Deliciously Crisp & Fluffy Old Fashioned Buttermilk Oatmeal Waffles: Your Ultimate Freezer-Friendly Breakfast!
Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly cooked waffles, golden brown with perfectly crisp edges, yet wonderfully light and fluffy inside. These aren’t just any waffles; these are our sensational old-fashioned oatmeal waffles, crafted with the rich tang of buttermilk and the wholesome texture of old-fashioned oats. Infused with comforting notes of cinnamon and vanilla, each bite offers a delightful multigrain experience that elevates your breakfast from mundane to magnificent. And the best part? This isn’t just a delicious treat; it’s a brilliant freezer-friendly breakfast recipe. Prepare a big batch once, and you’ll have wholesome, ready-to-eat breakfasts to enjoy for days, or even weeks, transforming your morning routine into an effortless delight.
More Irresistible Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Recipes to Master
If the idea of delicious, ready-to-go breakfasts excites you, then you’ll love exploring more of our freezer-friendly options. Meal prepping breakfast is a game-changer for busy households, ensuring a wholesome start to your day without the morning rush. Once you master these oatmeal waffles, consider adding these fantastic recipes to your repertoire:
- Banana Walnut Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes packed with sweet bananas and crunchy walnuts, perfect for making ahead.
- Lemon Blueberry Bread with Buttermilk Glaze: A moist and flavorful loaf that freezes beautifully and thaws into a delightful treat.
- Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits: Warm, spiced biscuits that are wonderful for a grab-and-go breakfast or a cozy snack.
You might have heard the notion that oatmeal is boring, especially from the younger members of your family. But we guarantee that homemade oatmeal waffles will completely change their minds! These aren’t your grandma’s plain oatmeal. The transformation into a crisp-edged, fluffy waffle with a satisfying chewiness and hearty multigrain texture is simply magical. Amp up the fun by topping your waffles with vibrant fresh berries, creamy sliced bananas, a dollop of decadent whipped cream, or a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. This isn’t just a delicious breakfast; it’s a smart choice that still packs plenty of nutrition and amazing flavor, making healthy eating exciting. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the goodness of oats in an entirely new and exciting format for the whole family.
My waffle iron is one of the most frequently used appliances in my kitchen, and for good reason! The sheer convenience of making a large batch of waffles and then freezing them for later enjoyment is unparalleled. It truly simplifies meal prep, ensuring I always have a wholesome breakfast option on hand. I’m particularly fond of my current waffle iron because it features removable plates. This design makes cleaning an absolute breeze – I can simply pop the plates directly into the dishwasher, eliminating any scrubbing or sticky residue. If you’re a fellow waffle enthusiast and enjoy preparing them at home, I wholeheartedly recommend investing in a waffle iron with removable plates. It’s a small feature that makes a huge difference in the overall experience, turning what could be a messy chore into a quick and easy task.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfection
Creating these delightful oatmeal waffles is a straightforward process, and following these steps will ensure you achieve perfectly crisp and fluffy results every time. Let’s get started on your journey to a fantastic breakfast!
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old fashioned oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your waffles.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. For the best results, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature, as this helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter and creates a more consistent texture.
Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the oat mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until the ingredients are *just* combined. The batter will be noticeably thick, and it’s perfectly normal, even desirable, to have a few small lumps. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy waffles instead of light and fluffy ones.
Step 4: Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Maker. Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once hot, generously spray the plates with a nonstick oil-based cooking spray. This is key to preventing sticking and achieving that coveted crisp exterior. I find that using a measuring cup to portion and pour the batter into the waffle maker helps prevent overfilling and ensures all my waffles come out consistently sized and perfectly shaped. Remember, the ideal amount of batter will vary depending on the specific model of your waffle maker.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Crisp. Cook the waffles according to your waffle maker’s specific guidelines. Most irons will indicate when the waffle is done with a light or by stopping steam production. Once golden brown and crisp, carefully remove the finished waffle with a fork or non-stick tongs. Place cooked waffles on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy while you continue cooking the remaining batter. Serve immediately or prepare for freezing!
A Note on Oats: Understanding Your Options
Please note: This recipe specifically calls for old fashioned oats. The reason for this choice is paramount to the desired outcome: old fashioned oats contribute a wonderful, distinct oat texture and a hearty, multigrain chewiness to the finished waffles. They hold their shape better during cooking, providing that satisfying bite that sets these waffles apart. If, however, you don’t have old fashioned oats on hand, or if you simply prefer a finer, less textured waffle, you can substitute quick oats or even oat flour. Be aware that these alternatives will result in a softer waffle with a less pronounced oat presence. When using quick oats or oat flour, you may also need to slightly reduce the amount of buttermilk in the recipe, as they tend to absorb less liquid than old fashioned oats. Adjust gradually until you reach a pourable yet thick batter consistency. It is crucial to understand that steel cut oats will NOT work in this recipe. Their dense, chewy nature requires a much longer cooking time and a different preparation method entirely, making them unsuitable for waffle batter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oatmeal Waffles
Here are answers to some common questions to help you get the most out of your old-fashioned oatmeal waffle experience:
For the best possible flavor and texture, using buttermilk is highly recommended. It reacts with the baking powder to create a light and fluffy waffle, while also adding a delightful tangy note. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a homemade substitute: add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) until you reach 1 ¾ cups. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. While this works well, the authentic tang of real buttermilk still yields the most superior results. You can also substitute dairy-free buttermilk options if preferred.
Absolutely! While waffles always boast their crispiest texture and best flavor straight from the waffle iron, these oatmeal waffles are excellent for making ahead and reheating. They store very well. You can keep freshly cooked waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and restore some crispness, place them directly in a toaster or toaster oven until heated through and golden. For larger batches, arrange them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warm and crisp. Avoid using the microwave for reheating as it tends to make them soft and chewy.
Yes, this oatmeal waffle recipe is truly spectacular for meal prepping and freezing! To freeze them properly, first ensure the waffles are completely cooled on a wire rack. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can lead to soggy waffles. Once cooled, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen waffles to a heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bag or an airtight container. You can store them in the freezer for optimal quality for 1-2 months. When it’s time to reheat, I often place mine in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to gently thaw them out slightly before popping them into the toaster. This initial thaw can help them heat more evenly. They will emerge from the toaster wonderfully crisp, sometimes even more so after being frozen and reheated!
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Waffles Every Time!
Achieving consistently perfect waffles isn’t rocket science, but a few key techniques can make all the difference. Follow these tips for golden, crisp, and fluffy results:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for tender waffles. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix them until they are *just* incorporated. It’s perfectly fine to see a few small lumps in the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough, rubbery waffles instead of light and airy ones.
- Check Your Baking Powder’s Freshness: Baking powder is the primary leavening agent responsible for your waffles’ rise and fluffy texture. If your baking powder is expired or old, it won’t be as potent, resulting in flat, dense waffles. Test its freshness by adding a teaspoon to a small bowl of hot water; if it fizzes vigorously, it’s good to go!
- Generously Grease Your Waffle Iron: Even if your waffle iron claims to be nonstick, always spray the plates thoroughly with a nonstick oil-based cooking spray before each waffle. This prevents sticking, ensures easy removal, and contributes significantly to that beautiful, crisp exterior. A well-greased iron is your best friend.
- Preheat Your Waffle Maker Fully: Patience is a virtue here. Allow your waffle iron ample time to preheat completely before adding any batter. A properly heated iron ensures an even cook and a wonderfully crisp crust. Rushing this step often leads to unevenly cooked or pale, soft waffles.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: Once the batter is in and the lid is closed, avoid opening the waffle maker too early. Most modern waffle irons have indicator lights that signal when the waffle is cooked. Opening it prematurely can interfere with the cooking process and prevent the waffle from getting uniformly crisp.
- Know Your Waffle Maker: Every waffle maker is slightly different. If it’s your first time using a new waffle maker or this specific recipe, you might need to go through a few test batches to find the perfect level of doneness and the ideal amount of batter. I personally love mine extra crisp and golden brown, but adjust to your preference.
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Waffles (Freezer Friendly)
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 Tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, old fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the oat mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter will be thick, and a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Do not overmix.
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Preheat your waffle maker and generously spray the plates with a nonstick oil-based spray. Using a measuring cup, carefully pour the batter into the center of your waffle maker, being mindful not to overfill. The ideal amount of batter will vary by waffle maker model.
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Cook according to your waffle maker’s guidelines until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Carefully remove the cooked waffle with a fork or tongs and place it on a wire rack while you cook the remaining batter.
Notes
Steel Cut Oats will not work in this recipe. They require a significantly longer cooking time and different preparation methods unsuitable for waffle batter.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) to make 1 ¾ cups. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles before using.
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Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Waffles
Once your old-fashioned oatmeal waffles are perfectly cooked, the real fun begins with customizing them with your favorite toppings! While a classic drizzle of maple syrup is always delightful, consider these ideas to truly elevate your breakfast experience:
- Fresh Fruit Medley: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness. Sliced bananas, peaches, or even caramelized apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon are also fantastic choices.
- Creamy Indulgences: A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like treat, or a swirl of Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy option.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a spoonful of your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew butter) for added protein and healthy fats.
- Sweet Syrups & Sauces: Beyond maple syrup, try fruit preserves, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a homemade berry compote.
- Unexpected Savory Twists: For those who love a sweet and savory combination, consider pairing these waffles with crispy bacon, a fried egg, or even fried chicken for a Southern-inspired meal.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your signature waffle masterpiece!
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