Perfect Small Batch Buttermilk Waffles For Two: Golden, Crispy, and Easy!

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a warm, freshly made breakfast. With our Waffles For Two recipe, that dream becomes a delicious reality! These small batch buttermilk waffles are perfectly golden brown, wonderfully crispy, and incredibly delicious, designed for those moments when you crave a special breakfast without an abundance of leftovers.

As an avid recipe developer for many years, I’m always striving to complete my catalog of small batch recipes. Recently, I noticed a distinct gap: basic breakfast recipes for two. While I’ve shared popular options like small batch pancakes, French toast for two, and even a French toast casserole for two, a classic, comforting waffle recipe was conspicuously missing.

That’s where this delightful Waffles For Two recipe comes in! Sure, I have my savory ham and cheese waffles, which are fantastic in their own right. But those aren’t the waffles you reach for when your heart desires sweet additions like chocolate chips, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of homemade strawberry sauce.

THESE are the waffles you’ve been waiting for. They are everything you want in a perfect waffle: golden brown, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and delightfully fluffy on the inside, all thanks to the magic of tangy buttermilk. These buttermilk waffles serve as a truly blank canvas, ready to be adorned with any topping your breakfast-loving heart desires. Imagine them piled high with fresh berries, classic butter and maple syrup, a spoonful of luscious strawberry jam, or a cloud of homemade whipped cream. The possibilities are truly endless!

And if you’re a fan of breakfast for dinner, these crispy buttermilk waffles can even form the base for a decadent chicken and waffles dish, pairing perfectly with crispy fried chicken for a savory-sweet experience.

Choosing the Best Waffle Maker for Crispy Waffles

Not all waffle makers are created equal, and finding the right one is crucial for achieving that coveted golden-brown crispness. My journey involved several trials with different brands, as many cheaper models simply don’t get hot enough, leaving you with disappointing soft or soggy waffles. After much experimentation, I finally settled on this round waffle maker. It’s not only budget-friendly but consistently delivers perfectly crispy, golden-brown waffles when set to its highest heat setting.

It’s important to note that waffle makers come in a wide array of shapes and sizes – from classic round and square designs to Belgian-style makers with deeper pockets. Because of this variety, the exact yield of your small batch waffle recipe may vary. This particular recipe for two yields approximately 1 cup of waffle batter. For my specific round waffle maker, this amount produced two generously sized, crispy, golden waffles, with just about 1-2 tablespoons of batter left over (which I often turn into a delightful “snack waffle”).

I invested considerable effort in scaling this recipe down to yield precisely two waffles without any leftover batter. However, every attempt resulted in compromises: the batter was either too thick, too thin, or simply not enough to cook properly. The ratio I’ve provided below is the result of extensive testing and ensures the perfect consistency and quantity for optimal results. Plus, having that little bit of extra batter can be a blessing if your waffle maker is slightly larger than mine or if you just want a little taste test! Please forgive the slight surplus; it’s all in the name of waffle perfection!

Essential Ingredients for Your Small Batch Buttermilk Waffles For Two

To whip up these amazing small batch waffles, you’ll need a handful of common pantry staples:

• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the foundational structure for your waffles, ensuring a robust yet tender texture. It’s essential for achieving the right batter consistency that can be poured smoothly into your waffle maker.
• Granulated Sugar: Beyond just adding a touch of sweetness, sugar plays a crucial role in caramelization. It helps your waffles achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior and contributes to their crispy texture.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is the secret to fluffy waffles! When activated by the liquid and heat, baking powder creates carbon dioxide bubbles, causing the batter to rise and creating that desirable airy interior.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of your waffles. It brings out the sweetness and tanginess, especially important if you’re using unsalted butter.
• Buttermilk: The star ingredient! Buttermilk provides a distinctive tangy flavor and is key to a wonderfully tender and fluffy waffle. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, boosting the leavening process for an incredibly light texture, and also helps break down gluten, preventing a tough waffle.
• Melted Butter or Vegetable Oil: Butter is my preferred choice for its rich, creamy flavor that significantly enhances the waffle’s taste. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a neutral flavor, vegetable oil works perfectly and provides a moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the batter, elevating the overall aroma and flavor profile of your homemade waffles.
• Optional Mix-ins (e.g., Chocolate Chips or Blueberries): These are fantastic for customizing your waffles and adding bursts of extra flavor and texture. Think miniature chocolate chips for a sweet treat or fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.

If you’re craving a rich chocolate experience, don’t miss my dedicated recipe for chocolate waffles for two!

Why Buttermilk is Non-Negotiable for These Waffles

Typically, I’m all for flexibility in recipes, especially when it comes to substitutions. However, for this specific small batch waffle recipe, skipping the buttermilk is strongly discouraged. Buttermilk is not just an ingredient; it’s a key player in achieving the perfect texture and flavor that makes these waffles truly stand out. Its acidity reacts with the baking powder to create extra air bubbles, resulting in an exceptionally fluffy and tender interior, while also imparting a delightful tanginess that regular milk simply cannot replicate.

The difference in taste and texture is so profound that even during testing, I found myself happily snacking on the plain waffles, no toppings needed (though, of course, butter and maple syrup are highly recommended for the full experience!). Once you experience the superior quality of these buttermilk waffles for two, you’ll understand why it’s worth the specific ingredient. And don’t worry about leftover buttermilk! I have over 20+ recipes with buttermilk to help you use up the rest of the carton.

Simple Steps to Make Your Perfect Waffles For Two

Ready to create your delicious small batch buttermilk waffles? Follow these straightforward steps to get started:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform rising and flavoring.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter (or oil), egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Ensure the egg is fully incorporated.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together using a whisk or spatula until just blended and mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferred, as overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough waffles. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
4. Rest the Batter: This is a crucial step! Allow the batter to rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate, the baking powder to activate properly, and the gluten to relax, which contributes significantly to a fluffy and tender waffle texture. Do not skip this!
5. Cook to Golden Perfection: Preheat your waffle maker according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray if they aren’t non-stick. Once hot, pour approximately 1/2 cup of your prepared batter into the center of the waffle maker. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time will vary by machine, but mine typically takes about 2 minutes. Repeat with any remaining batter.

For the best experience, waffles are most delicious when eaten shortly after being made. If you have any leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them into a toaster for crispness or warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Creative Topping Ideas for Your Buttermilk Waffles

One of the most delightful aspects of this buttermilk waffle recipe for two is its incredible versatility. These waffles truly are a blank canvas, inviting you to unleash your creativity with a wide array of toppings!

• **Classic & Comforting:** Stick to the timeless combination of a pat of softened butter melting into the warm pockets, followed by a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. For an extra touch of indulgence, try a dollop of maple whipped cream.
• **Fresh & Fruity:** Brighten your morning with fresh seasonal fruits like blueberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries, or banana slices. Pair them with a vibrant strawberry curd or a spoonful of homemade blueberry jam without pectin for a burst of flavor.
• **Decadently Sweet:** For those with a serious sweet tooth, elevate your waffles with various flavored whipped creams like chocolate whipped cream, peanut butter whipped cream, honey whipped cream, or even a tangy cream cheese whipped cream. Finish it off with a rich drizzle of homemade hot fudge sauce.
• **Savory & Satisfying:** Don’t limit waffles to just sweet! Create a gourmet breakfast (or dinner!) by topping your buttermilk waffles with crispy air fryer fried chicken for a classic chicken and waffles experience. A fried egg and a sprinkle of chives also make a surprisingly delicious savory pairing.

More Delightful Breakfast For Two Recipes

If you loved these small batch buttermilk waffles, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of my breakfast for two recipes, perfect for cozy mornings or intimate brunches:

• Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Pancakes: A fluffy, flavorful option for those avoiding dairy.
• Rich Chocolate Pancakes for Two: Indulge your chocolate cravings with these decadent pancakes.
• Hearty Biscuits and Gravy for Two: A comforting, savory classic scaled down for a smaller crowd.
• Cheesy Hash Brown Bowls with Baked Eggs: A fun and filling way to enjoy eggs and hash browns.