Looking for some great waffle bar ideas? DIY Waffle Bars are the perfect breakfast or brunch food for a crowd.
DIY Waffle Bar:
Want to try a DIY waffle bar? Waffle bars are one of my new favorite brunch ideas! They are quick, and the best part is your guests are cooking them so you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen!
If you want a DIY stoppable grocery list for everything you need to make this waffle bar click here!
The prep time is very minimal, which is perfect when cooking for large groups of people. I love “bar” ideas where guests have control over what they want to eat; it makes it fun and interactive!
Check out another “bar” idea with this DIY soft pretzel bar.
This waffle bar was for an event for 35 people. You can adjust your quantity depending on how many people you are serving. Here is how to build the perfect waffle bar.
I remember the preparation for this brunch so vividly. I had lists galore: food lists, grocery lists, instructions for prepping, etc.
But then, the Saturday morning before the baby shower — yes, just one week before 35 of my friends and I gathered together to celebrate the arrival of a new baby — I had an epiphany while cooking breakfast with my boys!
I was going to cater a waffle bar! And that, my friends, is how waffle bars came to be one of my new favorite brunch ideas! (I later thanked my boys for sparking the idea!)
Let me give you my two reasons why waffle bars are the best.
First, the prep time is very minimal, which is perfect when cooking for large groups of people.
Second, they are quick to cook, and, even better, your guests are doing the cooking so you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen!
Keep scrolling to check out my
7 quick, simple steps for creating a perfect waffle bar:
Step 1
Buy a good waffle mix!
While you might have a special homemade waffle recipe that has been passed down for generations, whipping it out for a large brunch group might not be a suitable time. You likely don’t want to be mixing batch after batch of waffle batter from scratch.
I love to use this waffle mix when catering waffle bars! These are a great option if you want a variety of waffle flavors.
Serve your prepared waffle mix in disposable cups so your guests don’t have to measure out the correct amount of batter. Disposable cups are also a lot less messy (and cuter!) than having a bowl of batter sitting out.
Step 2
Waffles are {almost} all about the toppings, right? Prepare some of your favorite waffle toppings and serve in bowls.
I love to serve fresh cut fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, shredded coconut, and whipped cream.
I put them into bowls and let my guests decide which ingredients they want to top their waffles. Here is a great list of more waffle bar topping ideas.
Step 3:
Prepare your syrups. There is nothing wrong with store-bought syrup, but why not make your own a day or two in advance?
Making syrups is easier than you think, and really makes a big impact in the overall experience.
The Coconut Syrup and Boysenberry Syrup are two of my favorites!
I love using these inexpensive syrup containers.
Step 4:
Prepare several waffles for those who don’t want to make their own. Even though you have the waffle batter in disposable cups, there might be a few people who would rather have the waffles premade.
You can even make these ahead, lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze. When it’s almost time to serve toast them in a 350 degree oven until warm and crispy.
So, how do you keep those pre-made waffles warm? I’ve got you covered; scroll down for some helpful tips!
Step 5
Set out your waffle iron(s) and don’t forget to have some cooking spray for people to spray the waffle maker.
I cannot think of many things worse than a perfectly cooked waffle sticking to the waffle iron.
waffle bar
Step 6
Now, this step is totally optional, but can be super helpful so you can spend more time mingling, instead of repeatedly instructing guests.
Set up a board with easy, step-by-step directions so the guests know exactly what to do. You can also write some fun flavor ideas to experiment with.
Step 7
If you want, pair waffle bars with a few other breakfast ideas, like Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls or Baked Chocolate Donuts! Most importantly, have fun and enjoy!
Waffle Bar Questions:
You might have some questions about creating a waffle bar, so here are the most common questions I am asked to help you serve the perfect buffet of waffles!
Can waffles be made the night before?
Of course! Completely cool the cooked waffles before wrapping in plastic wrap or foil and placing in a plastic bag. (Wrapping in plastic wrap or foil before storing in a plastic bag will help it not dry out.)
When you’re ready to serve, warm them up in an oven set at 350°F until your desired temperature and crispness is reached.
Can waffle batter be made the night before?
It sure can! Just be sure to cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The batter can be portioned into disposable cups an hour or so before the event.
How do you keep waffles warm on a waffle bar?
Ideally, each guest will be cooking their own waffle, which just takes a couple of minutes, depending on the waffle iron.
However, if you’re short on waffle irons or it’s not possible to cook them on the spot, they can be prepared ahead of time and then kept warm in an oven set at 200°F.
Don’t be afraid of your waffles cooling a bit. Waffles can be served cool or warm!
Do you feel ready to prepare your own waffle bar for a crowd or for a special breakfast for your family? Simply adjust the quantity of waffle batter, as well as toppings, depending on the number of people you’re serving.
As always, I love to read your comments on how a recipe or idea worked for you. I’m curious to know your favorite waffle toppings are!
xoxo,
Meg
Waffle Bar Ideas:
Waffle Bar Ideas for the Perfect Brunch Waffle Bar
Looking for some great waffle bar ideas? DIY Waffle Bars are the perfect breakfast or brunch food for a crowd.
Ingredients
- Waffle Mix + Ingredients
Toppings:
- Variety of Syrups
- Fresh Cut Fruit
- Chocolate Chips
- Nuts
- Shredded Coconut
- Whipped Cream
Instructions
Step 1: Buy a good waffle mix! I love to use a variety of flavors for waffles. These are a great option if you want a variety of flavors, too!
Step 2: Serve your prepared waffle mix in disposable cups so your guests don’t have to measure out the correct amount of batter.
Step 3: Prepare some of your favorite waffle toppings and serve in bowls. Ideas include fruit, nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and whipped cream.
Step 4: Prepare your syrups. Try the homemade Coconut Syrup and Boysenberry Syrup.
Step 5: Make several waffles to have on-hand.
Step 6: Set out the waffle iron(s) along with cooking spray.
Step 7: Set up an optional board with easy, step-by-step directions so the guests know exactly what to do. You can also write some fun flavor ideas to experiment with.
Step 8: Pair waffles with additional breakfast ideas, such as Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls or Baked Chocolate Donuts!
Notes
Simply adjust the quantity of waffle batter, as well as toppings, depending on the number of people you’re serving.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Amazon.com: 4 Syrup Dispensers 8oz (240mL)|Glass Bottle No-Drip Pourers for Maple Syrup, Honey|Pancake Syrup Dispenser by Back of House: Home & Kitchen
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Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker, Stainless Steel -
Pancake Maple Syrup Dispenser, Mason Jar Pour Lid, Mason Jar Pitcher for Lemonade, (Ergo Spout, REGULAR MOUTH, Green) -
Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes, Flapjack and Waffle Baking Mix, Dark Chocolate, 18 Ounce (Pack of 6)
