Overnight Yeasted Waffles

They’re crispy on the outside and tender in the middles, but they’re also a touch chewy from the overnight rise with yeast. That same yeast and long rise also give these waffles an unmatchable flavor, particularly when paired with a drizzle of Wisconsin maple syrup or homemade apple butter. Everyone has their favorite waffle recipe — here is mine.

You add some yeast to the batter and let it slowly rise on the counter overnight. Be sure to use your biggest mixing bowl — this batter can double or even triple by the time you wake up the next morning! The slow overnight rise makes waffles with a subtle sweet yeasty flavor and a more substantial texture than waffles made with baking soda alone. My family recipe was also made without any sugar, but I’ve found that adding a few spoonfuls is a nice weekend treat — try it both ways and see which one you like best.

I think that my mother worries that now that I have my own waffle maker, I no longer have a reason to make my semi-annual trek back home. But she doesn’t need to fret — everyone knows that waffles at Mom’s table are always the best.

Tester’s Notes
This waffles still are — and will no doubt always be — my favorite. They are so crispy on the outside, and yet chewy on the inside. And I absolutely love the subtle taste of yeastiness in every bite. So good.

Overnight Yeasted Waffles

Makes about 8 Belgian-style waffle squares or 16 standard waffle squares; recipe can be doubled
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INGREDIENTS
Night Before:
1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active-dry yeast
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups whole or 2% milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
3 cups all-purpose flour
The Next Day:
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the yeast and the water in a large mixing bowl and let stand for a few minutes. Stir to make sure the yeast dissolves into the water. Melt the butter over low heat or in the microwave. Combine the butter with the milk, salt, and sugar (if using). Test with your finger to make sure the mixture has cooled to luke warm, then stir it into the dissolved yeast mixture. Add the flour and stir until a thick, shaggy dough is formed and there is no more visible flour.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter overnight. The batter will double or triple in bulk as it rises.
The next morning, beat the eggs together and add them to the batter along with the baking soda. Using a whisk or hand blender, beat the eggs and baking soda into the batter until completely combined.
Make the waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions, cooking until the waffles are golden-brown. Cooking time will vary with your waffle maker, but it is typically 4 to 6 minutes.
Waffles are best if served immediately, but re-heat well in the toaster. Leftovers can be kept refrigerated for up to a week. Leftover waffles can also be frozen for up to 3 months and toasted straight out of the freezer.
RECIPE NOTES
Use a very large mixing bowl to make this recipe as the batter will double in size as it rises.

Double-Batch Waffle Recipe: 1 tablespoon active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water, 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 4 cups whole or 2% milk, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 cup sugar (optional), 6 cups all-purpose flour, 4 large eggs (added the next day), 1 teaspoon baking soda (added the next day).