It might be an American holiday, but we couldn’t help ourselves—we’re celebrating Waffle Iron Day right here in South Africa. Because honestly, is there ever a bad time to enjoy golden, fluffy waffles? Whether you like them sweet, savoury, drizzled with dark chocolate, or topped with crunchy granola, the humble waffle iron is the unsung hero of weekend breakfasts and cheeky weeknight treats.
So today, we’re giving this brilliant kitchen gadget the love it deserves—diving into its history, how to care for it, and most importantly, how to make the most delicious waffles with it.
Long before it sat proudly on your kitchen counter, the waffle iron had a medieval past. Originating in Europe around the 14th century, early waffle irons were made of heavy iron plates engraved with patterns—pressed over open fires to create intricate, toasted treats. As time went on, they evolved, spreading across the world and becoming synonymous with comfort food culture.
The electric waffle iron as we know it today really took off in the 20th century, giving everyone access to golden, crispy waffles without the need for a hearth or open flame. Fast-forward to now, and it’s a brunch staple, dessert base, and even a creative canvas for all sorts of savoury inventions.
Let’s Celebrate Waffle Iron Day
It’s not about just eating waffles (although, that’s a major part). Waffle Iron Day is about indulging in something nostalgic, and getting creative with toppings and batters. Here are a few ways to mark the occasion:
Try a new twist on the classic
Skip the boxed mix and whip up one of our favourite from-scratch recipes. Whether you’re into indulgent or wholesome, we’ve got you covered.
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Olive Oil Waffles with Dark Chocolate Sauce – Light, crisp, and topped with a warm chocolate drizzle. Weekend luxury at its finest.
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Granola Dust Waffles – High-fibre, flavourful, and ready in minutes. Perfect for a fuss-free breakfast that still feels special.
Host a waffle bar at home
Set up a make-your-own-waffle station with toppings like fresh berries, nut butter, yoghurt, honey, toasted nuts, and sauces. It’s fun, interactive, and ideal for kids or brunch with friends.
Go savoury
Waffle irons aren’t just for sweet things. Try savoury waffles topped with sautéed mushrooms, eggs, or cheese. The crispy exterior makes the perfect base for bold flavours.
Clean and care for your iron
If you haven’t shown your waffle iron a little TLC in a while, today’s the day. Wipe it down (once fully cooled), remove crumbs, and if it’s cast iron or non-stick, give it a light oiling with something like Wilson’s Olive Oil to keep it in good shape.
Good waffles start with a well-loved iron. To keep yours in top form:
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Don’t overfill it. Excess batter makes a mess and bakes onto the sides.
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Use a high smoke-point oil like olive oil to prevent sticking and browning without burning.
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Avoid abrasive sponges—a soft cloth or gentle brush does the trick.
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Give it a wipe after every use to keep old batter or oil from spoiling the next batch.
A little maintenance goes a long way—and keeps those waffles golden every time.
One Last Tip…
Your waffle iron deserves to come out more than once a season. Whether it’s a weekday breakfast treat, a weekend brunch ritual, or a new dessert obsession, this quirky kitchen tool has stood the test of time for a reason.
So here’s to Waffle Iron Day—because crispy edges and fluffy middles are always worth celebrating.
Tag us in your creations, and let’s keep the waffle love going strong. 🧇
A Mother’s Day Lunch Recipes
Five courses, one brilliant Sunday — a full Mother’s Day menu from starter to cocktails. Here’s everything you need to pull it off.
Braai Potato Salad with White Truffle Oil
Creamy braai potato salad finished with a drizzle of Wilson’s Foods White Truffle Oil — the side dish that quietly steals the show every time.
Bulletproof Coffee
Strong coffee, grass-fed butter and Wilson’s Foods Coconut Oil blended into something creamy, frothy and genuinely filling. This is your morning upgrade.
Vegan Garlic Bread
Proper vegan garlic bread in 15 minutes — made with Wilson’s Foods Garlic Flavoured Oil and a dash of Peri-Peri Oil if you’re feeling brave.
Cheesy Onion Soup with Crispy Cheese Croutons
Sweet slow-cooked onions, rich stock and bubbling cheese croutons — this cheesy onion soup is the kind of thing you make once and then crave every autumn after that.
Snoek with Paprika Garlic Butter
Whole butterflied snoek basted over the coals with smoky paprika, garlic butter and The Oil People’s Garlic Flavoured Oil — this is snoek season done properly.