Ultra Crispy and Buttery Yeast Waffles

I took a quick trip to LA last weekend and I found out that the vintage All-American breakfast diner scene is hotter than ever. I’m here for it and I had to recreate a perfect waffle you can make at home that is even better than a restaurant.

This is not only just as good as anything you can get at a restaurant, it’s the best waffle I’ve ever tasted. All you need is a waffle iron and they’re actually pretty inexpensive. Here’s mine: https://amzn.to/4pbESW1

deep buttery flavor, a crackly crisp exterior, and a soft, fluffy center, without the overnight wait. This is my go-to brunch-service waffle.

Same-Day Ultra-Crispy, Butteriest Yeast Waffles

Crisp + caramelized outside • Cloud-soft inside

Total Time

About 90 minutes start to finish

Yield

6–8 waffles

Ingredients:

Waffles

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (crispness secret)

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1¾ cups whole milk, warmed to 105–110°F

• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp baking soda (added just before cooking)

  
  

Instructions

1. Bloom the yeast (5 minutes)

Whisk warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar together.

Let stand until foamy and fragrant.

2. Mix the batter

In a large bowl, whisk:

• Flour

• Cornstarch

• Remaining sugar

• Salt

Add:

• Yeast mixture

• Melted butter

• Eggs

• Vanilla

Whisk until smooth and glossy. Batter should be loose but thick.

3. Fast rise (45–60 minutes)

Cover loosely and let rise in a warm spot until:

• Puffy

• Lightly bubbly

• About 50–75% increased in volume

(This is key for flavor without over-proofing.)

4. Preheat waffle iron

Heat to high or darkest setting.

Crisp waffles require aggressive heat.

5. Finish the batter

Right before cooking, gently fold in:

• ¼ tsp baking soda

Do not overmix — this gives an instant boost in the iron.

6. Cook for maximum crisp

• Lightly grease iron with butter or neutral oil.

• Cook until deep golden brown and the steam nearly stops.

• Resist opening early.

🔥 Pro tip: When done, place waffles directly on an oven rack (200°F) to stay crisp.

Honey Maple Whipped Butter

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1½ tbsp honey

• Pinch flaky sea salt

  
  

Method

Whip butter until pale and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Add maple syrup, honey, and salt.

Whip until light, silky, and mousse-like.

Serving Perfection

Spread whipped butter onto hot waffles so it melts into every pocket.

Finish with:

• Warm maple syrup

• Extra flaky salt

• Optional: vanilla bean or orange zest

  
  

Why This Work

• Yeast + sugar = better browning & flavor

• Cornstarch = shatter-crisp crust

• High butter content = rich, caramelized edges

• Baking soda at the end = dramatic lift + crunch