I have a pretty simple business model when it comes to the work that I do between the kitchen counter and the computer desk: ย just keep doing things.
Oh geez…
This business model is so many things: boring and exhausting, thrilling and unexpected, and fun and so not fun sometimes.
Sometimes when I ‘just keep doing things’… waffles happen. ย Really delicious, really soft, really tender, really flavorful waffles. ย The only downside of waffle-doings is that within my business model I’m usually eating waffles with my fingers while standing at the kitchen counter staring at the spice rack. The spice rack is dirty. ย Just keep doing things! ย Vicious cycle.
This morning… before I spun into ‘just keep doing things’, I took some time to read The Skimm. ย Are you into this? ย The Skimm is a daily newsletter that condenses international headlines into an informative and ย manageable email. ย It’s news you want to read. ย I REALLY love it. ย What I also really appreciate is that The Skimm is run by two smart ladies who seem like they ‘just keep doing things’ too… and they’re doing a really great job.
Let’s lemon ricotta. ย These are GOOD!
This is how we waffle. ย It’s pretty simple! ย Flour and leavening. ย Melted butter and eggs. ย Creamy ricotta and lemony sugar.
Just a big bowl and a wooden spoon. ย This is how I like food to come together.
Wet ingredients are whisked together starting with eggs and ending with ricotta and lemon.
Just a quick stir. ย No big deal.
I love the tenderness that ricotta adds to baked goods. ย It’s perfect!
With creamy cheese and lots of lemon flavor, I added just a sprinkle-splash of poppy seeds.
Find things on your spice rack and dump em in! ย What could go wrong?
I like imperfect waffles. ย I don’t want them to fill the mold perfectly so I just dollop a bit of batter into each waffle iron quarter.
The first reveal is always the most satisfying.
Maple syrup on hand for immediate dousing and consumption. ย It’s really the only way to go.
These waffles are a serious treat. ย They bake up thick, but retain their fluffy tenderness. ย The lemon is just like sunshine. ย The ricotta is a cheese force. ย The poppy seeds add just the faintest crunch. ย I LOVE this happening.
I hope you waffle soon!
Lemon Ricotta Waffles with poppy seeds
makes 2 generous or 4 small servings
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup part-skim milk ricotta cheese
3/4 cup water or milk (I used water)
2 teaspoons poppy seeds (optional)
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. ย Set aside.
In a small bowl, rub together granulated sugar and lemon zest until the sugar is scented with lemon. ย Add the lemon sugar to the bowl with the dry ingredients.
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together butter, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, ricotta, and water. ย Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Add the wet ingredients all at once to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. ย Add the poppy seeds (if using) and stir to incorporate. ย Try not to over mix the batter. ย It’s ok if a few lumps remain.
Heat you waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ย Dollop batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown. ย Serve immediately. ย These waffles can also be individually wrapped and frozen. ย They’re great heated up in the toaster or in the oven.
183 Responses
Thick and rich!!!
I doubled the recipe, and when I did so, only used a stick (8 T. ) of butter. These are just fantastic as a nice change of pace from Buttermilk waffles. I recommend with macerated berries and whipped cream!
Very delicious! I did substitute almond extract for the vanilla. Thanks for sharing.
Made this this morning for my kids. They are the very very best waffles we have ever made – and we have made many different variations including buttermilk, browned butter etc. These are perfection. I didn’t change a thing in the recipe, which I normally do tweak to fit our taste. Make these!!
These are easy and delicious!!!
May the batter be ore made the night before?? So youโre ready to make waffles in the morning.
Did you try to make the dough the night before? How did it turn out?
Oh my goodness! I added a tbsp of cornmeal for a bit of crunch and served with blueberries and maple syrup and these were the best waffles Iโve ever made! Thanks for a great recipe.
I just came across this recipe and tried it today. It is delicious! I will add even more poppy seeds, lemon zest and lemon juice next time.
This is my second time making these waffles. I had purchased this very nice, fresh ricotta cheese and needed to put it in something. So I decided to give these a go. I used a little bit more milk, because the batter was a bit too stiff. Otherwise these came out delicious. I love the inclusion of lemon sugar.
Ha! I just saw you on Instagram…then went to internet to find a good ricotta waffle recipe for a pack of post sleepover 10 year old boys, and found yours! Easy! I made these sans poppyseed since I didn’t have any – delicious and gobbled up to the last crumb – thank you for posting!
These were magical. The lemon-ricotta combo is a classic, and the waffles were hearty and heavy without feeling dense. The poppy seeds were a delightful little crunch, and the batch of waffles wasn’t so huge I had to miss breakfast by hovering over the waffle maker. I love these. They’re definitely going in the rotation.
Great recipe, I really enjoyed it! Although in my waffle maker that has 3/4 cup servings I got almost 6 servings!! Thank you!
Just made this recipe today and loooove it! They are so soft on the inside and crispy outside, and delicious even without toppings! Thank you so much for sharing this great recipe with us!!
Has anyone who has commented previously actually tried the recipe? Thanks!
Yes, I did. I only commented after I had finished eating them. The flavors are a classic, like you’d imagine, and she’s right about the poppy seeds being a fun little pop. The batter was easy, felt heavy, but baked up light. They’re sweeter than normal waffles, which I loved without syrup. Any other questions?
eating leftovers fresh out of the toaster oven as I type this and had to come here just to say how great they are! mmmm :)
they crisped up so nicely and are so moist and chewy in the middle – perfection!
Deliciously light and fluffy! Will definitely be making again and again. Served mine with a dollop fresh lemon whipped cream.
Have made these twice in the past week. AMAZING!
Do you think I can use buttermilk instead of water or whole milk
absolutely!
G’day! Love this combination, true!
Waffles bring back LOTS of childhood memories too!
Cheers! Joanne
Joy, I love reading your blog but I inevitable end up spending money after reading recipes… This time I NEED to buy a waffle iron…
Hello Joy! I hope you are well and happy and enjoying this lovely transition into fall. I want to make pumpkin waffles for my fam, one of these chilly mornings for breakfast. Do you think I could just sub pumpkin puree in place of the ricotta and add pumpkin spices instead of poppy seeds to this recipe? Or, do you have a good pumpkin waffle recipe?
Thank you!
Your loyal follower,
Katie Mae
Just made these, so good! Made a double batch to freeze a bunch! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Oh my these look so delicious! I need to get myself a waffle maker!
I made these waffles this morning for my kids and they gave them two thumbs up, which means it is a keeper here in our house. I think they might even be tasty with lavender. Thanks for a great recipe!
I love love these waffles. Made them 3 times now for dinner. It’s like having lemon poppyseed muffins for dinner. And I’m okay with that! Thanks for the recipe. Yum!
I don’t have a waffle iron but would LOVE to make these–could I just use this batter for pancakes as well? Would I need to change anything about the recipe?
i have yet to try these as a pancake, but i think they’d be delicious!
Just made these. They’re as delicious as advertised. Will definitely make them again. Left out the poppy seeds because my kids don’t like them. This recipe is a keeper. Thanks for sharing.
You are the reason why I have just bought a waffle iron.
I NEED THESE IN MY LIFE!
Hhaha
https://yummei.blogspot.co.uk
Yum! I totally agree with you on not wanting your waffles to be “perfect” — scraggly edges are adorable :)
Just made these for my hungry boys this morning and we all loved them! They are perfectly lemony, fluffy, tender and not-too-sweet. Definitely going into the breakfast rotation- thank you!
wait, never mind. I over looked it sorry!
hi joy! I am in the middle of making this recipe and I noticed that you do not explain where to add the melted butter. I am adding in at the end but could you clarify? thanks!
These are utter perfection! I love the popping crunch of poppyseeds with the zinginess of lemon.
Kim
This sounds phenomenal!
FYI: I made these waffles today and they were delicious!! After the fact, I realized that I hadn’t added any butter or oil. Going back to look at the recipe, I noticed that butter was not listed in the narrative of what to mix together when, so I forgot to add it. They were a little more difficult to get off the waffle iron than my other waffles, but over all still turned out great. Hmm, maybe waffles don’t need so much butter after all :)
I made these the day after you posted. I just had to have them. And they are utterly divine. Thank you Joy!
I dont have a waffle machine…. but my mouth is all watering! What can I do if I dont have a waffle machine other than getting one? Can I use a pan?
These look divine…the lemon ricotta combo is also totally delish on pasta as well. Also, checked out The Skimm…loving it so far. I feel more informed with a dash of attitude thrown in for good measure. Fabulous!
Hi Joy! I love your writing and recipes. you are awesome and want to be like you when I grow up :) I wanted to know what waffle maker you use . it looks awesome. I have one but does not come out that well. thanks.
What brand is your waffle maker?
It’s a Cuisinart :)
Super yummy!!
great recipe!!!
bye bye
Sara
ps: sorry for my bad english!
Hi there! I run a food blog called Floptimism, and every Saturday I write a round-up of all of the amazing recipes, pictures, ideas, inspiration, etc. I’ve found on the web over the past week. I wanted to let you know that I loved these waffles so much that I featured them in my post. I’ve included the link to the post in case you’re interested in checking it out. Either way, thank you for such a gorgeous creation! Have a great weekend!
https://floptimism.blogspot.com/2013/07/weekend-wrap-up-progress.html
Thanks so much for including me! I appreciate it :)
I every time emailed this blog post page to all my associates, because if like to read it after that my contacts will too.
Joy – you don’t mention adding the butter. I imagine it goes with the wet? Making now. Can’t wait to taste them!
Yes! Butter goes with wet ingredients! Thank you!
I do all of the cooking in my household. But I will admit, that I could be so much better than I am. I just gave birth to a little girl in March. So I’m not really into putting all I have into my cooking- BUT I want to!
I have yet to follow a “food blog”. I am looking forward to trying out some of your yummy recipes.
Check out my blog if you get a chance!
Love that you added poppy seeds! These waffles are the freckled-cousin of the traditional waffle – and so much more fun.
I made these this morning and they were SO delicious! I have a Chef’s Choice waffle maker and got 7 large waffles from a single batch. Thanks for another wonderful recipe!
Joy – you left out in the recipe when to add the butter.
Wowza! We had these with dinner last night, and they were outstanding! They were so good alone we forgot to add maple syrup! The lemon flavor is spot on…it’s definitely there, but not overpowering. Well done, Joy!
My favorite new waffle recipe! My three year old son, who normally won’t touch ricotta or anything Lon, devoured. Seriously felt like a breakfast rockstar with these!
*anything lemon…that’s what I get for typing to quickly in an iPhone. :)
I am gonna have to try these waffles soon! They sound and look so amazingly delicious!
oh my god these look absolutely amazing, i’m totally making these at the weekend! thank you for the recipe
my lifestyle blog – shegoeswear.com
xx
You don’t know how hungry you’ve just made me lol these look delicious :)
These look yummy and tempting, will follow your steps and make these soon. Thanks
As usual, Joy, your recipes are astounding!
Mmmmm! I think I need to make these!! I love that you make “imperfect” waffles & now I am inspired to try them too :) How do you think these would do with whole (white) wheat flour? I have been obsessed with ww pancakes, waffles, etc.
I think whole wheat flour will be fine. Maybe a little more dense or gritty but it shouldn’t affect the flavor much.
Yum! This seems like such a lovely summer brunch entree!
These look and sound exquisite – moist, tender, etc.!
So perfect! I loooove cottage cheese pancakes so I’ve got to try these babies!
Teach me how to waffle, teach me teach me how to waffle….don’t make me sing, Joy! Oh, and If it’s any consolation my spice rack is dirty too.
These sound delicious! I always seem to end up with a small amount of ricotta cheese – leftover from lasagna or other dishes – that I never know what to do with. This will be a great solution. =)
Ah brava ! You did it ! I’m dying for a waffle ! … With nutella, sorry :)
Um. YUM. Thanks so much for sharing! These look so delicious, as always! LOVE your site so much!
What a great idea, taking something that is already a great tasting treat and transform it into waffle form. Love these Joy!
Looks delicious!
I was just thinking about the ricotta I had to use up, and the chia seeds I bought last week, and the millions of lemons that keep falling off my tree and how I felt like making something delicious for afternoon tea… legit!
I need to waffle soon. Must purchase a waffle iron! Ricotta is brilliance, I adore the look of this recipe, thank you!
Heidi xo
Ohmygoodness! These are wonderful and I like even better that they are irregular shaped little waffles. What a great idea!
Now I want a waffle maker – these sound amazing!
These look so good! I made lemon ricotta pancakes a couple of weeks ago but I put thyme instead! I’ll have to make these this week! Thank you! :) loveatraveler.blogspot.com
Ohhh yum! Waffles are my favourite treat :) My favourite place to go to for waffles is in Vancouver in a cute restaurant called ‘Medinas’.. SOO scrumptious! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe- for sure going to try it!
xo
Joy,
I’m 14 years old and I adore your blog. This week I’m at a camp and I don’t like it very much, but when I checked my email and found that there was a Lemon Ricotta Waffle recipe I instantly felt better. Thank you so much for always being able to cheer me up!
These look AMAZING! Getting together the ingredients to make them for tomorrow morning.
I notice you have melted butter in the ingredient list, but never mention it in the recipe. That would just go in with the other wet ingredients, correct? No special melted-butter-in-waffles-baking-technique I’m missing out on here? ;-)
Yep, it goes right in with the other wet ingredients. Thanks!
Yum, these look utterly delectable! I love ricotta waffle/pancake anything so these look like a must.
I am awful at keeping up with all the news, clearly I need to get into the Skimm!
I just bought ricotta cheese… I’m making these for sure
The photography is just lovely! And I’m so impressed with the perceived organization. I can never keep my space that organized!
Mmm I do love waffles. And the pockets are perfect for holding all the syrup. I bet a blueberry syrup would be great with these :)
I have been looking for a site like The Skimm for a while now, thank you! I love getting a little sprinkle of the other things you’re interested in besides baking.
I want a waffle iron badly!!!! (I’m actually crying right now)
I love lemon poppyseed, uhhโฆ ANYTHING. I can only imagine how creamy the addition of the ricotta makes these waffles. DROOOOOOOOOOOOOLING.
I really need to invest in a waffle iron, these look amazing
Wow. These look magnificent. Looks like we’ll be having waffles soon. ;)
Oh blimey, now you’ve done it! There’s a serious risk of yet another kitchen gadget cluttering up my kitchen!
I need a waffle-maker in my life! Those waffles sound divine to eat…….yum.
Ohhhh…this looks heavenly! Your photos look sooooo delish!
It seems to be such a lovely variation, I would love to try that. I like waffles but I often feel like there is a little something missing so experimenting with lemon, ricotta and poppy seeds is a great idea!
I really wish I had a waffle Iron!!!
Whow looks scrumptious! Are they also nice cold?
I’m hard core wishing I was a person who owned a waffle iron. These look divine. Like lemony pillows. Do I sleep on them or eat them?
A good waffle is a thing of beauty forever, and these look gooooooood.
Ps I like the Skimm too:)
G’day! Your waffles look delightful, true!
Love the combination of ricotta and lemon and am craving one of these now too!
Cheers! Joanne
Now on Fb https://www.facebook/whatsonthelist
This recipe is seriously tempting me to go out and buy a waffle iron. Like now.
Just subscribed to the Skimm! One of the best summaries about the Zimmerman issue I’ve seen before. Thanks!
I want to scream because I still haven’t got myself a waffle iron yet. Why tempteth me thou, Joy the baker?
I want to waffle right now. This recipe offers everything I love, sweet and lemony with crunch; perfection!
What an amazing combo and awesome breakfast! Although, I would eat these at any given time throughout the day. Obviously.
My husband would go absolutely mad for these! I am so whipping them up this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
These look delicious!
I have an obsession with ricotta pancakes, so I know I would love these waffles!
Yum. I love ricotta in pancakes, so I’m feeling like this will happen soon. Heck, I even bought ricotta yesterday. It’s like I knew this was about to happen. Thanks for the inspiration Joy!
I’ve made lemon ricotta pancakes but am really a waffle fan. I only made the pancakes because they were lemon and it’s my favorite flavor. So to see lemon ricotta waffles…my heart skipped a beat!
We are havin’ these for dinner. With lemon whipped cream. And lighltly sweetened blackberries. Happily ever after. The end. Amen.
I love everything in these waffles, so I have every reason to believe they will be heaven;y!
Totally in love with these waffles!! So summery :)
Ricotta in waffles. Can’t wait to try this out! Like always, thanks for sharing such creative and wonderful recipes!
Anything with lemon in it rules! I’m looking forward to making these.
Joy — Thanks for reminding me that I definitely need to register for a waffle maker so I can make these! ;)
These look so delicious! You can’t go wrong with poppyseed and lemon, and the ricotta addition must make these even better!
Those look delicious! I’d love to make this for breakfast sometime
xx
stylevancity
I will be making these yummy waffles very soon Joy! Thanks for this recipe and for the info about The Skimm. I signed up for their newsletter! You’re awesome!
these look delicious! I need to buy a waffle pan, now that I just moved out to LA.
speaking of LA, any favorite breakfast/brunch places around?
Oh! Yum!
These are like sunshine in waffle form!
An awesome flavour combo!
Everything you make looks soooo amazing….seriously!! I see these in my near future
/sigh. I really need a waffle iron. These look marvelous!
I too would love to know what brand waffle maker you are using! They look divine!!
Waffle porn. I can’t even. Lemon + ricotta. It’s like you’ve been reading my diary.
These. Look. Amazing. MUST MAKE. THE END.
Wonder if you could make these into raspberry-ricotta pancakes? I’m obsessed with those but haven’t found a recipe. Might experiment. Thank you for sharing!
i was thinking of putting raspberry in these waffles! i think you’re on to something!
Skimm is a life saver. And by the looks of it, so are those waffles. Get it girl.
I think quality control is an integral part of any business model. Keep eating, I mean testing quality. I know its a dirty job but someone has to do it, for the good of society:)
lemon ricotta waffles with poppyseeds! mmm – love it.
Ooh, these look wonderful, and I love your business model if this is happening! beautiful imperfection :)
These are dreamy! I can only imagine how awesome the texture must be with the ricotta. Love!
I love the addition of ricotta to pancakes or waffles – such a delicious lightness to the final product!
These look fabulous, love the poppy seeds!
These look so delicious! I bet they’d be great topped with preserves!
-Becca
Ladyface Blog
These look delicious! If you don’t mind me asking, what brand/type of waffle maker do you have? I’m in the market to buy one, and yours looks awesome!
Well now I want waffles and to add ricotta to everything!
They look so sunny and puffy and golden and delicious.
Waffles haven’t happened at our house in way too long. These guys need to get into my mouth ASAP!
oh yum! waffle party time at my place!
Wow – these are just beautiful!!! Want some!!!
Like the strategy, you find it in your pantry, dump it….my kinda strategy but I am gonna drive 6 miles back and forth for ricotta, cannot afford to leave that one out…
such a beautiful recipe.
These look awesome! I looove me some lemon.
What kind of waffle maker do you use? I’ve been wanting to treat myself to one and these look like a fantabulous excuse!
That looks amazing. Always see lemon ricotta pancakes but have never seen these transformed into waffle form! This + some blueberry compote would be lovely :)