Breakfast
Dark Porter Waffles
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Prep
15 min
Cook
varies (waffle iron)
Total
15 min
Serves
4 servings
Crispy outside and airy inside, these beer waffles use a dark porter for malt depth and a slightly bitter edge that plain milk can't give.
Ingredients
- 120 g (4¼ oz) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp + 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp + 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 20 g sugar
- 55 g (2 oz) butter
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 140 ml (½ cup) whole milk
- 190 ml (¾ cup) PCH Golden Porter (or another golden porter or amber ale)
- 1½ eggs
Instructions
- 1Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar in a large bowl.
- 2Whisk vanilla bean paste into eggs in a separate large bowl.
- 3Melt butter in a saucepan. Add beer and milk and warm slightly, do not boil.
- 4Add warm liquid to eggs and whisk to combine.
- 5Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined, a few lumps are fine.
- 6Hold at room temperature until ready to cook.
- 7Cook in a hot waffle iron per manufacturer instructions.
Cook's Note
Don't overmix, stir just until the dry ingredients are wet. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the waffles tough. Let the batter rest a few minutes before hitting the iron.
Best Served With
Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries. Also works as a base for fried chicken and waffles.
Why This Recipe Works
Beer adds carbonation that lightens the batter, and the malt flavor from a porter adds depth that goes well past a plain waffle. Butter in the batter means crispy edges without needing to oil the iron every time.
Make It Yours
- Swap the porter for a wheat beer for a lighter, slightly citrusy result.
- Add 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom to the dry mix for a spiced version.
- Top with fried chicken and hot honey for a savory-sweet plate.
Leftover Strategy
Freeze cooled waffles in a single layer then stack with parchment between them. Toast directly from frozen at 190 °C (375 °F) for 4–5 minutes.
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Pairing
A glass of the same porter used in the batter works great. For brunch, a mimosa or cold brew coffee also complements the malt flavors.