# French Toast, Pancakes, or Waffles? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 8, 2018, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987 "2018-09-08T01:16:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/81 "2018-09-11T14:02:51Z")
^ And FLIPS them! At the precise time, yet! Go, Team Flapjack! ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/82 "2018-09-11T15:05:07Z")
I love them all but the order of preference is definitely French Toast \> waffles \> pancakes. But only if we’re talking about real crispy waffles. Fluffy Belgian waffles are just differently shaped, spongier pancakes. Crispy waffles are a completely different dish. French toast quality depends entirely on the bread. If you grew up eating Wonder bread French toast like I did, I can imagine feeling apathetic towards them. But I make my own sourdough bread and use up any leftovers on the weekends for French toast, and it’s absolutely heavenly. A little cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar whisked in with the milk and eggs. It’s got all the sophisticated flavors and textures that blow pancakes and waffles out of the water. Waffle/pancake quality depends entirely on the batter. Preferably with some sourdough or at least buttermilk in the mix. Bisquick-style mixes are right out. If you cook pancakes right you can get that mix of crispy and fluffy that makes them great, but waffles always have a nice texture to them. The poor version of both is the limp, soggy kind. Unfortunately if you’re cooking in bulk it’s hard to keep them crispy. I usually just hand them out whenever they’re done, but then we don’t get to eat together as a family. When I stack them on a plate for all to eat at the same time, it’s always slightly inferior. And yes, for me it’s butter and real maple syrup every time. I know some people like whipped cream or fruit or even peanut butter, but maple syrup is the pinnacle of sweet condiments in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/83 "2018-09-11T16:18:56Z")
> [@Sloe\_Moe](#): > > A real man won’t worry about shoe-sole patterns on what he eats, or dipping good bread into eggs and milk. He pours out dollops of batter from a huge bowl straight into the griddle. If a real man worries about the relationship between his breakfast treats and his genitalia, I don’t want to be a real man. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/84 "2018-09-11T16:34:41Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > If a real man worries about the relationship between his breakfast treats and his genitalia, I don’t want to be a real man. Huh? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/85 "2018-09-11T17:08:27Z")
I hope the waffles are Belgian waffles. That said, I still prefer waffles to the other two. ---
**Author:** ![ST879](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@ST879](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ST879)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/86 "2018-09-11T17:26:32Z")
Waffles, french toast, then pancakes in that order. Mostly based on texture ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/87 "2018-09-11T19:06:29Z")
Pancakes, then French toast, then waffles - for whatever reason, I never liked waffles that much; I leave them to [Beast Boy and Cyborg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HOlXJ2EJxw). ---
**Author:** ![Saltire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saltire/32/553_2.png) [@Saltire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saltire)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/88 "2018-09-11T20:30:46Z")
I’m a French toast guy. I will do butter and syrup if that’s all that’s available. But my favored topping is a bit weird: peanut butter and syrup. But I got the diabetes, so I can’t do that anymore. But that’s what I’d have if I could. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/89 "2018-09-11T20:50:37Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > Huh? 😕 “Real man” bragging, even in jest, is one of the saddest things folks do, that’s all :). ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/90 "2018-09-11T21:16:08Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > This is a poll for those who have a definite preference. > > Assume each is homemade and prepared to perfection. Maple syrup and butter are the only toppings allowed. > > What’ll it be? > mmm Yes. 😛 Today I would prefer French Toast, but it could be any of those on any given day. Love them all. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/91 "2018-09-11T21:58:18Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > “Real man” bragging, even in jest, is one of the saddest things folks do, that’s all :). Still doesn’t explain your genitalia reference, since there’s no indication in the post you responded to that the “real men” reference was an attempt at a pissing contest. :rolleyes: All you Pancake lovers: thick or thin?? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/92 "2018-09-11T22:01:06Z")
The panwaffle looks like a pointless compromise, to me. If you like waffles better than pancakes, then you’ll probably like waffles better than panwaffles, too, and if you like pancakes better than waffles, then you’ll probably like pancakes better than panwaffles. Plus, you’ve got to worry about cooking the pancake rim without burning the waffle center. And if you’re in a mixed group where some prefer waffles and some prefer pancakes, then just make some of each: You’d have to get both implements heated up to make panwaffles, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/93 "2018-09-11T22:05:59Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > \ All you Pancake lovers: thick or thin?? YES! ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/94 "2018-09-11T22:14:35Z")
I voted pancakes before I read the thread. I can understand the French toast vote better now. If the only thing on the plate is that, then I can see how French toast might be the thing. And the OP did specify that the only toppings were butter and syrup, so there’s that. But I was thinking about the hash browns, meat type stuff and maybe even some fruit on the side. For that, pancakes are more versatile, IMO. I like my pancakes thick and dense, similar to the Original House of Pancakes style mentioned upthread. TIL: there’s such a thing as a panwaffle. And agreed, that looks like the worst of both worlds. You don’t get the crunchy edges of the waffle AND you don’t get the thick middle of the pancake, for me, the best part. ---
**Author:** ![Sloe\_Moe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8797f3/32.png) [@Sloe\_Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sloe_Moe)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/95 "2018-09-11T23:17:26Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > Still doesn’t explain your genitalia reference, since there’s no indication in the post you responded to that the “real men” reference was an attempt at a pissing contest. :rolleyes: > > All you Pancake lovers: thick or thin?? That’s OK. I’m going over to the Hot Chick thread. Peeps are a lot friendlier there. As to thickness, neither. I always envision a correct measure. Just can’t say it in inches or centimeters. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/96 "2018-09-11T23:24:50Z")
[Moderating] OK, let’s cease the genitalia/manliness discussion entirely, please. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/97 "2018-09-11T23:25:49Z")
There’s a greasy spoon on the highway from Phoenix to Flagstaff (the 4 B’s), whose claim to fame is their truly Brobdingnagian pancakes. The cakes are bigger than a dinner plate, and proportionally thick. They are good, but are really a novelty. Given the choice, I would take the 49’er flapjacks I mentioned upthread. But, for fans of thick pancakes, I’d recommend a stop to check them out. ---
**Author:** ![Sloe\_Moe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8797f3/32.png) [@Sloe\_Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sloe_Moe)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2018, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/98 "2018-09-11T23:29:55Z")
You want [Delucas](https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/delucas-diner-pittsburgh-2?select=FDLuHceJMkj9xlmRa_n5Qw) in the Pitts. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/99 "2018-09-12T05:43:19Z")
Isn’t it called “freedom toast” now? ---
**Author:** ![brainstall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@brainstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brainstall)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2018, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987/100 "2018-09-12T12:05:26Z")
If someone else is making them, I’ll have the waffles. They are a rare treat here because hovering over the waffle iron for 3 or 4 minutes per pair of waffles until the batter is used up is not my most fun way to make breakfast. I got better things to do most mornings, though if there’s fresh fruit and the mood strikes, they sure are good. Add some bacon to dip into the extra maple syrup, yum. French toast if I have to make breakfast. Best made with homemade cranberry orange bread, but pretty good with whatever bread is on hand. I like pancakes, but they really are best with fresh blueberries, and that wasn’t included, so to the bottom of the list they go. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-toast-pancakes-or-waffles/820987.md?page=6)