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There is considerable debate surrounding the origins of waffle cooking. The Dutch argue that they invented waffles, with the modern classic Dutch stroopwafels (syrup waffles) originating in Gouda during the 18th century. However, chiffon waffles, made from separated eggs, were already known in the Netherlands in the 16th century. The Belgians also claim that waffles are a Belgian invention, and the classic Belgian waffle, leavened with yeast, does have a long history.

The earliest mention of waffles that we have, however, comes from an English recipe for waffles in a 14th-century cookbook. Nowadays, British waffles are typically savory potato cakes served as a side dish rather than for breakfast.

Today, when people think of waffles, they often imagine American waffles. The method of making these batter cakes arrived in the Americas in the 1620s with Dutch pilgrims. The initial versions were more like drop cakes cooked on a griddle. In fact, it wasn’t until 1789 when Thomas Jefferson brought a waffle iron back from France that the modern waffle was born. It took another century for waffles to gain widespread popularity in America, where they were served with both sweet and savory dishes.

The American waffle is a batter cake