Crisp and buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside – it's only fitting that there's a day to celebrate this delicious breakfast treat.
Today, March 25, marks national waffle day meaning it's about time you put that waffle iron hiding in the back of your cupboard to good use. Homemade waffles always feel like a total treat, and they’re really quite easy to prepare.
The very best homemade waffles should greet you with crisp, golden-brown outsides and tender, pillowy insides, with a balanced flavour that’s a tiny bit rich and buttery that's not too sweet. (You’ve got to leave room for the maple syrup, of course!) Most recipes start with the same basic ingredients: flour, butter, milk, some eggs, and a leavening agent, like baking powder or baking soda. The great thing about waffles is that they're versatile meaning once you nail a basic batter, you can add some showstopping ingredients to really change things up.
Below, we've rounded up the very best waffle recipes. From basic waffles topped with hazelnut spread to waffles made with butternut squash that double up as a tasty main course, keep scrolling for the best waffle recipes to make this national waffle day!
Banana bread waffles
If your other half was bitten by the banana bread craze at the start of lockdown, these banana bread waffles are bound to impress. Top with pecans, banana slices and warm maple syrup. Get the recipe, here.
Gluten-free almond waffles with orange glaze
These gluten-free waffles are just what you would expect in a regular waffle. They are soft and chewy on the inside and have that great crunch on the outside when you bite into it. You'll need fewer than 10 ingredients and just 10 minutes for a delicious, gluten-free breakfast any day of the week! Try the recipe, here.
Roasted butternut squash waffles
Butternut squash definitely doesn’t feature in a regular Swedish waffle, but it does give it a natural sweetness, which means you can reduce the refined sugar normally added to the batter. It also gives you the option of turning this into a starter (or even a main when served with a crisp green salad) instead of serving it as a sweet treat. Find the recipe, here.
Waffles with banana and chocolate hazelnut drizzle
You’ve got to love a toaster waffle — they’re convenient when you want to switch from the toast or bagel routine, and are neutral enough in flavour to host a variety of toppings. This recipe tops plain old toaster waffles with a banana and chocolate hazelnut drizzle that makes breakfast time delicious. Try the recipe out, here. 
Jalapeño and cheese waffles with bacon and eggs
Brunches like this are what lazy weekends are all about – wake up your tastebuds with these fiery, cheesy jalapeño waffles, served with crispy, smoky bacon and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Try the recipe, here.
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