I remember the first time I tried cooking waffles without a waffle maker. It felt like a bold move-one of those "what if I mess this up?" moments. But there was a certain thrill in taking a griddle pan, one that I already used for pancakes and eggs, and turning it into a waffle-making machine. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Griddle Pan Waffles recipe. It was simple, creative, and turned out way better than I expected. The crispy edges, soft middle, and the fact that I didn’t need a bulky waffle iron? Pure genius.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you’re craving waffles but don’t want to deal with the mess of a waffle iron, Jamie’s recipe is for you. It’s a game-changer for those mornings when you want something special but don’t have all the fancy gadgets.
Jamie Oliver’s Griddle Pan Waffles Recipe
I first came across this recipe in one of Jamie Oliver’s cookbooks, but when I tried it out, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and fun it was. Imagine getting that waffle texture-crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside-without any of the hassle. The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a waffle maker, and yet you can still get those perfect waffles with a griddle pan.
The idea is simple: instead of pouring your batter into a clunky waffle iron, you cook it on a griddle, flipping the batter like you would with pancakes. It’s so easy, and it eliminates the need for extra equipment in the kitchen. Plus, you can get creative with toppings, fillings, and flavor variations.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Self-raising flour – It gives the waffles that nice fluffy texture.
- Baking powder – This helps make the waffles rise even more.
- Sugar – A little sweetness to balance the savory toppings or for a base to mix with fruit.
- Eggs – The binder that holds everything together.
- Milk – Helps thin out the batter to the perfect consistency.
- Butter – For richness and flavor, giving the waffles that delicious golden crisp.
- Vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla adds an extra layer of flavor to the waffles.
These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe. No last-minute grocery store runs!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Griddle Pan Waffles
Here’s how you can recreate this recipe in your kitchen. It’s so easy; it’ll probably become a regular in your breakfast rotation.
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Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine your self-raising flour, baking powder, and sugar. Stir them together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Whisk The Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk your eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
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Combine The Dry And Wet Ingredients
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, or you’ll risk dense waffles. The batter should be slightly lumpy, and that’s perfectly fine.
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Preheat The Griddle Pan
- Heat your griddle pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. You want the surface to be hot but not smoking.
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Cook The Waffles
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of batter onto the griddle for each waffle. Spread the batter into a small round shape (no need for perfect circles). Once the edges begin to look dry, flip the waffles with a spatula and cook the other side for about 1-2 minutes.
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Serve
- Once the waffles are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and serve with your favorite toppings.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
This recipe doesn’t just come together with random ingredients-there’s science behind why each one is used. Let’s break it down:
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Self-raising Flour
This is the secret behind the waffle’s fluffiness. Self-raising flour already contains a leavening agent (baking powder), so it helps the waffles rise without any extra work.
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Baking Powder
A little extra leavening is essential for giving waffles their lift. The baking powder reacts with the liquid ingredients, producing bubbles that make the waffles puff up.
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Eggs
Eggs are the glue. They provide structure to the waffles and also help with browning, giving them that crispy golden exterior.
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Butter
The fat from butter not only adds flavor but also helps with the texture, creating a crisp, golden edge and making the waffles more tender on the inside.
Expert Tips
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Don’t Overmix The Batter
Lumps in the batter are okay. Overmixing will activate the gluten in the flour, leading to dense waffles instead of light and fluffy ones.
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Watch The Heat
If your griddle pan is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside stays raw. Medium heat is perfect for a balanced cook.
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Keep It Light
The less batter you use, the more crispiness you’ll get. Try to keep the batter layer thin on the griddle.
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Experiment With Toppings
You don’t have to stick to syrup and butter. Try fresh berries, whipped cream, yogurt, or even savory toppings like avocado or eggs.
Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity. Here are some fun variations to try:
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Chocolate Chip Waffles
Fold in some chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist.
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Banana And Nutella Waffles
Slice a ripe banana and spread Nutella over your waffles for a decadent treat.
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Cinnamon Spice Waffles
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for warm, spiced waffles.
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Savory Waffles
Leave out the sugar, add a bit of cheese, and top with fried eggs or bacon for a savory breakfast.
Final Words
I think what makes Jamie Oliver’s Griddle Pan Waffles so appealing is the simplicity. It’s one of those recipes that seems too easy to be this good. But every time I make it, I’m reminded that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Whether it’s a weekend brunch with family or a quick breakfast before heading out the door, these waffles are adaptable, tasty, and surprisingly effortless. So, next time you’re craving waffles, skip the waffle maker, grab a griddle pan, and whip up Jamie’s recipe.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Griddle Pan Waffles Without A Waffle Maker?
Yes! The griddle pan gives you that crispy texture without needing a waffle iron.
What Type Of Griddle Pan Is Best For Jamie Oliver’s Waffle Recipe?
A heavy-duty cast iron or non-stick griddle pan works best for even heat distribution.
Can I Use Gluten-free Flour For Jamie Oliver’s Griddle Pan Waffles?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour in the recipe.