Greek yogurt whole wheat waffles are both delicious and more nutritious than your average waffle. We’ve been making this hearty whole wheat waffle recipe for over 10 years, and it turns out perfectly every time!
Homemade waffles are one of my favorite weekend breakfast recipes. There is just something special about a simple morning in the kitchen making waffles with the family. Relaxing, sipping coffee, and singing along to our favorite tunes.
Over the past 10 years, I have played with and tested this whole wheat waffle recipe A LOT. We love the added protein thanks to Greek yogurt, that there is a very minimal amount of sugar used, and that these are packed with whole grains from whole wheat flour and ground flax seeds.
Even with special and sweet breakfasts (like our applesauce waffles, wheat germ muffins, and our baked chocolate chip oatmeal) I want to make sure I’m providing a nourishing meal for my family. These whole wheat waffles taste awesome with all of your favorite toppings, and they’ll keep you full until lunchtime too!
Waffles are also a great option for an at home brunch with family and friends! They’re always a crowd pleaser and setting up a little waffle bar is really fun!
You’ll Love These Whole Wheat Waffles
The perfect waffle texture. These whole wheat waffles are fluffy, with a soft and chewy interior, and have a thin crispy exterior where the batter touches the waffle iron.
An easy recipe for little hands to help with! My kiddo loves helping me mix these up. There are lots of opportunities for little hands to dump ingredients into the bowl, mix, and join in the fun!
They freeze well for another day! We love freezing these for busy mornings. It’s convenient, and helpful when you’re in a rush.
Ingredients Needed
Whole Wheat Flour: this whole wheat waffle recipe uses only whole wheat flour for the batter, resulting in waffles with a higher fiber content! Whole wheat flour contains a greater variety of vitamins and minerals as compared to its white flour counterpart.
Ground Flaxseed: you can use brown or golden ground flax, both taste great in this recipe! I do not recommend putting full flaxseeds into your waffles (it creates a strange texture). Flax adds a slight nutty taste to your waffles, along with a whole bunch of nutrients, fiber, and omega-3s!
Greek Yogurt: both plain and vanilla Greek yogurt work well in the homemade waffle recipe. Look for a brand that is lower in sugar (we like Chiobani and FAGE).
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations to Try
Replace up to ½ Cup of whole wheat flour with oat flour. If you’re looking to add more fiber to your diet, this is an easy way to do so! We’ve been doing this a lot recently, and it doesn’t alter the flavor or texture of the waffles.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Waffles with Greek Yogurt
Heat your waffle iron: Follow the manufacturer directions to do so.
Make your batter: Start by mixing together your wet ingredients. I recommend whisking together the eggs, melted butter (OR oil), and sugar first then adding in the yogurt and vanilla. Then slowly add in the dry ingredients (the ground flax, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and whole wheat flour) and mix until combined. Add up to 1 Cup of water (OR milk) to thin the batter to your liking (recommend to do this in ¼ Cup increments).
Cook your waffles: Using a measuring cup, scoop your batter into your waffle iron, and cook per manufacturer directions (note: the size will depend on the size of your waffle iron. I use a ¼ cup for a smaller waffles and either a ⅓ cup or ½ cup for larger waffles).
Keep finished waffles warm while you cook the rest of the batter: I recommend doing this in the oven, see notes below.
Serve with your favorite toppings: Enjoy!
How to Keep Finished Waffles Warm While You Cook the Rest of the Batter
The best way to do this is by heating your oven to 170-200°F and placing finished waffles in a single layer on a wire cooling rack on cookie sheet to keep them warm (if you do not have a wire rack, right on the cookie sheet will be ok too). No need to cover your waffles while they are in the oven.
Placing your homemade waffles in a single layer is important for a few reasons: this helps keep the edge of your waffles crisp and interior soft (aka avoid serving a sad, squashed waffle) and also helps reduce the risk of serving soggy waffles (when you stack them, this minimizes the amount of air that can get around the waffles and can allow moisture to build up).
What are the Best Toppings for Whole Wheat Waffles?
This is where you can get creative, and your personal preferences come into play!
Topping your whole wheat waffles with butter and maple syrup is a classic combination. You can also top your homemade waffles with berries and whipped cream (no judgements if you add maple syrup to that stack too). I will often make a yogurt and maple syrup blend (for additional protein and probiotics) plus berries. In the fall we love topping these with skillet fried apples!
If you’re making this whole wheat waffle recipe as a fun breakfast for kiddos, don’t hesitate to bring out the whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles too. Have fun with it!
This post on What to Serve with Pancakes can also give you some fun topping ideas (and side dish ideas too!).
How to Store and Reheat Cooked Waffles
In the refrigerator: You can store cooked waffles in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
In the freezer: You can store cooked waffles in the freezer for 2-3 months. Prior to freezing, make sure to cool your waffles completely and then place cooled waffles into a ziplock bag or freezer safe container. Placing a piece of parchment paper between the waffles will help them from sticking together.
How to reheat: Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave.
Helpful Equipment
A waffle maker is a required piece of equipment for making waffles at home. In 2022 we switched over to this 4-Square Waffle Maker from Original Green Pan and LOVE IT. It’s super easy to clean, has multiple types of waffle irons to choose from, and is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium.
Greek Yogurt Waffles Recipe FAQs
Is this batter supposed to be this thick?
YES! This whole wheat waffle recipe creates a thick batter, which leads to AMAZING waffle texture. Your batter is thinned down with ½ to 1 Cup of water or milk of choice. Once you place a scoop of batter into your waffle iron, the weight of the iron will disperse and flatten the batter into a delightfully thick and chewy waffle. However, if after stirring your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients you still feel like your batter is too thick, add more water. I’ve noticed it depends on the type of yogurt I use (some are thicker than others). Use your best judgement, your homemade waffles will turn out just fine!
How do I know when my homemade waffles are done?
Follow the instructions on your waffle maker (after using it a few times, you’ll know which setting will give you the desired doneness on your waffles). A good waffle will have a light, golden brown finish to it when it’s done.
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Whole Wheat Waffles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoon salted butter, melted -OR- neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 + ½ Cup 0% Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ Cup ground flaxseed
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 Cup whole wheat flour
- ½ to 1 Cup water -OR- milk of choice (using skim or 2% dairy milk is a great way to add some more protein!)
Instructions
- Heat waffle iron per manufacturer directions.
- In a large bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat eggs, butter (OR oil) & sugar together until well combined.
- Add yogurt and vanilla to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
- Slowly stir in the dry ingredients (the ground flax, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and whole wheat flour) and mix until combined. Add water (OR milk) to thin the batter to your liking (recommend to do this in ¼ Cup increments).
- Scoop batter into your waffle iron, close the lid, and bake per manufacturer directions until golden brown.
- Keep finished waffles warm while you continue to cook the remaining batter by placing the waffles on a wire rack on a baking sheet in the oven at 200°F
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Storing:
- In the refrigerator: You can store cooked waffles in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: You can store cooked waffles in the freezer for 2-3 months. Prior to freezing, make sure to cool your waffles completely and then place cooled waffles into a ziplock bag or freezer safe container. Placing a piece of parchment paper between the waffles will help them from sticking together.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave.
David says
So versatile. Classic ‘waffley’ flavor and texture that perfect for any topping!
Meredith says
Glad you enjoyed these too David!
M says
Have made these a few times, great recipe!
Meredith says
So happy to hear that you love these too!
David says
Yogurt in waffles. Who knew? Who cares!? They’re so fluffy and delicious.
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I know, right? I love baking with yogurt! Thanks for trying these, I’m so glad you enjoyed them!