entertain.
Does Baking A Waffle Need A Special Recipe, Or Is It Just Method?
It is my go-to recipe for either method of cooking waffles, regardless of whether they are baked or cooked in a waffle maker. There are the usual suspects in this waffle recipe: flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
There is just a hint of sweetness to the flavor, and they puff up to appear so golden and impressive. Feel free to get creative and top yours however you like! I love mine with fresh fruit and maple syrup.
Why Do My Waffles Stick?
This method of making waffles without a waffle maker is a simple solution for those who usually have trouble with their waffles sticking to their waffle irons.
You might have to spray or grease your waffle makers from the past to ensure that they won’t stick to the pan. That is handled by the pan on its own.
Furthermore, sticking problems can also be caused by your recipe – with my recipe, you won’t need to just rely on your tools, since the rich melted butter will do its work too.
Summary
Can’t find a waffle iron? That’s fine! The grill pan is all you need to make waffles from scratch, and you probably already have it.
You already love grilling meat and vegetables on this bad boy, and you make homemade paninis on it as well.
But making waffles out of it is genius. Featuring a crispy exterior and a light, airy interior, they will taste and feel like a waffle. Just be aware that they may look a bit pancake-y while still having those telltale ridges.
In addition, grill-pan waffles hold butter and syrup differently than traditional waffles.
Every bite is as delicious (if not better) than the last thanks to a luscious stream of topping that runs along the ridges. You can’t go wrong with this brunch recipe.
