Pancakes & Waffles

Lemon Ricotta Waffles

Name: Lemon Ricotta Waffles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By Noelle Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Pancakes & Waffles

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Lemon Ricotta Waffles — Golden, crispy, and divine

There's something special about a slow morning, with the sun shining and a delicious breakfast on the table. For me, that often means waffles, and my favorite recipe is for lemon ricotta waffles. The combination of the bright, citrusy lemon and the creamy ricotta is just perfect.

I've always loved breakfast, and as a home cook, I've spent years perfecting my favorite recipes. These waffles are a staple in my house, and I love that they're easy to make and always a hit with my family.

What makes these waffles so special is the use of ricotta cheese, which adds a richness and tenderness that's hard to beat. And with the added flavor of lemon, they're perfect for spring or summer mornings.

I love serving these waffles with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream or syrup. They're also delicious on their own, with just a pat of butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

No matter how you top them, these lemon ricotta waffles are sure to become a favorite in your house, just like they have in mine. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the perfect breakfast treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These waffles are easy to make and require minimal ingredients.
They're perfect for slow mornings or quick weekday breakfasts.
The combination of lemon and ricotta is a unique and delicious twist on traditional waffles.
They're a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese.
They're perfect for serving with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream or syrup.
They're a crowd-pleasing breakfast dish that's sure to become a favorite in your house.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to these waffles is the combination of ricotta cheese and lemon zest, which adds a brightness and depth of flavor that's hard to beat. The ricotta also helps to keep the waffles tender and moist, even after they've cooled.

Another important factor is the use of buttermilk, which adds a tanginess and helps to react with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture. And with the addition of a little bit of sugar, these waffles are perfectly balanced and delicious.

The cooking technique is also important, as these waffles need to be cooked at the right temperature to get a crispy exterior and a tender interior. I've found that using a waffle iron and cooking the waffles for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're golden brown, is the perfect way to achieve this.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious lemon ricotta waffles, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ricotta cheese, buttermilk, and lemon zest. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, like flour, sugar, and eggs.

When shopping for ricotta cheese, look for a high-quality brand that's rich and creamy. You can also use leftover ricotta cheese from another recipe, like lasagna or cannoli.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flourThis provides the structure and texture for the waffles, and it's essential to use a high-quality all-purpose flour for the best results.
2 teaspoons baking powderThis helps the waffles to rise and gives them a light and fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon saltThis enhances the flavor of the waffles and helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
1/4 cup granulated sugarThis adds a touch of sweetness to the waffles and helps to balance out the flavors.
2 large eggsThese provide moisture and richness to the waffles, and it's essential to use large eggs for the best results.
1 cup buttermilkThis adds a tanginess and helps to react with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture.
1/2 cup ricotta cheeseThis adds a richness and tenderness to the waffles, and it's essential to use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the best results.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedThis adds a richness and flavor to the waffles, and it's essential to use unsalted butter for the best results.
1 teaspoon grated lemon zestThis adds a brightness and flavor to the waffles, and it's essential to use a high-quality lemon for the best results.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceThis adds a touch of acidity and helps to balance out the flavors of the waffles.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperThis enhances the flavor of the waffles and helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerWaffle ironInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Lemon Ricotta Waffles

1
Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, ricotta cheese, melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
4
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
5
The batter is ready when it's smooth and free of lumps, and it should still be slightly thick. If it's too thick, add a little more buttermilk. If it's too thin, add a little more flour.
6
Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the center of the waffle iron and spread it out to the edges.
7
Cook the waffles for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the waffles should be at least 190°F (88°C).
8
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron with a little bit of butter or cooking spray between each waffle.
9
Serve the waffles hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup.
10
The waffles are done when they're golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature is at least 190°F (88°C).
11
Let the waffles rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the steam to escape and the waffles to retain their crispiness.
12
To ensure the waffles are cooked to the right temperature, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
13
If you don't have an instant-read thermometer, you can check the waffles for doneness by looking for a golden brown color and a crispy texture.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the best results.
Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough waffles.
Use a thermometer to ensure the waffles are cooked to the right temperature.
Let the waffles rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the steam to escape and the waffles to retain their crispiness.
Experiment with different toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup, to find your favorite.
Consider using a waffle iron with a non-stick surface, as this can help to prevent the waffles from sticking and make them easier to remove.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
To freeze the waffles, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough waffles.
Not using a thermometer to ensure the waffles are cooked to the right temperature.
Not letting the waffles rest for a few minutes before serving, which can lead to a loss of crispiness.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as old or low-quality ricotta cheese, which can affect the flavor and texture of the waffles.
Not greasing the waffle iron properly, which can cause the waffles to stick and be difficult to remove.
Not adjusting the heat of the waffle iron, which can lead to waffles that are too dark or too light.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced fruit, such as blueberries or strawberries, to the batter for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or chia seeds, for added texture and nutrition.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version.
Add some spice, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for added flavor.
Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, for a nuttier flavor.
Add some cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the batter for a chocolate version.

What to Serve With Lemon Ricotta Waffles

These waffles are perfect for serving with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup. You can also serve them with a side of bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.

Consider serving the waffles with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a special treat. You can also serve them with a side of hash browns or home fries for a filling breakfast.

Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberriesWhipped creamSyrup, such as maple or honeyBacon or sausageHash browns or home friesScrambled eggs or omelets

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These waffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and toast them when you're ready to eat them.

To freeze the waffles, simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.

To reheat the waffles, simply toast them in a toaster or toaster oven until they're crispy and golden brown. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and the contents, so you can easily keep track of how long they've been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour should I use for these waffles?

You should use all-purpose flour for these waffles. This type of flour has a neutral flavor and a light texture, which makes it perfect for waffles.

Can I use low-fat or non-fat ricotta cheese?

While you can use low-fat or non-fat ricotta cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the waffles. Full-fat ricotta cheese will give you the best results.

How do I know when the waffles are done?

The waffles are done when they're golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature is at least 190°F (88°C). You can also check for doneness by looking for a golden brown color and a crispy texture.

Can I make these waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these waffles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and toast them when you're ready to eat them.

What type of toppings can I use for these waffles?

You can use a variety of toppings for these waffles, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup. You can also serve them with a side of bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.

Can I use a different type of milk for these waffles?

Yes, you can use a different type of milk for these waffles, such as almond or soy milk. However, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the waffles.

How do I store leftover waffles?

You can store leftover waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and toast them when you're ready to eat them.

Can I make these waffles in a regular skillet?

While you can make these waffles in a regular skillet, it's not recommended. A waffle iron will give you the best results and help you to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

What is the internal temperature of the waffles when they are done?

The internal temperature of the waffles should be at least 190°F (88°C) when they are done.

The Full Recipe

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