Belgian Waffles Vs Waffles: What’s the Difference?

Waffles come in various shapes, textures, sizes and thicknesses. From American-style waffles, Belgian waffles or the Dutch Stroopwafel.

With so many options for both sweet and savoury recipes, it’s not hard to see why the waffle is a firm favourite for many. Some of our waffles here at St Pierre include Caramel Waffles featuring a luscious caramel centre nestled between two scrumptious waffle biscuits or the Millionaires Waffles made following an authentic Stroopwafel recipe boasting a caramel centre and coated in real Belgian chocolate. These waffles bring a wonderfully fluffy texture, creating a sensory delight that marries the best of both worlds from France and Belgium.

As we introduce two new waffle products to the St Pierre range – Belgian Waffles with Butter and Belgian Waffles with Chocolate Chips – discover more about the differences between Belgian waffles and other waffle varieties, and the best ways to serve and enjoy this magnifique treat.

Difference Between Waffles & Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles typically boast a thicker profile compared to their American counterparts. These delightful Belgian treats are created using a yeasted batter and studded with crunchy pearl sugar. What sets them apart are their generously deep pockets, perfect for holding such toppings as butter, jam, maple syrup or whipped cream. Their exterior is adorned with a lovely golden hue that gives way to a light and airy interior.

In contrast, regular waffles, also known as typical American waffles, display a denser texture reminiscent of cake. These traditional waffles often feature buttermilk in their recipe, imparting a richer flavour compared to the airy Belgian variety. The traditional American waffle iron typically produces smaller waffles with shallower pockets, resulting in faster cooking times due to their thinner size.

Other waffle varieties include:

• Brussels Waffles: usually in the shape of a rectangle or square, these waffles are usually crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Stroopwafels: a thinner variety of waffle, these have become more popular in the UK, being sold in coffee shops and supermarkets. These Dutch treats are known for their round shape and usually a caramel filling.
• Toaster Waffles: similar to Brussels Waffles, these versions are specifically made and sold in supermarkets so that people can warm them up in a toaster at home.

What Is A Waffle?

A waffle is made from a batter mix, which can take on both sweet and savoury flavours. It is cooked usually between two plates, which is what gives them their easily recognisable and signature grid-like pattern. Although, they can adapt to various shapes and sizes depending on the cooking plates used.

How do you serve waffles?

There are plenty of ways to serve waffles, whether you are looking for a delicious dessert, a breakfast or even as part of a main meal or an indulgent snack, a waffle can be adapted for any occasion. They can also be enjoyed as they are, but traditionally they are served with some sort of toppings.

Take a look at some of the ways we enjoy our St Pierre waffles below…

Crispy Bacon & Maple Syrup Waffles

Indulge in a speedy and simple classic waffle breakfast that’s ready in just minutes! This delightful meal pairs our soft Belgian Waffles with crispy bacon and a luscious drizzle of maple syrup.

Just warm the waffles under the grill or in the oven, cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, stack it on top of the waffles, and generously drizzle with maple syrup. Bon appétit!

Brunch Platter

Waffles are a great item to serve as part of a bigger breakfast or brunch spread – whether it’s for a special occasion or simply something you want to serve to impress your household. By serving a mix of our waffles – in this video we’ve used Belgian Waffles With Butter and Millionaires Waffles – alongside other baked treats like pastries and brioche, you can easily serve them on a table with your favourite fruits, nuts and spreads and let your guests help themselves to whatever they want.

Lemon & Greek Yoghurt Breakfast Waffle

Elevate your morning granola routine with a touch of Parisian flair using our Lemon & Greek Yogurt Belgian Waffle recipe.

Experience a Parisian-inspired twist on your breakfast by combining the soft sweetness of our Belgian waffle with the zesty allure of lemon curd, vibrant raspberries, and the satisfying crunch of granola. These breakfast waffles are sure to become your new favourite way to embrace the day with a delicious start.

With A Hot Drink

Whether it’s on the go or in the comfort of your own home, waffles are the perfect sweet treat accompaniment to a hot drink. From a simple cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in your favourite mug at home, to special hot drink varieties like Pumpkin Spiced Latte in your travel mug on the go,

White Chocolate & Raspberries Waffle Pudding

Whip up this delightful treat featuring white chocolate and raspberries for a show-stopping dessert. Click the link below for the full list of ingredients, and see our full recipe below for this magnifique dessert…

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas Mark 6 and generously grease an ovenproof dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and crème fraiche. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the eggs into the crème fraiche mixture.
3. Next, slice the waffles into 2.5cm squares and evenly spread half of them across the bottom of the prepared ovenproof dish.
4. Break the white chocolate into 1cm chunks and distribute half of them over the waffles. Followed by scattering half of the raspberries on top.
5. Layer the remaining waffle pieces over the mixture, then repeat the process with the rest of the white chocolate and raspberries.
6. Pour the crème fraiche mixture evenly over the entire dish and place it in the centre of the oven for 25-30 minutes.
7. Once baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and lightly dust it with icing sugar. Let it cool and serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Enjoy!

What Is A Belgian Waffle?

Belgian waffles are appreciated for their deep pockets, perfect for generously filling with butter, jam or maple syrup. These waffles are frequently thicker than their American counterparts and are created using a yeasted batter infused with crunchy pearl sugar. Undoubtedly, a classic Belgian Waffle is an unparalleled delight.

“Sweet and decadent, our Belgian Waffles are made the traditional way and studded with real Belgian pearl sugar for sweetness with a crunch.”

The History Of Belgian Waffles

Food historians can trace the origins of waffles back to ancient Greece, where they were made using two metal plates attached to a long wooden handle to cook flat cakes. Over the centuries, the preparation methods and styles of waffles underwent significant changes and developments.

In the 15th century, Dutch waffle makers introduced the iconic grid pattern that has become synonymous with waffles. While the exact reasons behind this innovation are not definitively known, it is speculated that it allowed cooks to use less batter while covering a larger cooking surface. This marked the beginning of waffles as we know them today, complete with their delightful little grooves.

How do you serve Belgian Waffles?

“Gently caramelised, choose from Butter or Belgian Chocolate Chip and experience a moment of indulgence for breakfast, on the go, or wherever you are.”

Our Belgian Waffles offer a canvas for culinary creativity. You can go the classic route with St Pierre’s Belgian Waffles with Butter, where a dusting of icing sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey enhances their rich, buttery goodness. Alternatively, if you’re a chocolate lover, indulge in the decadent delight of Belgian Waffles with Chocolate Chips. Melted chocolate or chocolate chips transform these waffles into a cocoa-infused treat, further adorned with whipped cream and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.

For those leaning towards a fruity twist, fresh berries, bananas or peaches atop your St Pierre Belgian Waffles provide a burst of freshness. For a dessert-like experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cascade of caramel or chocolate sauce.

If you’re in the mood for savoury, consider a savoury Belgian Waffle adorned with fried chicken and gravy, or savoury toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon or avocado slices. The versatility of our Belgian Waffles ensure that there’s a perfect serving style for every palate, whether sweet, savoury, or somewhere in between.

Do Belgian Waffles have the same ingredients as regular waffles?

While both Belgian and regular waffles share a foundation of common ingredients, the inclusion of yeast, pearl sugar, and certain preparation techniques distinguish Belgian waffles, giving them their characteristic texture and unmistakable flavour.

While sharing common ingredients like flour, eggs, milk and sugar, Belgian waffles stand out due to the incorporation of yeast in their batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture. They also feature pearl sugar – a key component that caramelises during cooking, forming a sweet and crispy exterior. Some Belgian waffle recipes also include butter and generous amounts of vanilla extract for added richness and flavour.

In contrast, regular waffles typically rely on baking powder or baking soda for leavening and may have a denser texture. These variations in ingredients and preparation techniques contribute to the unique characteristics that set Belgian waffles apart from the rest… especially St Pierre’s Belgian Waffles!

Can you make Belgian Waffles in a regular waffle maker?

You can create Belgian-style waffles using a regular waffle maker, but there are a few important considerations. Belgian waffles typically have a thicker, yeast-based batter compared to regular waffles.

To adapt, you should adjust the batter consistency to be slightly thicker and avoid overfilling your waffle maker to prevent overflow. Due to their thickness, Belgian waffles may require a longer cooking time than regular waffles, so be patient while they cook to achieve a crispy exterior and thorough cooking. Also, remember to adjust the temperature setting on your waffle maker and grease it well to prevent sticking.

If you prefer ready-made alternatives, St Pierre’s Belgian Waffles are available in selected supermarkets nationwide, in store and online. Why not take a look on our Where To Buy page to find your nearest stockist.

Where to buy Belgian Waffles

If you’re craving the indulgent taste of authentic Belgian waffles but prefer not to go through the hassle of making them from scratch, St Pierre, has the perfect solution for you.

Our Belgian Waffles come individually wrapped, making them convenient and ideal for those who want a taste of Belgium without the need for a waffle maker. Each pack contains six delectable waffles. Crafted in Belgium, these waffles follow an authentic, traditional recipe, featuring quality ingredients like real butter, Belgian chocolate chips, fresh yeast, whole eggs and genuine Belgian sugar pearls. Plus, they contain no artificial colours or preservatives.

Whether you savour them straight from the wrapper or warm them up for an even more irresistible treat, our versatile Belgian Waffles are suitable for both sweet and savoury toppings. So, when the craving strikes, we have you covered with these delicious, ready-to-eat Belgian Waffles!

Enhance Your Culinary Creations with St Pierre Belgian Waffles

By applying these suggestions, experimenting with fresh recipes, and including St Pierre waffles in your culinary creations, you can craft an unforgettable and délicieux dining experience. Savour the delightful combination of sweet crunch and fluffy texture found in our Belgian Waffles. Bon appétit!

If you try any of these tips and recipes, be sure to take a photo and tag us @stpierreuk on Instagram and Facebook. We would love to see how you have used our St Pierre Belgian Waffles!