The Only Waffle Recipe You’ll Want to Make This Holiday Week
Holiday mornings call for something warm, indulgent and comforting — and few breakfasts deliver that feeling better than a towering stack of freshly cooked waffles. Celebrated food writer and TV host Samin Nosrat believes she has found the perfect version: airy inside, crisp on the edges and deeply flavorful thanks to a slow, overnight rise.
Growing up, Nosrat loved frozen toaster waffles, a familiar weekend treat for many families. But her idea of what a waffle could be changed forever after tasting a yeast-raised version inspired by cookbook legend Marion Cunningham. That discovery eventually became a cornerstone recipe in Nosrat’s newest book, Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share With People You Love.
Why These Waffles Are Different
Unlike quick batters mixed and cooked in minutes, this one asks for a little patience. The ingredients are stirred together the night before and left to rest in the refrigerator. During that time, the yeast slowly ferments, building complex flavor and a texture that’s difficult to replicate with baking powder alone.
The result is a waffle that’s feather-light in the center, delicately crisp around the edges and perfectly suited for soaking up pools of warm maple syrup.
A Cozy Weekend Ritual
Nosrat describes slow mornings filled with fragrant coffee or tea, a warming kitchen and the gentle hum of a waffle iron heating up. The recipe fits neatly into that mood — simple enough to prepare ahead, special enough to feel celebratory.
She also encourages cooks to make the waffles their own. Sweet toppings like nut butter, jam and syrup work beautifully, while savory additions — such as crispy bacon cooked right into the batter and topped with a fried egg — turn them into a full brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead for Busy Mornings
Another bonus: these waffles freeze extremely well. Prepare a double batch, let the extras cool completely, then stash them in the freezer. On rushed weekdays, pop a pair straight into the toaster and sandwich them with peanut butter and jam for an elevated breakfast on the go.
Marion-Style Yeasted Waffles
Makes: 12–16 waffles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest: Overnight
Cook Time: About 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or ghee, plus more for cooking
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Salted butter, maple syrup or jam for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the yeast, sugar and warm water. Let stand until foamy, about five minutes.
- Whisk in the milk, melted butter and salt, followed by the flour until smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet inside to keep cooked waffles warm. Heat your waffle iron.
- Stir the eggs and baking soda into the chilled batter. Butter the waffle iron and add about ¼ cup of batter per section. Cook until golden and crisp, roughly four to five minutes.
- Transfer finished waffles to the warm oven while cooking the rest.
- Serve immediately with butter and syrup or your favorite toppings.
Whether shared with guests or enjoyed quietly at home, these overnight waffles embody what holiday cooking is all about — taking a little extra time to create something comforting, generous and memorable.
