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In 1975, Herb Hudson, a visionary from Harlem, introduced a culinary innovation to Los Angeles by founding the iconic restaurant Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles. This establishment quickly set itself apart by merging the rich history of soul food with a unique dining concept that’s become a household name today.

Roscoe’s unique appeal comes from its fusion of crispy, savory fried chicken and warm, sweet waffles. When it was introduced to West Coast California, this daring pairing was not widely known outside of Harlem and the East Coast. Hudson’s innovative eatery focuses on this unexpected culinary blend, offering comfort food that nourishes the soul and provides a complete dining experience. By merging traditional soul food elements with modern culinary trends, it’s no surprise that this “Beloved soul food chain” has earned nationwide awards and recognition for serving the best fried chicken and waffles!

While I’ve explored how to make the best fried chicken in my many Southern fried chicken recipes and guides HERE, today I’ll focus specifically on how to make Roscoe’s waffles, which are some of the best homemade waffles you can prepare!

Trademark note: In the spirit of transparency, I want to note that this is a copycat recipe for an existing product.

Buttermilk waffles just like Roscoe’s

As a true Southern girl from a family of esteemed caterers and recipe creators, I had my first taste of a Roscoe’s waffle during my first trip to California in 2004. From the very first bite, I understood its appeal. Making a Roscoe’s waffle starts with a careful selection of ingredients. All-purpose flour and baking powder serve as the foundation, ensuring a light and fluffy texture that has become synonymous with this prized dish.

Eggs and milk are blended to add richness to the batter, while buttermilk contributes tenderness and a luxurious depth. Brown sugar and ground cinnamon introduce comforting sweetness and warmth, creating a delightful balance of flavors. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the aroma, and a pinch of salt sharpens all the flavors.

Lastly, melted butter enriches the batter, promising waffles that are tender inside and beautifully golden outside. While cooking spray might seem utilitarian, it ensures each waffle releases cleanly, preserving the perfection of every nook and cranny.

Why is this waffle recipe so great?

Here’s what people are saying about my Roscoe’s waffle recipe!
Lola says:
This waffle recipe is everything. We just took a trip to LA to celebrate my son completing chemo. Chicken and waffles were at the top of his list. And I wanted to be able to recreate the waffles at home for him. You nailed it. I have made this recipe almost every weekend since I found you. And all of my boys love it. Thank you for being a part of weekend breakfast memories for years to come. I have also shared your recipe with friends. And all agree. It’s the one! – Check out more five-star ratings for my chicken and waffles recipe HERE!

Ingredients

Choosing high-quality ingredients is essential for recreating the iconic texture and taste of Roscoe’s waffles. Each ingredient contributes significantly, from providing moisture to enriching flavor, and establishing a harmonious balance. Success hinges on precision, as exact measurements and blending techniques can elevate a simple breakfast food into a gourmet culinary experience!

Measurements for the recipe can be found in the printable recipe card below.

All-purpose flour and baking powder form the base of the waffle, ensuring a fluffy texture that has become synonymous with this cherished dish.
Eggs and milk blend together, infusing the batter with richness.
Buttermilk adds a luxurious depth and makes for a fluffier, more tender waffle due to its acidity, which interacts with the baking powder, allowing the waffles to rise more effectively.
Brown sugar and ground cinnamon weave in comforting sweetness and warmth, creating a balance that tantalizes the palate.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma with a subtle touch of sweetness.
Salt enhances all the flavors, making them more distinct.
Melted butter enhances the batter, so the waffles turn out tender on the inside and golden on the outside.
Cooking spray ensures that each waffle releases effortlessly from the waffle maker.

How to make copycat Roscoe’s waffles

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced batter. Each step, described below and approached with care and precision, contributes to easily crafting Roscoe’s legendary waffles conveniently in your kitchen!

Step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Whisk together the dry ingredients.
Mix brown sugar and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, then combine the ingredients.
Use cooking spray, then pour the waffle batter onto the waffle maker griddle.
Cook the waffles, place fried chicken on top, drizzle with syrup, and enjoy!

The secret to perfect waffles

Brown sugar is the secret ingredient in my waffle batter. It ensures the waffles achieve an extra crispy and caramelized exterior. The molasses in the brown sugar imparts a delightfully light sweetness as the waffles cook.

Is chicken and waffles a Black thing? Here's what people are saying about my Roscoe's waffle recipe!

How to top them

To enjoy your homemade waffles the Roscoe’s Chicken ‘N Waffles way, top them with fried chicken, of course! To enhance each bite, I recommend drizzling the waffles with syrup. You can also add delicious toppings, such as fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream, for an even tastier experience.

Storing leftovers

If you’re serving breakfast or brunch to a large group, keep the waffles warm in an oven set to a ‘keep warm’ setting until you’re ready to serve them. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats at their best! Store any leftover waffles without syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.