This easy make-your-own waffle bar is perfect for a birthday breakfast, back to school dinner or Sunday brunch. Also includes a free printable waffle bar sign that’s great for entertaining!
Table of Contents
Waffle Bar Ideas for the Perfect Brunch
Hosting a brunch anytime soon? If so, this waffle breakfast bar is perfect for you! It’s a fun and interactive way to serve your guests and always gets rave reviews. This easy idea would also work with crepes or buttermilk pancakes too!
Today I wanted to share a family tradition we started last year when my son started school. Meet the waffle bar. My kids’ favorite thing is breakfast for dinner. So to celebrate the new year beginning and all the fun memories we made over the summer, we have a big ol’ waffle bar.
The kids get to make their own waffles with whatever toppings they want and they think it is the coolest thing in the world. We talk about their favorite things we did this summer and what they are excited/nervous about in the new school year.
This idea is also perfect for feeding a large crowd for Sunday brunch or even to celebrate a birthday party. Everyone always loves making their own plate and adding on all of the delicious toppings. It’s a huge hit every time!
How to Make An Easy Waffle Bar
- Make the waffles. I love using my homemade buttermilk waffles or Belgian waffle recipe to make them, but you can use store-bought waffle mix. I’d aim to make 1 waffle per person, plus a few extras in case you have some super hungry guests.
- Prep toppings and gather supplies. Wash any berries and slice strawberries and banana. Gather plates, cups, napkins, flatware, small bowls for toppings and serving utensils. Place drink options at the end of the serving line.
- Place toppings in bowls. On a large counter or side table, add toppings to the bowls separately and add serving utensils.
- Assemble waffles. Add waffles to the waffle bar and let guests assemble the waffles as they wish.
Waffler Bar Toppings
Next it’s time for the fun part…the waffle bar toppings!! Pick as many or as few as you like. My ultimate waffle consists of peanut butter, bananas, berries, chocolate chips and toasted coconut. Drizzled with a little syrup on top. YUM!
- Fresh berries
- Sliced bananas
- Peanut butter
- Cookie butter
- Nutella
- Strawberry jam or blueberry jam
- Toasted coconut
- Chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- Powdered sugar
- Syrup (maple, buttermilk or cinnamon)
Waffle Bar Tips
- Make ahead waffles. I’ll typically make the waffles ahead of time so that step is out of the way. Then I’ll reheat them right before serving. If you like them crisp, reheat in the toaster. So easy!
- Keep waffles warm. To keep the waffles warm, place on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F – 200°F. This ensures they’ll stay warm throughout, without crisping up too much.
- Foods to serve with waffles. Consider adding Bacon, scrambled eggs or other breakfast ideas for a full brunch spread.
- Store leftovers. Freeze waffles for breakfast another day or store in the refrigerator for another fun breakfast tomorow.
Free Waffle Bar Printable Sign
I also whipped up this little sign to add to my waffle bar. It’s especially fun to include when entertaining. Simply enter your info below to snag the free printable.
Instructions: Save the file to your computer and then print out on card stock. Cut down to 4×6″ and then place in a frame. I love these $1 frames from IKEA.
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How to Make a Waffle Bar
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 Belgian waffles
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup Nutella
- 1 banana , sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries , I used raspberries and blackberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 cup strawberries , sliced
- ½ cup toasted coconut
- ½ cup sprinkles
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup blueberry jam
Optional ingredients: Softened butter, whipped cream, dried fruit, chocolate syrup, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Make waffles. Combine waffle batter and make waffles according to directions. Keep waffles warm in the oven at 200°F while they all get made.
- Place toppings in bowls. Cut up any fruit then add all toppings to separate bowls with serving utensils.
- Assemble. Place warm waffles on counter and let guests help themselves to building their own waffle.
Notes
- Nutrition calculation will be dependent on toppings used.
- Get creative with your toppings and add as many as you would like or have on hand. Caramelized bananas or homemade buttermilk syrup can elevate the waffle bar experience!
- Add bacon and scrambled eggs for a complete brunch experience.
- Consider dietary requirements and add gluten free waffles or vegan waffles as needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Breakfast, Kid-Friendly, Sweet Breakfast
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Such a cute idea, my family loved it!
So happy to hear, thanks for the review!
This looks amazing. I can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy! :)
This is so fun!! Love those fresh fruits! Such a great breakfast idea!
Such a fun & delicious idea! Everyone loves waffles & this is a great way to make everyone happy!
Such a fun idea for back to school. My kids love waffles, so this would be a huge hit any time of year! I have teenage boys, so I’d have to make at least 4 waffles per person. Haha.
This looks amazingly delicious- do you happen to have a recipe for the yummy looking waffles?
Typically I use a mix, like Hungry Jack. :)
This waffle bar idea is super cute!
What a fantastic post full of great ideas and a darling printable. Your waffle bar sounds and looks fantastic and I know my grandkids will love it. Thanks for sharing your terrific (and delicious) idea.
While my daughter is the queen of foods must not touch, she is a waffle lover and would adore this set up.
Yum! Waffle bars are basically my favorite kind of party! This all looks delicious!
Paige
A waffle bar can be a great idea for a breakfast or pajama party! So much fun to plan especially with all the topping choices.