National Waffle Day is here — and it’s the perfect excuse to dust off that waffle iron and make something delicious. A fierce contender to the pancake, the waffle is more versatile when it comes to personalization.

All waffles start with a relatively simple batter that’s prepared then pressed into a hot waffle iron to cook. Like most batters, waffle batter is easy to customize with different ingredients. The carb-filled creation can be enjoyed beyond breakfast, and the indentations across a waffle's surface are prime real estate for flavor-packed toppings.

Here are the three most popular types of waffles:

Belgian waffle: Thick and with deep pockets, Belgian waffles are the highlight of fancy brunch buffets everywhere. They’re typically square-shaped and usually served with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.

Liège waffle: If you’re a waffle connoisseur, you probably love the Liège. Similar to the Belgian but smaller and round in shape, they are more rustic in appearance. Liège waffles also contain coarse clumps of sugar in the batter, making them indulgent.

American waffle: The most common and mass-produced waffle, the American style is made from a thinner batter and has shallower pockets. They are typically round and served with butter and maple syrup.

cropped hands of woman with waffle batter in kitchen
Invest in a waffle iron for the best waffles.
Getty Images

For fresh and unique twists, check out the recipes below for a Matcha Waffle and an Everything Waffle. Both dishes require a waffle iron, but if you don’t have a waffle iron or would rather use a box of waffle mix that’s stashed away, it’s still easy to elevate waffles by adding mix-ins or toppings. Here are some options to try:

Chocolate chips, nuts, and sprinkles: Stir in or sprinkle on top chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles before you close the waffle iron. Want to make a frozen waffle feel fancy? Add a little whipped cream or a dash of these toppings for an easier-than-easy upgrade.

Extracts: Nearly any flavor extract can be stirred into the batter with the wet ingredients. But think beyond vanilla. Orange blossom, rose water, as well as almond, banana, or orange extracts can add fun new flavors to a standard waffle batter. Be sure to use sparingly because a little goes a long way.

Jams and spreads: If syrup isn’t your thing, try slathering jams or nut butters like Nutella or peanut butter onto your waffles. Honey is also a great option. Or embrace Elvis’ fave flavor profile by adding peanut butter, banana slices, and a chocolate drizzle.

Fruit: An easy addition to the top of any waffle, fresh fruit adds delightful flavor and color. Can’t decide which fruit? Opt for something in season, which in summertime would include peaches, cherries, plums, and nectarines.

Matcha Waffle

matcha waffles
Steven Karl Metzer

The distinctive green tea flavor and color offer a unique, vegetal twist on the waffle. Hemp seeds and chia seeds added to the batter provide nutty texture and added nutritional benefits. For more flair, serve these with bright red fruits and a drizzle of honey.

Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 2 minutes. Yield: 5 8-inch waffles.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups flour
  • ½ cup hemp seeds
  • ¼ cup matcha powder
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 eggs
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, hemp seeds, matcha powder, cornstarch, chia seeds, sugar, and baking powder.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients on top of dry ingredients, and stir until a thick batter has formed. Set aside to rest while preheating the waffle iron.
  3. Preheat oven waffle iron based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray top and bottom irons with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Pour batter and cook until just golden, about 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Top with red fruit like strawberries or raspberries. Drizzle with honey, and serve immediately.

Everything Waffle

everything waffle
Steven Karl Metzer

This savory waffle is a play on the beloved everything bagel. The batter also incorporates cream cheese, imbuing the waffle with a surprisingly smooth texture. Everything bagel seasoning is added to the batter and sprinkled on top of the waffles just before shutting the iron. (The aroma produced while they cook is absolutely delightful.) Top the waffles with butter and maple syrup for a hit of sweetness.

Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 2 minutes. Yield: 5 8-inch waffles.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, divided
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning.
  2. Place milk, cream cheese, and butter in a saucepan. Heat, stirring often until melted and combined. Remove from heat, and whisk in eggs. Pour over dry ingredients, and stir until a thick batter has formed. Set aside to rest while preheating the waffle iron.
  3. Preheat oven waffle iron based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Spray iron with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Transfer batter to preheated waffle iron, and sprinkle on about ½ teaspoon of remaining everything bagel seasoning just before you close the iron. Cook until just golden, about 2 minutes. Repeated with remaining batter. Top with butter and maple syrup, and serve immediately.

Adrienne Blumthal is a formally trained pastry chef, recipe developer, and food stylist based in Chicago.

Get Shondaland directly in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TODAY