Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with these mouthwatering Maple Bacon Waffles. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of maple syrup and crispy bacon with fluffy waffles, creating a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. With each bite, you’ll savor the crispiness of the bacon, the sweetness of the maple syrup, and the light and fluffy texture of the waffles. These Maple Bacon Waffles are a true treat for the taste buds and are sure to become a beloved favorite for any occasion.
If you want to gain insight into how to cook maple bacon waffles, I highly recommend reading this in-depth product review so you can find the waffle maker that best suits your needs.
Maple Bacon Waffles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- Cooking spray or melted butter for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add the milk, melted butter, and maple syrup. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter. Spoon a portion of the waffle batter onto the iron, spreading it evenly. Place a slice or two of the cooked bacon on top of the batter. Spoon another portion of batter on top to cover the bacon. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and place them on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter and bacon slices.
- Serve the Maple Bacon Waffles warm. Drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired. The combination of sweet maple syrup and savory bacon in each bite will create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.
TIPS:
Here are some tips to help you make delicious Maple Bacon Waffles:
- Cook the bacon until crispy: Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to the waffles. Make sure to bake or cook the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture. You can adjust the cooking time depending on your preference for crispiness.
- Use high-quality pure maple syrup: Opt for high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Real maple syrup will add a rich and authentic taste to the waffles. Avoid using pancake syrup or artificial maple-flavored syrups, as they may not provide the same depth of flavor.
- Reserve some bacon for garnish: Set aside a few cooked bacon slices to crumble or chop and use as a garnish for the finished waffles. This adds an extra burst of bacon flavor and a nice visual appeal.
- Preheat your waffle iron properly: It’s important to preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that the waffles cook evenly and achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.
- Grease the waffle iron well: To prevent the waffles from sticking, make sure to thoroughly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter before adding the batter. This helps with easy removal and ensures the waffles come out with a crispy exterior.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter waffle, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the batter or drizzle additional maple syrup on top when serving. Taste the batter before cooking to ensure it has the desired level of sweetness.
- Customize with additional toppings: Feel free to get creative and customize your Maple Bacon Waffles with additional toppings. You can add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or top them with fresh berries or sliced bananas for extra flavor and presentation.
- Keep the waffles warm and crispy: If you’re making multiple waffles, keep them warm and crispy by placing them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F/93°C) until ready to serve. This helps retain their crispiness while you finish cooking the rest.
- Consider making a maple bacon drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, you can make a maple bacon drizzle by combining maple syrup with finely chopped cooked bacon. Drizzle this mixture over the waffles for an intensified maple and bacon flavor.
- Experiment with savory additions: If you want to enhance the savory aspect, you can add a pinch of black pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the waffle batter. This adds a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the maple and the saltiness of the bacon.
Enjoy the delicious combination of maple and bacon in every bite of your homemade Maple Bacon Waffles!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon has a different texture and flavor, so the end result may vary slightly. Cook the turkey bacon according to the package instructions until crispy before adding it to the waffle batter.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience. If using pre-cooked bacon, make sure it is crispy and fully cooked before adding it to the waffle batter. You can heat it briefly in the oven or microwave to achieve crispiness if needed.
Q: Can I make the waffle batter the night before and refrigerate it?
A: It’s generally best to make the waffle batter right before cooking for optimal results. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before using.
Q: Can I make these waffles without eggs?
A: Eggs play a role in providing structure and moisture to the waffles. However, you can experiment with egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce to replace the eggs. Keep in mind that the texture and rise of the waffles may be slightly different without eggs.
Q: Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can adapt the recipe to make gluten-free Maple Bacon Waffles. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients used are also labeled gluten-free. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed, making sure all the ingredients used are suitable for your dietary needs.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover waffles?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover waffles for later enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each waffle with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a few months. Reheat them in a toaster or oven until warmed through before serving.
Q: Can I make these waffles using a pancake mix?
A: While the recipe is specifically designed for waffles, you can experiment with using a pancake mix as a substitute for the waffle batter. Follow the instructions on the pancake mix package, but add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the batter before cooking as waffles. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different from the original recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a waffle iron?
A: The recipe is specifically designed for waffles, but if you don’t have a waffle iron, you can try cooking the batter as pancakes on a griddle or in a frying pan. Adjust the cooking time and flip them when bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to set.
Q: Can I use pancake mix instead of making the waffle batter from scratch?
A: Yes, you can use pancake mix as a shortcut instead of making the waffle batter from scratch. Follow the instructions on the pancake mix package, but add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the batter before cooking as waffles. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different from the original recipe.
Q: Can I use a different type of syrup instead of maple syrup?
A: While maple syrup is traditionally used for its distinct flavor, you can experiment with different types of syrup if you prefer. You might try using pancake syrup, honey, or a flavored syrup like caramel or vanilla. Keep in mind that using a different syrup will alter the flavor profile of the waffles.
Q: Can I make the waffle batter the night before and refrigerate it?
A: It’s generally best to make the waffle batter right before cooking for optimal results. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before using.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon instead of cooking it specifically for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience. If using pre-cooked bacon, make sure it is crispy and fully cooked before adding it to the waffle batter. You can heat it briefly in the oven or microwave to achieve crispiness if needed.
Q: Can I make these waffles vegan?
A: This specific recipe includes eggs and dairy butter, but you can experiment with vegan substitutes to make it vegan-friendly. Replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute like flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, you can use plant-based milk and ensure that all ingredients used are vegan-friendly.
Q: Can I use a different type of bacon, like turkey bacon?
A: Yes, you can use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to regular bacon. Cook the turkey bacon until crispy before adding it to the waffle batter. Keep in mind that turkey bacon has a different texture and flavor, so the end result may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make the waffles gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can adapt the recipe to make gluten-free Maple Bacon Waffles. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients used are also labeled gluten-free. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed, making sure all the ingredients used are suitable for your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Maple Bacon Waffles are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that make for a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch experience. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the pure maple syrup brings a natural sweetness to the light and fluffy waffles. Whether enjoyed on a lazy weekend morning or as a special treat for guests, these waffles are sure to please everyone around the table. So go ahead, indulge in the irresistible combination of maple and bacon in these delectable Maple Bacon Waffles.
