Delicious & Healthy Gluten-Free Make-Ahead Freezer Waffles: Your Ultimate Busy Morning Solution
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Let’s be honest: mornings can be a chaotic whirlwind. Between hitting snooze one too many times, getting everyone ready for school or work, and trying to gather your own thoughts, a healthy, homemade breakfast often falls by the wayside. Confession #148: I’m just as guilty as the next person of reaching for those convenient, but often nutrient-lacking, frozen waffles from a box.
The vision of me, a stay-at-home mom, effortlessly whipping up cute, character-shaped pancakes from scratch every morning? That dream quickly faded into the reality of hurried schedules and the simple need for efficiency. When we’re inevitably in a rush, a toaster-ready option is often the only viable choice, especially after a night with too little sleep (which, let’s be real, is most nights).
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Why Choose Homemade Gluten-Free Freezer Waffles?
The allure of store-bought frozen waffles is undeniable: convenience. But if you’re committed to a healthy lifestyle, especially programs like the 2B Mindset or 21 Day Fix, those boxed options often fall short. Most gluten-free frozen waffles, even those marketed as “healthy,” typically contain minimal to no fiber. This is a critical oversight, as fiber is essential for digestive health, sustained energy, and satiety.
The Fiber Factor: Meeting Your 2B Mindset & 21 Day Fix Goals
According to Ilana from the 2B Mindset, the best carbohydrate choices – what she calls FFCs (Fiber Filled Carbs) – should ideally contain at least 1 gram of fiber per ten grams of protein. When you scrutinize the nutrition labels of most commercial gluten-free waffles, you’ll quickly see they rarely meet this important guideline. They might be gluten-free, but they often lack the nutritional density that truly fuels your body and keeps you feeling full.
That’s precisely why I was driven to create a homemade, fiber-packed gluten-free waffle recipe. My goal was a simple one: develop a waffle that not only tasted incredible but also aligned perfectly with healthy eating principles, offering a quick, nutritious breakfast option that could be prepared in advance and frozen for ultimate convenience. This way, you can enjoy a wholesome breakfast even on the busiest mornings, without compromising your health goals or succumbing to less-than-ideal choices.
Crafting the Perfect Crispy & Fluffy Gluten-Free Waffles
My journey to the perfect gluten-free waffle wasn’t without its challenges. Many homemade versions I tried in the past tended to be a bit on the soggy side, lacking that delightful crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior we all crave. But through persistent experimentation, I discovered the secrets to achieving waffle perfection, primarily thanks to some fantastic ingredients.
The Magic of Oats: A Gluten-Free Foundation
The foundation of these incredible waffles lies in the power of oats. Unlike many gluten-free all-purpose flours, oats are naturally rich in fiber, boasting approximately 4 grams per 1/3 cup serving. This high fiber content is key to making these waffles truly fiber-filled and satisfying. To achieve the perfect texture, I start with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats and simply process them into a fine flour using my food processor. This ensures a smooth batter and a consistent, delicious result.
If you don’t have a food processor or prefer to save a step, Bob’s Red Mill also offers a convenient Gluten-Free Oat Flour, which is an excellent alternative. Using pre-ground oat flour can streamline your prep even further, getting you to those delicious waffles faster!
Secret to Crispy Waffles: Arrowroot Flour
The true game-changer in achieving that coveted crispy exterior was the addition of Bob’s Red Mill Arrowroot Flour. This natural thickener, also known as arrowroot starch or powder, works wonders to create a light yet perfectly crisp waffle. It absorbs excess moisture, preventing sogginess, and contributes to that ideal golden-brown finish. While cornstarch can be used as a substitute, I’ve found arrowroot powder delivers superior results, making these waffles truly toasty on the outside and wonderfully soft and fluffy within. It’s pure waffle magic!
Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Waffles
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success. Here’s what you’ll need to create a batch of these delightful gluten-free freezer waffles:
- 4 cups ofBob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats (or pre-made oat flour)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 tablespoons arrowroot flour (or cornstarch)
- 4 tablespoons raw sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups vanilla almond milk (unsweetened works well too)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons melted butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil (we find vegan butter yields the best results!)
- Coconut or avocado oil cooking spray for your waffle iron
Tips for Waffle Perfection (and Happy Kids!)
Beyond the core ingredients, a few simple techniques can elevate your waffle-making experience from good to absolutely fantastic. These small adjustments ensure your waffles come out perfectly every time and are eagerly devoured by everyone at the breakfast table.
Batter Best Practices for Optimal Texture
One crucial tip for achieving wonderfully light and fluffy waffles is to allow your batter to rest. After mixing your wet and dry ingredients, simply let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the gluten-free oat flour to fully hydrate and the baking powder to start working its magic, resulting in a lighter, more tender waffle. This is a trick I learned from none other than Bobby Flay, and it never disappoints!
Another common pitfall is over-spraying your waffle iron. While a little non-stick spray is essential, too much oil can lead to soggy waffles. A light, even coating is all you need to prevent sticking and ensure that glorious crispy crust. Trust me, I’ve been there, and a little goes a long way!
Kid-Friendly Adaptations: Making Healthy Delicious
Introducing new, healthier foods to children can sometimes be an uphill battle. My kids weren’t immediately thrilled with our new homemade waffles, as they were accustomed to the taste and texture of their usual boxed variety. But a small, strategic addition can make all the difference. A few mini chocolate chips – and I truly mean just a few – can transform their perception. My daughter, after this simple addition, declared them the best waffles she had ever had! It’s a small compromise that ensures a healthy, homemade breakfast is enjoyed by the whole family. You can also try other healthy additions like blueberries, shredded zucchini, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and nutrients.
Mastering the Art of Freezing: Your Grab-and-Go Breakfast Solution
The true beauty of this gluten-free waffle recipe lies in its incredible freezer-friendliness. Batch cooking is a game-changer for meal prep, and these waffles are no exception. Imagine waking up on a hectic weekday morning, knowing you have a stack of homemade, healthy, and delicious waffles ready to go in minutes! This recipe yields a generous batch, making it absolutely perfect for freezing.
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
To ensure your freezer waffles retain their quality, follow these simple steps: First, allow your freshly cooked waffles to cool completely on a wire rack. This is a critical step; freezing warm waffles will lead to condensation and ice crystals, making them soggy when reheated. Once cooled, simply place them flat into gallon-sized freezer bags or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking multiple waffles. Lay the bag flat in your freezer to prevent them from sticking together. They will keep well for up up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready for breakfast, simply grab one or two (or however many you need!) directly from the freezer and pop them into your toaster or toaster oven. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They’ll toast up beautifully, emerging crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside, just like a freshly made waffle. It’s truly a “YIPPEE!” moment for busy mornings.
This recipe typically yields around 12 servings, but the exact number can vary depending on the size of your waffle iron. For reference, this waffle iron is an excellent choice and produces consistently great results!
I genuinely hope these gluten-free make-ahead freezer waffles become a staple in your kitchen, just as they have in ours. They offer the perfect blend of health, convenience, and deliciousness. If you try this recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Please tag me on social media so I can share in your success.
A special thank you to Bob’s Red Mill for sponsoring this post. It’s incredibly meaningful to partner with brands that I wholeheartedly love and incorporate into my daily cooking. Their high-quality ingredients are essential for creating recipes that are both healthy and delicious.
Full Recipe: Gluten-Free Make-Ahead Freezer Waffles
Gluten Free Make Ahead Freezer Waffles
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Ingredients
- 4 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 tablespoons arrowroot flour
- 4 tablespoons raw sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups vanilla almond milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4 tablespoons butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil melted; (we love it with vegan butter best)
- Coconut or avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions
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In a food processor, pulverize oats until a flour forms. Place flour in a large mixing bowl and add in baking powder, arrowroot, sugar and salt. Mix to combine.
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In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, almond milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Let batter rest for 5 minutes or so.
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Preheat waffle iron and spray lightly with cooking spray.
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Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour waffle batter onto hot waffle iron and cook until the outside is crispy and the inside is cooked. Place waffle on a cooling rack.
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Continue with the remainder of the waffles.
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To freeze – allow waffles to cool completely, then place them flat in large ziplock bags and store in your freezer. To heat, simply toast waffles from frozen.
Notes
21 Day Fix: 1 YELLOW, 1 TSP, 1 sweetener tsp (per waffle)
WW: 6 points (per waffle) [Calculated using butter]
Nutrition