- In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour wet into dry and stir just until combined (a few small lumps are fine).
- Rest batter 5 minutes while the waffle iron heats—this improves texture.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing makes waffles tougher and less fluffy.
Step 4: Cook the waffles
- Preheat waffle iron (Mickey-shaped if you have it). Lightly grease if needed.
- Pour batter according to your waffle maker size.
- Cook until deeply golden and crisp (usually 3–5 minutes per waffle).
- Keep waffles warm in a 95°C oven on a rack (not stacked) so they stay crisp.
Step 5: Plate like a food court classic
- Add waffles to the plate, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Add sausage and a pile of crispy tater tots.
- Serve with syrup on the side (or drizzle lightly).
Serving and Storage
- Serve: Immediately for maximum crispness.
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days (waffles, sausage, and tots separately if possible).
- Reheat waffles: Toast or bake at 190°C for 6–8 minutes (avoids sogginess).
- Reheat tots: Oven/air fryer for best crunch.
- Freeze waffles: Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in a bag up to 2 months.
Tips
- Deep golden color = better flavor: Don’t pull waffles too early.
- Keep crisp: Warm waffles on a rack in the oven, not stacked on a plate.
- Buttermilk substitute: Milk + vinegar/lemon works well when you’re in a pinch.
- Extra fluffy: Separate eggs, whip whites to soft peaks, fold in at the end (optional).
- Theme-park feel: Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the batter and serve with whipped butter.
Variations
1) Chocolate chip “fun park” waffles
Fold 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter right before cooking.
2) Cinnamon-sugar waffles
Mix 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over warm waffles with butter.
3) Savory brunch plate
Serve waffles with fried chicken tenders instead of sausage and add hot honey.
4) Lighter plate
Swap tots for fresh fruit and use turkey sausage.
5) Make-it-a-sandwich
Use two small waffles as “buns” and add sausage + a drizzle of syrup for a sweet-savory breakfast sandwich.
FAQ
Do I need a Mickey waffle maker?
No—any waffle iron works. The Mickey shape is fun, but the batter and golden crispness are what make it feel “theme-park.”
Why are my waffles not crispy?
Common causes: waffle iron not hot enough, batter too wet, or waffles stacked while warm. Preheat fully and keep waffles on a rack.
Can I use a boxed waffle mix?
Yes. For better texture, replace water with buttermilk (or milk) and add a splash of vanilla.
What’s the best way to keep tater tots crispy for serving?
Bake/air fry until deeply golden, then keep warm on a rack in the oven at 95–110°C until plating.
Can I make the batter ahead?
It’s best fresh. If needed, mix dry and wet separately the night before, then combine right before cooking.
