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How often do you wake up wishing for a pile of piping hot waffles, ready to be topped with maple syrup or fresh fruit compote? Or maybe you're a fan of breakfast for dinner and like to pair a plate of scrambled eggs with fresh waffles. Although you can find some decent waffle options in the freezer aisle to satisfy your craving, a frozen waffle simply doesn't compare to the taste and texture of freshly made waffles.
Waffle mixes are a convenient solution for home cooks with busy schedules who don't always have enough time to whip up a batch of waffle batter from scratch, let alone enjoy a leisurely waffle breakfast. They're quick and easy to prepare so you can have more time to set up a waffle topping bar or kick back with the morning news. Most mixes just require the addition of water to the dry mix and either butter or oil to grease your waffle iron. Then, it's just a matter of ladling the batter and cooking according to your waffle maker directions. We've scoured the grocery aisles to find the best mixes.
Whether you want whole grain or gluten-free options, here are our picks for the best waffle mixes.
Best Overall: Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Amazon
Not overly sweet
Batter is mostly smooth
Only water required
No instructions for smaller servings
This Belgian waffle mix is popular in food service establishments, but available in a realistic size for families who love waffles. Reviewers love how easy the mix is to prepare: All you need to do is measure the dry mix (it already contains eggs and oil) and add water. For a richer flavor, you can add extra oil or eggs and, of course, you can play with different flavors by mixing in fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts. The end result is a breakfast that tastes good enough to rival waffles from your favorite local diner.
The large, 5-pound bag of waffle mix is most cost-effective per serving, but if that's too much for your family to eat in a reasonable amount of time or too big of a package to store, there are smaller boxes of this mix available.
Best Budget: Aunt Jemima Original Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix
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Wal-Mart
Easy to make
Can make both pancakes and waffles
Makes fluffy, flavorful pancakes
Doesn't come in a smaller size
If you're looking for the classic waffle flavor you grew up on, chances are this might be the same mix your parents used to make waffle and pancake breakfasts when you were a child. Whether it’s your favorite for nostalgia’s sake or you appreciate the ease of preparation, this is a favorite among buyers. The familiar packaging is due to be overhauled in the near future, so keep an eye out for this product under a new name and box or check the Quaker Oats (that's the parent company) site for rebranding updates.
You'll only need to add water and oil to this dry mix to make waffles that are light and fluffy. A 5-pound box of this waffle mix will make about 50 servings and includes instructions for preparing batter for both small and large batches of waffles and pancakes so it's a great choice if you're setting up a waffle station for brunch, a wedding party, or baby shower.
Best Splurge: Stonewall Kitchen Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Stonewall Kitchen
Makes crisp, flavorful waffles
Can make both pancakes and waffles
Kids love the flavor
Need to add several ingredients
Pricey
This waffle mix requires a few more ingredients and prep work than the others on this list, so it might be good for an extra special brunch instead of everyday breakfast. You'll need to add eggs, milk or buttermilk, and melted butter to this mix, but the extra effort is worth the end result since these additions add richness, enhanced flavor, and create fluffy waffles that melt in your mouth.
This 16-ounce package contains approximately 3 cups of waffles mix. Each batch of waffles requires one cup of mix and makes three to four waffles so you'll get about a dozen waffles total out of one package so it may not be the best pick if you're making waffles for a crowd. Plus, this mix is a bit pricey. Still, reviewers love the flavor of these waffles and say they taste balanced—not too sweet and not too plain. Given the rave taste reviews, you'll probably want to keep a couple packages of this mix on hand to treat your family.
Best Organic: Bob's Red Mill Organic 7-Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Lucky Vitamin
High in fiber and whole grains
Makes flavorful pancakes and waffles
Includes additional recipes on packaging
Texture is unappealing to some
Known for their wide variety of flours, grains, and baking ingredients, Bob’s Red Mill also makes several pancake and waffle mixes. This mix is made from several whole grain flours, including wheat, rye, spelt, corn, oat, Kamut, quinoa, and brown rice, making each serving a good source of protein and fiber. It also contains flaxseed meal. It’s also USDA-certified organic and kosher.
Best Gluten-Free: Bisquick Gluten-Free Pancake and Baking Mix
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Courtesy of Amazon
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Very versatile
Many say there's no "gluten-free flavor"
Many wish it came in a larger size
Bisquick was an innovative product when it was first introduced in 1931 and remains a staple in many homes. Like the original product, this gluten-free version is an all-purpose mix and its versatility has garnered lots of positive reviews. This mix can be used to make gluten-free pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits—and even dumplings, chicken pot pie, and breaded chicken.
Many customers agree this gluten-free mix makes delicious pancakes and waffles and tastes very similar to its standard, gluten-containing counterpart. Similar to the other mixes on this list, you'll just need to add eggs, milk, and oil. This box contains three 16-ounce packages of baking mix, so it will make you plenty of waffles and last for a long time in your pantry.
Best Whole-Grain: Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack & Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Target
High in protein and fiber
Quick and easy to prepare
Texture is a bit gritty and dense
Kodiak Cakes first gained popularity when the company appeared on the TV show Shark Tank. They didn’t land a deal, but they went on to exceed their projected earnings and they’ve added significantly to their product line since that introduction. This buttermilk mix can also be used to make waffles, pancakes, flapjacks, or other baked goods. Besides being a whole-grain product, the brand claims it is non-GMO and kosher.
Many reviewers love that this flapjack and waffle mix is made from 100 percent whole grains and packs 14 grams of protein per serving. You can up the protein content even more by preparing the mix with milk and/or eggs rather than just water (there are instructions for various methods of preparation on the box). Some customers say the texture is a bit grittier and denser in texture than regular pancakes, but they still have good flavor.
Best Paleo: Julian Bakery Paleo Thin Pancake & Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Amazon
Completely grain-free
Easy to make
Very filling
Salty
Pricey for the size
Gluten-free baking mixes aren’t hard to find these days, but most gluten-free options are still primarily made from grains so they aren't suitable for anyone following a paleo diet. This pancake and waffle mix is made from almond flour and egg whites. It's completely grain-free, so it can fit into a paleo lifestyle. (Side note: Since this mix contains nuts and egg whites, it’s not acceptable for vegans or individuals with nut allergies.)
The mix is lightly sweetened with Stevia and flavored with vanilla extract powder and cinnamon. To make waffles with this mix, you’ll need melted butter or coconut oil to grease your pan and water to combine with the waffle mix. This 9-ounce package makes about four waffles (or eight pancakes).
Best Egg- and Dairy-Free: Castle Kitchen Plain Jane Vanilla Dairy-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Amazon
It can be difficult to find packaged mixes that are acceptable for those who are egg- and dairy-free, as many products are manufactured in facilities that use those ingredients. For folks who have to be super careful, this mix is a great option, and it’s super easy to make since you just have to add water.
Besides eliminating dairy and eggs, this is made in a nut-free facility. All ingredients are non-GMO verified and kosher. This includes two 16-ounce boxes, so you’ll have a spare in the pantry.
Best for Everyday Breakfasts: Hungry Jack Buttermilk Complete Pancake and Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Walmart
Can make both pancakes and waffles
Makes light, fluffy pancakes
Easy to make
Some say texture is a bit dry
Hungry Jack is another familiar name on grocery store shelves. If this was one of the brands you had as a kid, it’s a sure bet you’ll love the comforting flavor. This mix can be used to make both pancakes and waffles and preparation is super easy. For pancakes, you'll just need to add water, while waffles also require eggs and oil. This 32-ounce package is inexpensive enough for everyday breakfasts, whether you’re feeding the whole family or the neighbors are invited for brunch.
Best Buckwheat Mix: Bob's Red Mill Buckwheat Pancake and Waffle Mix
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Courtesy of Walmart
Buckwheat is a dark-colored grain with an earthy, nutty flavor. In large quantities it can taste bitter, so this mix includes both buckwheat and whole wheat for a more flavorful and appealing taste. Before adding the necessary eggs, oil, and milk this mix is considered vegan, so you can use it in vegan or vegetarian recipes. It's also kosher pareve. This 26-ounce package gives you plenty of mix to work with.
Our top pick is the Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix (view at Amazon). The batter is smooth, and the waffles aren't too sweet. Plus, making them couldn't be easier—just add water. Are you gluten-free? We recommend Bisquick's Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix (view at Amazon). It tastes just like its regular version. It's also versatile: You can make both delicious waffles and chicken pot pie with ease.
What to Look for When Buying Waffle Mix
Ease of Prep
Many waffle mixes are dual or multipurpose, meaning they can make both pancakes and waffles. Often, the "only add water" blurb on many of these packages only applies to the pancake recipe. Check how many ingredients are required to make the waffle recipe (sometimes you only need to add oil; other times you may need two or more additional ingredients). Not having to search for multiple ingredients you may or may not already have in the kitchen will significantly cut into your prep time.
Texture and Flavor
The ideal waffle will have a crispy, golden exterior without being burned, and is a bit firm (not dense) when you bite into it. The inside, on the other hand, should be soft and fluffy without tasting undercooked. In terms of flavor, look for a balance of not too sweet and not too savory.
FAQs
Is waffle mix the same thing as pancake mix?
You may see packages labeled for both pancakes and waffles and wonder if waffle and pancake mix are the same. While they have the same essential ingredients (flour, leavening, dairy, and eggs), waffles tend to have more fat and sugar than pancakes. Many boxed mixes that advertise both products will often have different preparation instructions for each option.
How much waffle mix is needed for one waffle?
Every waffle maker is a little different in both size and style. For American-style waffles, start with 1/2-cup of prepared batter, and adjust up or down depending on how much your machine can handle. Belgian-style waffle makers tend to use a little more batter to fill the deeper pockets and generally larger rounds. For these machines, start with 3/4-cup of batter, and adjust accordingly. Most mixes will tell you how many cups of batter a specific recipe will yield.
What can you add to waffle mix?
You’ve found the waffle mix that’s got the perfect texture, but it needs a little something to make it special. One of the easiest ways to boost your waffles’ flavor is to add a touch of high-quality vanilla extract to the mix. Experiment with lemon, almond, or even maple and chocolate extracts to see what you enjoy.
If you’re craving a Waffle House-style chocolate chip waffle, pick up a bag of mini chocolate chips to sprinkle into your batter before making (but make sure to use a lot of cooking spray to prevent the chips from sticking). For a savory touch, feel free to stir in a firmer cheese like Gruyere or Parmesan. And you can never go wrong with a cup of fresh fruit or even a smear of your favorite jam on top in lieu of maple syrup.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Donna Currie is a product tester and the writer of this roundup for The Spruce Eats. She also loves cooking (she authored "Make Ahead Bread"), so you can trust she knows how to make a good waffle. While she loves cooking from scratch, she won't hesitate to use a good mix that's been tried and tested.
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