Ingredients:

For the Waffles:

• 200 g all-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 250 ml buttermilk (1 cup)
• 60 ml vegetable oil (1/4 cup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the Mushrooms:

• 250 g mushrooms (8.8 oz), sliced (such as button or cremini)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Bacon:

• 6 strips of bacon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Waffle Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 200 g of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1 tbsp of sugar.
• In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs until frothy. Add 250 ml of buttermilk, 60 ml of vegetable oil, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract (if using) to the eggs and whisk until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Set the batter aside to rest while you prepare the mushrooms and bacon.

2. Cook the Mushrooms:

• In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced 250 g of mushrooms and sauté until they start to release their moisture, about 5 minutes.
• Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tbsp of chopped thyme to the skillet. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 more minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Garlic Bacon:

• In a separate skillet, cook 6 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, but leave a bit of the bacon fat in the skillet.
• Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
• Optionally, drizzle 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup over the garlic in the skillet for a touch of sweetness. Stir well and remove from heat.
• Crumble the bacon and toss it with the garlic mixture. Set aside.

4. Cook the Waffles:

• Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Once preheated, lightly grease the waffle plates with non-stick spray or butter.
• Pour a ladleful of waffle batter onto the center of the waffle maker. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp, typically about 3-5 minutes, depending on your waffle maker.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping the cooked waffles warm in a low oven if necessary.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Place a waffle on each serving plate.
• Top each waffle with a generous spoonful of the sautéed mushrooms.
• Sprinkle the garlic bacon crumbles over the mushrooms.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

6. Serve:

• Serve the waffles immediately, while they’re still warm and crispy. These waffles are perfect on their own but also pair wonderfully with a side salad or a fried egg for a more substantial meal.

Tips for Perfect Waffles:

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Crispier Waffles: For extra crispy waffles, leave them in the waffle maker for a minute longer than the standard cooking time, or pop them in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) directly on the oven rack for a few minutes after cooking.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a bit of cheese to the waffle batter for an extra savory twist.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or oven for crispness.
• Freezing: Waffles freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Conclusion:

These Waffles with Mushrooms & Garlic Bacon are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The waffles provide a crispy, fluffy base that complements the earthy mushrooms and savory garlic bacon perfectly. Whether you’re enjoying these for a weekend brunch or a special dinner, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Plus, with the simplicity of preparation, it’s no wonder everyone’s buying a waffle maker to recreate this dish at home! Happy cooking!