Crispy Bacon Waffles Recipe: A Sweet-Savory Breakfast Delight

Bacon waffles bring together the best of sweet and savory for a breakfast worth remembering.

Fluffy batter is folded with smoky bacon pieces, creating a golden stack full of flavor.

The crisp edges of the waffles contrast perfectly with the salty crunch of the bacon inside.

It’s a playful twist on a classic that turns an ordinary morning into something special.

Simple to prepare and quick to cook, this recipe is perfect for weekends or holiday brunch.

Serve with syrup for added sweetness, or enjoy as-is for a satisfying balance of flavors.

Everything You Need For James Martin Bacon Waffles

• Bacon: A crispy and sweet protein that adds delicious flavor and texture to the waffles.
• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy ingredient that helps create a tender and fluffy waffle texture.
• Flour: The primary base ingredient that provides structure to the waffles.

• Brown Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential dry ingredients that enhance sweetness, balance flavors, and help the waffles rise and become light.

• Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients contribute to moisture, richness, and depth of flavor in the waffle batter.

• Cooking Spray, Baking Sheet: Helpful tools for preparing the bacon and preventing the waffles from sticking during cooking.

How To Make James Martin Bacon Waffles

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Surface

Warm the oven to 375°F/190°C. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sugar and Arrange Bacon

Sprinkle brown sugar over bacon strips, creating a sweet caramelized coating. Spread the bacon across the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake Bacon Until Crispy

Place the bacon in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bacon becomes crisp and the sugar turns golden and bubbly.

Step 4: Chop Crispy Bacon

Remove bacon from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Dice the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces for waffle mix.

Step 5: Mix Dry Waffle Ingredients

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 6: Prepare Wet Waffle Ingredients

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Oil
• Vanilla

Step 7: Create Waffle Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped bacon pieces carefully.

Step 8: Cook Waffles

Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour batter into the heated waffle maker. Cook until waffles are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.

Tips For Crispy James Martin Bacon Waffles

• Spread brown sugar evenly on bacon before baking to create a sweet, crispy coating that adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Stir waffle ingredients gently until just combined to keep waffles light and fluffy, avoiding tough texture.
• Use fresh buttermilk for tangy richness and better rising, ensuring tender waffles with perfect texture.
• Dice bacon while still warm to maintain crispy edges and distribute flavor throughout the waffle batter.
• Spray cooking spray between each waffle to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of golden-brown waffles.

Flavor Ideas For James Martin Bacon Waffles

• Maple Pecan Bacon Waffles: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add chopped pecans to the batter for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Bacon Waffles: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the recipe.
• Spicy Cayenne Bacon Waffles: Sprinkle cayenne pepper over bacon before caramelizing and add a pinch to the batter for a warm, spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Bacon Alternative Waffles: Use tempeh bacon or coconut bacon strips as a plant-based protein replacement while maintaining the original recipe's smoky essence.

Pairing Suggestions For James Martin Bacon Waffles

• Pair Savory Bacon Sweetness with Maple Bourbon Cocktail: Mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters for a robust drink that complements the caramelized bacon waffle's rich flavor profile.
• Elevate Brunch with Caramelized Apple Compote: Create a quick topping by sautéing diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, which adds a fresh, sweet contrast to the salty bacon waffles.
• Match Crispy Texture with Creamy Café Au Lait: Blend strong French press coffee with steamed milk, offering a smooth counterpoint to the crunchy bacon-studded waffles and balancing their intense taste.

Best Way To Store James Martin Bacon Waffles

• Store cooled bacon waffles in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual waffles tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange waffles on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy results.
• Toast frozen or refrigerated waffles directly in a toaster on medium setting, watching carefully to prevent burning. Crisp edges guarantee delicious reheated waffles.

FAQs About James Martin Bacon Waffles

• What makes the bacon caramelize in this recipe?

Brown sugar is sprinkled over the bacon before baking, which helps create a sweet caramelized coating that enhances the bacon’s flavor and creates a crispy texture.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

No, buttermilk is recommended because it helps create a tender and fluffy waffle texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• How finely should I chop the bacon?

Dice the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. This ensures that the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the waffle batter and provides a consistent flavor in each bite.

Why James Martin Bacon Waffles Are Fun And Filling

• Elevate Breakfast Bliss: Transform your morning routine with a sweet and savory bacon-infused waffle that brings excitement to the breakfast table.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the bacon crispness and sugar caramelization to match your personal taste preferences, making each batch uniquely delicious.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with a gourmet twist on classic waffles.
• Texture Party: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy caramelized bacon bits and fluffy waffle batter, creating a mouthwatering sensory experience.

Bacon Waffles Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Bacon waffles blend sweet and savory into one satisfying breakfast. Crispy edges, smoky bacon, and a hint of maple make them hard to resist.

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Ingredients

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Bacon (Protein):

• 8 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Spray:

• 1 spray cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray to prepare for bacon preparation.
2. Generously sprinkle brown sugar over bacon strips, ensuring even coverage across the sheet.
3. Roast the bacon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and the bacon turns crispy and golden.
4. Chop the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
5. While bacon cools, mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, remaining brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
7. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Fold in chopped bacon pieces carefully without overmixing.
8. Prepare waffle iron by lightly spraying with cooking spray and heating to medium-high.
9. Pour batter into the waffle maker, cooking until edges are crisp and center is golden brown, typically 3-4 minutes.
10. Serve immediately for optimal crispness and flavor.

Notes

• Caramelize bacon evenly by spreading brown sugar gently and ensuring no clumping occurs when coating.
• Dice bacon while still warm to prevent hardening and make cutting easier, creating perfect crispy texture throughout waffles.
• Avoid overmixing batter to maintain light, fluffy waffle consistency; mix just until ingredients are combined for best results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg