Gingerbread Waffles Recipe (& How To Freeze Waffles) - Midwest Nice (2024)

FAQs

Can you make waffles ahead of time and reheat? ›

If you're working ahead, cool the waffles and store in the fridge or freezer. When it's breakfast time you can reheat your waffles toaster oven, cut into dippable pieces, and serve with maple syrup on the side. A make-ahead breakfast your kids will love.

Toast and serve: Place frozen waffles directly in toaster and cook until crisp and lightly browned outside. You can also toast them in an oven heated to 400°F, either on an oven-safe rack for 8 minutes, or on a baking sheet, flipping waffles over midway for even toasting.

Yes! We recommend making the batter ahead of time and cooking the waffles just before serving. For make-ahead waffle batter, simply prepare the batter according to the recipe and cover. Refrigerate for up to one week and whisk before using.

To keep a cooked batch of waffles warm, place them in a low oven directly on the oven rack, or on a wire rack where the air can circulate—never on a sheet pan, where they'll trap that steam and go soggy on the bottom. Conventional wisdom says to set your oven to 200°F, but Marzalek-Kelly turns hers as high as 300°F.

Arrange the waffles on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, about two hours. Next, you can stack the pieces into a resealable plastic bag with each layer separated by either parchment or wax paper. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing. The waffles will keep in the freezer for several months.

They harden and lose their taste over time. If you intend on using the waffles right away, refrigerating them is fine. Freeze them instead if you wish to keep them edible long-term. Throw the waffles away if you notice anything strange, such as mold growth.

Thickness seems to be one of the main factors that frozen waffles lack when compared to their freshly made counterparts. These frozen contenders still don't quite stack up to a waffle hot from the iron, but they do provide a refreshing alternative to the smaller, crunchier discs that populate the frozen waffle section.

"The main thing to keep in mind is that frozen waffles are already cooked," Young said. "The goal is to heat them up quickly so they get crispy, not soggy." This means that whatever cooking method you choose, your waffles should go straight from the freezer to the heat source.

Heating waffles in a microwave is not recommended. Preheat oven to 450 °F. Place frozen waffles flat on baking sheet and heat in the oven for about 5 minutes or until crispy and hot.

Can I use pancake mix in a waffle maker? ›

However, it is important to note that pancake mix and waffle mix are not the same and may require different ingredients and ratios. To make waffles using pancake mix, you may need to add additional ingredients such as oil, eggs, and milk to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Pancake batter and waffle batter contain the same essential ingredients, but there are critical differences between these breakfast foods: Ratios: Waffle batter contains more sugar, butter, and eggs than pancake batter, making it a richer batter with higher fat content.

A thick batter is what allows the waffles to cook enough on the outside that they get golden brown and crispy, but not overdone in the center. For crispy edged waffles with fluffy soft insides, thick batter is key! That's in part why there's both cornstarch and buttermilk in this recipe.

When ready to toast, put waffles in the toaster and toast on the lowest setting a few times until they're toasty and warmed through. I find that toasting them multiple times on low is the best way to ensure they don't burn. Top with butter and syrup and devour!

When it comes to reheating waffles to achieve a crispy texture, using an air fryer is an effective method. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, which crisps up the exterior without drying the interior.

Cover with plastic wrap, and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour; the mixture will begin to bubble. You can cook the waffles at this point, or refrigerate the batter overnight to cook waffles the next day. Preheat your waffle iron.