Among other culinary delicacies like chocolate or Frites, Belgium has two types of waffles for you to try that are traditional in this country. Many people who have already made waffles using a waffle iron don’t know that Belgium is the country of origin for these culinary gems.
There is a difference between Brussels-style waffles and Liege-style waffles, such as ingredients, texture, taste, appearance, and baking.
In Belgium, waffles are not served just for breakfast but as a dessert and are eaten even mid-day. Their history begins in the Middle Ages, but they entered the US only in the twentieth century. Let’s see what the exact differences between Brussels waffles and Liege waffles are:
Brussels Waffles
Brussels waffles are the common Belgian waffles in the United States and many other countries. They came out of the country of origin for the first time in 1964 under Bel-Gem Waffles. From then on, they became more and more popular outside of Belgium.
A small difference exists today in how Belgian waffles are baked for Americans: baking powder is used as a replacement for yeast. These waffles have a rectangular shape with well-defined edges. They are light and crispy and often served with a bit of powdered sugar.
Sometimes they can also have strawberries and whipped cream as a topping. The original Brussels waffles are made of yeast-leavened batter, and this is what gives them a special texture and taste. American variants tend to be doughy and heavy, unlike the traditional light waffles made in Belgium.
Best Brussels Waffles:
Homemade Belgian Waffles Recipe (Brussels Style):
Liege Waffles
This type of Belgium waffles is the most commonly seen in its country of origin. Compared to Brussels waffles, Liege waffles are made with a thicker batter and don’t have even edges.
Their consistency is more like the dough that is used for making bread. Pearl sugar is used in their making, and this sugar caramelizes during the baking process. Liege waffles can be made with toppings: whipped cream, strawberries, bananas, and chocolate.
They tend to be sweeter, stickier, and chewier than Brussels waffles. They are also less rectangular, their holes are not as deep, and their edges are not as smooth.
People who have tasted both Belgian waffles think both are delicious. These culinary specialties are a must-try for anyone who has bought a waffle iron and wants to try to make them. For those who go to Belgium, these waffles can be found at any restaurant. You can also find them at cafes and street vendors.
Best Belgium Waffles:
How To Make Belgian Liege Waffles?
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