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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 for all budgets and diets. Whether you want whole grain or gluten-free options, here are our picks for the best waffle mixes.
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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.
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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 mom 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 or a bridal or baby shower.
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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.
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High in fiber and whole grains
Makes flavorful pancakes and waffles
Includes additional recipes on packaging
Not for those who don't like the texture of whole grain flours
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 compared to other mixes that are made from refined white flour. It also contains flaxseed meal for added nutrition. It’s also USDA certified organic, vegan, and kosher.
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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 it still 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. This mix doesn't contain any artificial flavors or preservatives, so it's a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Similar to the other mixes on this list, you'll just need to add eggs, milk, and oil. This box contains 3 16-ounce packages of baking mix, so it will make you plenty of waffles and last for a long time in your pantry.
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Made from 100% whole grains
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, this is all-natural, non-GMO, and kosher.
Many health-conscious 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.
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. Plus, it's low-carb so it'll appeal to anyone who is trying to increase their protein intake while reducing carbs. (Side note–since this mix does contain 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 nine-ounce package makes about four waffles (or eight pancakes).
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, so it’s great for those with nut allergies as well. All ingredients are non-GMO verified and kosher. This includes two 16-ounce boxes, so you’ll have a spare in the pantry.
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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 your mom made for you, it’s a sure bet you’ll love the comforting flavor. In fact, one reviewer even says the fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor of the pancakes this mix made remind her of her grandmother's pancakes.
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.
Our top pick is the Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix. 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. It tastes just like its regular version. It's also versatile: you can make both delicious waffles and chicken pot pie with ease.
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.
What to Look for When Buying Waffle Mix
Ease of prep: Many waffle mixes are dual or multi-purpose, 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.
Nutrients and versatility: While waffles aren't exactly a health food, there are quality waffle mixes that have a good mix of nutrients such as protein and fiber, and vitamins such as calcium and iron. Good mixes also don't have any added preservatives, which, in addition to customized mixes such as gluten-free ones, is ideal for those with dietary intolerances. Many of these mixes are also versatile, meaning they can be used to make pancakes, cakes, muffins, and other pastries.
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