The Best Gluten Free Waffles Recipe (It’s Dairy-Free Too!)

Gluten-Free Waffle Recipe

When we were making these waffles we really wanted to come up with a recipe that didn’t require the use of a store-bought mix. And though for a family our size we use quite a bit of rice flour in our waffles, we do buy it in bulk so it definitely works out cheaper than a mix. 

Making gluten-free waffles from scratch is actually quite easy! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make.
• Customizable to your family’s preferences and size. (If your family is smaller than our family of five, just cut the recipe in half, or double it for more.)
• Dairy-free and gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Waffle Ingredients

• White rice flour – White rice flour is a good gluten-free flour substitute for all-purpose flour in many gluten-free recipes and works very nicely for these waffles. 
• Tapioca starch – Helps to bind gluten-free recipes and adds some light texture too. 
• Baking powder – Used as a leavening agent to help the waffles become soft and fluffy. 
• Cinnamon – Adds a lovely taste and aroma. 
• Sea salt – Gives texture and flavor to the waffles. 
• Xanthan gum – Helps to bind gluten-free foods together and gives them a slightly springy texture that sort of mimics gluten.  
• Eggs – Also help to bind the waffles together and adds protein. 
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the waffles from sticking. 
• Vinegar – Activates the baking powder to help the waffles become fluffier. 
• Almond milk – Helps to make moist waffles and mix the other ingredients together. 
• Sugar – Adds sweetness to the waffles.
• Vanilla – A lovely vanilla flavor is delicious in waffles and other baked goods. 

Variations

Fun Waffle Mix-In Ideas

You can mix extra goodies into your waffles: 

• Miniature chocolate chips
• Brown sugar and cinnamon
• Blueberries
• Bacon pieces

How To Make Gluten-Free Waffles

1. Mix the dry ingredients – Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Beat the eggs – Beat eggs in a mixer or whisk thoroughly.
3. Add the wet ingredients – Add remaining wet ingredients one at a time, mixing between.
4. Add dry ingredients – Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two or three parts. Mix thoroughly for 2-4 minutes.
5. Cook – Pour a scoop of batter onto the waffle maker and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions.
6. Serve – Serve a few waffles while they’re warm with maple syrup or other toppings.

Homemade Gluten-Free Waffle Making Tips

• Heat your waffle maker before adding the waffle batter. 
• Spray your waffle maker with gluten-free, nonstick cooking spray before you make each waffle. 
• Use an ice cream scoop, soup ladle, or gravy ladle to scoop the batter onto the waffle maker.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve waffles with a side of bacon or sausages and fruit. Plus you can add fun toppings to your waffles. 

FAQs

Are waffles gluten-free?

No! Typical waffles are not gluten-free. So you need to read labels carefully. 

How to freeze waffles

Place cooked and cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 10 minutes. Then place in a freezer container or Ziploc with parchment paper between each waffle. 

Can the waffles be made ahead of time?

Yes! The waffle batter can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. It should keep for up to 48 hours. You can also store cooked waffles for up to three days in an air-tight container in the fridge. 

Can I make gluten-free waffles dairy-free?

Yes! You can make this dairy-free simply by swapping out cow’s milk with dairy-free milk or plant-based option like oat, almond, soy, or coconut. 

Why are my gluten-free waffles sticking?

In our experience, gluten-free waffles do tend to stick to the waffle iron more than regular waffles do.

To avoid this, you could experiment with adding a touch more oil to the batter. But don’t go overboard. 

Or just be really diligent about spraying your waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray before you cook each waffle. (This shouldn’t be necessary if your waffle maker is nonstick. But may indicate that the “nonstickiness” has worn off and it may be time for a new waffle maker.)

Another reason your waffles may stick and come apart when you try to remove them from the waffle iron is that they may not be finished cooking on the inside. Simply cook them a little longer and you should be fine. 

What kind of waffle iron should I use?

That’s totally up to you. We have used the simple small ones from Walmart for years. When our last one died, we bought this one from Amazon and it works just fine. 

Can I reheat these frozen waffles in the toaster?

Yes! As long as you haven’t put any toppings on yet, you should be able to reheat these in the toaster or toaster oven. 

Dietary Considerations

• These waffles are gluten-free and can be made dairy-free. 
• You can also experiment with making them with an egg substitute, although you. may find that they stick in the waffle maker. 
• You can also make them sugar-free if you wish. 

You’ll Also Love These Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes

• Gluten-Free Vegan Pancake Recipe
• Blueberry Granola Overnight Oatmeal
• Grain-Free English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches

Brunch Recipes to Enjoy

• Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
• Basic Egg Muffins
• Spinach, Herb and Garlic Crustless Quiche Recipe
• How to Make (Gluten Free) Slow Cooker French Toast