Mix up your waffle game with Cheese Waffles. With options to add spices and suggestions for easy dipping sauces, this is a fun dinner, lunch…or yes, even breakfast option to share with the kids!
Cheese Waffles
We’ve been on a savory waffles kick and have been enjoying them for lunch and easy family dinners. My husband and I like them with fried eggs on top and the kids like to dip them into pizza sauce.
I love this since they come together really quickly and they turn basic pantry staples into a meal that everyone in the family enjoys.
You can add broccoli or ham to make them more flavorful. You can also add spices and serve with a variety of dips. It’s really up to you how simple or complex you make them!
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Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand.
- All-purpose flour: This ensures that the waffles are light and fluffy. You can sub in whole-wheat flour if you prefer. They may just be a smidge denser.
- Baking powder: This helps the waffles to rise and bake through, so check to make sure that yours is fresh.
- Eggs: I use large eggs in my cooking and baking and beat them lightly before adding them to the batter.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled, butter adds richness to the waffle batter—and you can control the salt.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but low fat or nonfat works, too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Spices such as cumin, pizza seasoning, and/or garlic powder can be used to add more flavor to the savory waffles.
TIP: We like to dip these into warmed pizza or marinara sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shortcut this recipe by using a store-bought pancake mix and then adding your flavor ingredients.
- Use nondairy milk and cheese as needed.
- Use gluten-free flour mix instead of the all-purpose flour if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the steps involved in this recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.
- Add the dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients and any spices, if using. Whisk to combine.
- Add some of the batter to your waffle iron. Close and cook.
- Remove from the waffle iron and serve warm.
TIP: You can place waffles onto a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack and keep warm in a 200-degree oven while you finish the whole batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can top with butter and serve with salsa or warmed marinara sauce or pizza sauce. You may also like it topped with a fried egg yourself.
We like to have these with a simple side of fruit or scrambled eggs. You can also add any dip you think sounds good.
Sure! I use kitchen scissors to cut off the tops of the broccoli and add ½ to ¾ cup to the batter. (Using just the tops helps to ensure that they’ll cook through while the waffle cooks. If there are chunks of stem in the batter, it likely won’t cook through.) You can also use raw shredded zucchini if you squeeze it very, very dry first. Or you can mince up any cooked veggie, such as carrots or cauliflower, and add it to the batter.
What’s the best basic waffle iron?
I have used the super basic Cuisinart Waffle Iron for over a decade and it’s reliable and cooks evenly. It’s a great option at a low price point. (It’s usually $30 or less.) You can use any other kind, though; adjust the cooking according to your machine.
How to Store
Once cooled, store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Warm in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 375 degree oven for 4-6 minutes or until warmed through and lightly golden brown.
Best Tips for Success
- You can place waffles onto a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack and keep warm in a 200-degree oven while you finish the whole batch.
- Trade in another variety of shredded cheese if desired.
- Double the recipe to make a larger batch.
- Add one of the optional spices for additional flavor.
- Top with a fried egg if desired or a side of bacon.
- Serve with a simple side of fruit for an easy meal. Adults may like these topped with a fried egg.
- Gluten-free: Use a cup-for-cup style of gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below!
Easy Cheese Waffles
Ingredients
Base Waffles
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (I use whole milk, but low fat or nonfat works too)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
Optional Flavor Additions (choose 1, optional)
- 1 teaspoon pizza seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the milk, cheese, butter, and eggs.
- Add any optional spices. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Heat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions. (I use a basic Cuisinart and use the 4 heat setting, which is medium-high.) Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
- Add ½ cup batter to the center of the waffle iron and spread lightly. Close the iron and cook according to manufacturer's directions.
- Remove waffle from the iron with a fork. Serve immediately with salsa, warmed marinara, or pizza sauce, or place on a wire rack to cool for future use.
Equipment
Notes
- Once cooled, store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Warm in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 375-degree oven for 4-6 minutes or until warmed through.
- You can place waffles onto a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack and keep warm in a 200-degree oven while you finish the whole batch.
- Trade in another variety of shredded cheese that you like if desired.
- Double the recipe to make a larger batch.
- Add one of the optional spices for additional flavor.
- Top with a fried egg if desired.
- Serve with a simple side of fruit for an easy meal.
So good! My 4-year old loved it. I used whole wheat flour, as I didn’t have any purpose flour.
Can I freeze these? Looking forward to trying the broccoli cheese waffles!
Totally!
Really great easy recipe!
I served the waffles with grapes and it made a quick lunch I feel good about.
(If anyone is interested: I only had whole wheat flour on hand so I reduced the amount of flour to 1 cup but kept everything else exactly the same)
Added sausage to it and it’s a complete meal! So quick and so yummy!!
Great recipe! Is there a way to make it egg free? Thanks!
I think a store bought egg replacer like the one from Bob’s Red Mill is likely the best option for these.