How to Store Waffles

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If you’re somehow able to resist the temptation of eating fresh waffles, you’re going to need a good way to store them. Waffles, unfortunately, don’t last very long, but there are a few steps you can take to keep them soft and tasty. They will last a few days when refrigerated inside a sealed container. Perhaps you would rather have homemade waffles to reheat for a quick breakfast or serve as a snack. In that case, freeze them to keep them fresh for longer. With careful storage, you can keep waffles fresh whether you plan on eating them tomorrow or at a later date.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Refrigerating Leftover Waffles

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  1. Wait for the waffles to cool down first. Once they are cool enough to handle, store them so they remain safe to eat. Any waffles left out for more than 2 hours could have unsafe bacteria on it, so throw them out instead. [1]
    • Bacteria spreads on any food under 140 °F (60 °C). Quick storage prevents bacteria from forming, keeping your waffles safe for another day.
    • If the temperature is above 90 °F (32 °C), the waffles will become unsafe to eat after 1 hour, so be sure to store them before then!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Waffles
    Try using resealable plastic zipper bags. No matter what size the waffles are, you can usually fit a few of them in food storage bags. If you have big enough refrigeration containers, they will also work well. You could label them with today’s date to remind yourself of how old the waffles are. [2]
    • If you don’t have any storage containers, wrap the waffles up in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can wrap them all together, but make sure they are well-sealed so they don’t dry out.
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  3. Unfortunately, fresh waffles don’t hold up very well in the refrigerator. They harden and lose their taste over time. If you intend on using the waffles right away, refrigerating them is fine. Freeze them instead if you wish to keep them edible long-term. [3]
    • Throw the waffles away if you notice anything strange, such as mold growth. Watch for color changes or for a soft, mushy texture.
  4. Set the waffles on microwave-safe plates. Try cooking 1 or 2 at a time so they all reach the correct temperature. When they feel warm all over, take them out to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. [4]
    • If you want your waffles to be a little crisper, reheat them in an oven or toaster. Try putting them on a baking sheet in a 350 °F (177 °C) oven and baking them for about 5 minutes, for instance.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Freezing Homemade Waffles

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  1. To ensure the waffles freeze properly, wait until they feel cool to the touch. It usually doesn’t take long. However, make sure you store the waffles within 2 hours of cooking them, or else they won’t be safe to eat. [5]
    • If the waffles are still warm when you put them in the freezer, they won’t stay as dry. The moisture causes them to spoil faster than usual.
    • Freezing waffles is a better alternative to refrigerating them, especially if you don’t plan on eating them right away. They maintain their flavor and texture much better in the freezer.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Waffles
    Make sure the baking sheet will fit in your freezer. You can then cover it with a layer of parchment paper to make the frozen waffles easier to remove. Also, leave a little bit of space between each waffle to prevent them from sticking together. [6]
    • If you have more waffles than you can fit on the baking sheet, freeze them in batches. You could also use multiple baking sheets.
    • Another option is to stack the waffles in layers on the same baking sheet. Place parchment paper between each layer. Keep in mind, however, that the lower layers could get crushed.
    • If you’re short on space, you could wrap each waffle up individually and place it in the freezer. As long as they are well-sealed, you won’t have to take them out until you’re ready to eat them.
  3. Wait until the waffles are completely frozen. They will feel cold and hard all over. Take them back out of the freezer to prepare them for long-term storage. [7]
    • If some of the waffles stick to the baking sheet, scrape them up with a spatula. You could also wait for them to defrost, but be prepared to either freeze them again or store them separately.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Store Waffles
    The waffles are just frozen pucks at this point, so you can store them all together in a single container. Try using a plastic freezer bag instead of a container. You can usually fit more waffles together that way. Push as much air out of the bag as you can before sealing and labeling it. [8]
    • Use a plastic straw to reduce the amount of air left in freezer bags. Close the bag almost all of the way, put the straw in, then stuck the air out. It helps keep the waffles fresh for longer.
    • For a different approach, wrap the waffles up in plastic wrap, then cover them with foil. Wrap them in pairs to save on space. Make sure each package is airtight before freezing it.
  5. Make sure the storage container is well-sealed before putting the waffles back into the freezer. Well-stored waffles will taste almost as good as fresh ones when reheated. However, they will start to lose quality after a few months. If they change color, throw them out. They start turning white due to freezer burn. [9]
    • Homemade waffles are a lot like store-bought frozen waffles. You do not have to thaw them before warming them up. For example, you could reheat them in the microwave until they are warm all over.
  6. Preheat an oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread the frozen waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move it into the oven once it is hot. After about 5 minutes, take them back out. If they don’t feel warm and crisp all over, continue heating them for up to 5 more minutes. [10]
    • If you’re only reheating a couple of waffles, use a toaster on its lowest heat setting for a quick and easy snack. Take the waffles out once they are warm and crisp.
    • You could also warm the waffles in the microwave, but they won’t be crisp. Heat them for about 45 seconds.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I cook the chicken in a chicken and waffles recipe?
    Chef Jeff Woodward
    Private Chef
    Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College.
    Chef Jeff Woodward
    Private Chef
    Expert Answer
    My preference for chicken involves using either chicken tenders or thighs coated in a thin breading. Begin by seasoning flour, then dip the chicken in a mixture of beaten eggs with a splash of water, followed by coating with panko breadcrumbs. Deep fry the chicken in peanut oil for a flavorful touch, although canola oil is a suitable alternative. The chicken can be either pan-fried or deep-fried.
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      Tips

      • If you’re not planning on storing the waffles right away, keep them warm in the oven. This will delay bacterial growth, but also keep the waffles well-prepared in case you want another bite. [11]
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      • Pancakes, bagels, similar foods can be stored the same way as waffles. Freezing always does a better job of preserving the taste and texture of these foods than refrigerator, and it preserves them for longer as well. [12]
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      • Store-bought frozen waffles can be stored for a longer period of time than homemade waffles. They can also be heated up in a microwave, oven, or toaster.
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      Warnings

      • Label containers with the date to keep track of how long they have been in storage. Waffles decrease in quality and even become unsafe to eat over time.
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      • Store waffles in a timely manner and keep them well-sealed to prevent bacterial growth. For safety, store them within 2 hours of cooking them or throw them away.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Refrigerating Leftover Waffles

      • Refrigerator
      • Airtight bag, container, or wrap

      Freezing Homemade Waffles

      • Refrigerator
      • Baking sheet
      • Airtight freezer bag or container
      • Parchment paper (optional)
      • Plastic wrap (optional)
      • Aluminum foil (optional)

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about storing food, check out our in-depth interview with Chef Jeff Woodward .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/grains/how-long-do-waffles-last/
      2. ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18653
      3. ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/grains/how-long-do-waffles-last/
      4. ↑ https://www.eatingonadime.com/how-to-freeze-pancakes-and-waffles/
      5. ↑ https://www.squirrelsofafeather.com/freezing-waffles-reheating-waffles/
      6. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/overnight-waffles
      7. ↑ https://www.squirrelsofafeather.com/freezing-waffles-reheating-waffles/
      8. ↑ https://simplebites.net/how-to-freeze-a-big-batch-of-homemade-waffles/
      9. ↑ https://simplebites.net/how-to-freeze-a-big-batch-of-homemade-waffles/
      1. ↑ https://carlsbadcravings.com/cranberry-pecan-gingerbread-waffles-orange-syrup/
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-keep-pancakes-and-waffles-warm-238073
      3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-freeze-and-reheat-pancakes-252404

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