Mix up your waffle game with Savory Waffles in three super yummy flavors. With options including cheese, broccoli, and ham and cheese, this is a fun dinner, lunch…or yes, even breakfast to share with the kids!

savory waffles on round plates

Savory Waffles

We recently discovered making waffles with savory flavors, and they’ve been really fun lunch and dinner options. (Really, they work any time of the day.) My kids thought I was crazy the first time I put broccoli into a waffle, but once they dipped them in pizza sauce, they were sold.

We still do sweet waffles, but this is a fun way to offer veggies (or ham and cheese) when you’re looking for an easy meal for the kids…or to share with the kids.

I make this with a homemade waffle mix, but you could also start with a store-bought mix if you prefer. Lots of options here for you.

Our favorite option is the Broccoli and Cheese Waffles, but it’s fun to see which the kids prefer.

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Ingredients You Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need to have the following ingredients ready to go.

ingredients in savory waffles
  • All-purpose flour: This ensures the waffles are light and fluffy. You can sub in whole-wheat flour if you prefer.
  • Baking powder: This helps to ensure that the waffles rise and cook through evenly so make sure that yours is fresh.
  • Eggs: I use large eggs in my cooking and baking and beat them lightly here.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled, this adds richness to the batter. And allows you to control the salt yourself.
  • Milk: I use whole milk, but low fat or nonfat works, too if that’s what you happen to have on hand. You can also use a plain unsweetened nondairy milk.
  • Spices such as cumin, pizza seasoning, and/or garlic powder add lots of flavor—according to your preference.
  • For the different waffle flavors, you may need cheese, broccoli florets, and/or ham. When using broccoli, I cut off just the tops of the fresh florets so it cooks through quickly in the batter.
cutting broccoli with scissors

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.
  • Try another veggie instead of broccoli, such as any minced cooked veggie like cauliflower and carrots, or raw shredded and squeezed dry zucchini.

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 with amounts and timing.

how to make savory waffles step by step
  1. Add the dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the mixture.
  2. Add the wet ingredients to make the waffle batter.
  3. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add your chosen flavor mix-ins. Whisk to combine.
  5. Add some of the batter to your waffle iron. Close and cook.
  6. 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.

savory waffles on wire rack

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes on top of savory waffles?

You can top with butter and serve with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, warmed marinara sauce or pizza sauce. You may also like it topped with a fried egg or with a side of bacon.

What should I serve with savory waffles?

We like to have these with a simple side of fruit or scrambled eggs.

Which veggies work for this recipe?

I use kitchen scissors to cut off the tops of the broccoli. 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 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, just adjust the cooking time 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.

savory waffles on plate with salsa

Best Tips for Success

  • I use kitchen scissors to cut off the tops of the broccoli. Using just the tops helps to ensure 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 dice up ham steak or deli meat or any ham you like.
  • Trade in another variety of shredded cheese if desired, such as Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Double the recipe to make a larger batch. 
  • Add more flavor with minced parsley or green onions. You could do a dash or dried oregano or thyme too, if you like those flavors.
  • Serve with a simple side of fruit for an easy meal. You may like these topped with a fried egg.
  • Use a 1:1 style of gluten-free flour blend to make this savory waffle recipe gluten-free.

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savory waffles on round plates

Favorite Savory Waffles

Learn how to make savory waffles to change up your usual waffles and work for any meal of the day. Try them plain or with a simple dip of salsa or warmed marinara or pizza sauce.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Dinner
Calories 398kcal
Servings 4 (Makes 4 waffles)

Ingredients

Base Waffles

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • 1 cup milk (I use whole milk, but low fat or nonfat works, too)

Cheese Waffles

  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Broccoli Cheese Waffles

  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup minced broccoli florets (top parts of the broccoli only, no stems)

Ham and Cheese Waffles

  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced ham

Optional Flavor Additions (choose 1)

  • 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, butter, and eggs.
  • Add in the ingredients from the flavor you're making.
  • 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.

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.
  • I use kitchen scissors to cut off the tops of the broccoli. Using just the tops helps to ensure 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 dice up ham steak or deli meat or any ham you like.
  • Trade in another variety of shredded cheese if desired.
  • Double the recipe to make a larger batch. 
  • Shortcut this recipe by using a store-bought pancake mix and adding your flavor ingredients.
  • Serve with a simple side of fruit for an easy meal. You may like these topped with a fried egg.

Nutrition

Serving: 1waffle, Calories: 398kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 141mg, Sodium: 443mg, Potassium: 177mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 784IU, Calcium: 302mg, Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published February 2022.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Hello – Wonderful recipe. I’m just wondering if you can you make this batter in the morning and refrigerate it until it’s time to eat in the evening?
    Thank you,
    Eva

    1. You can but let it sit for a bit at room temp so it’s not freezing cold when you put it in the waffle iron.

  2. 5 stars
    Love these savory waffles! Great way to get my 1 year old some veggies. I’ve done broccoli & cheese and zucchini & cheese, both of which my kiddo loved. Going to add some sort of seasoning to the next batch- might even divide it up before seasoning and try a couple variations.

    I always make a bunch and freeze so they last a while!

  3. 5 stars
    LOVE this recipe. I froze a double batch of cheese and broccoli waffles and my toddler ate them every morning toasted with cream cheese. Do you have any tricks to freeze them? I struggle with sogginess in homemade then frozen waffles, despite trying to give them a good toasting before serving.

  4. 5 stars
    Just made the broccoli and cheese version for my 1 and 4 year old. These were fabulous. My 4 year old helped mix all the ingredients and devoured them. They both ate them plain. I had mine dipped in sour cream. So good!!

    1. Yes, make and let cool, then store in a single layer (or multiple layers with parchment paper in between) in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. You can freeze for up to 6 months. I’d just pop into the toaster to warm up.

  5. 5 stars
    This was so good and fun to make with my 19 month old. We used 2+ cups of spinach and blended it into the milk because that’s what we had on hand. A beautiful green color and delicious! I’ll definitely make these again. Also turned out great using flax seed as an egg substitute.

  6. 5 stars
    These were a hit with the picky 4 year old and I. I made the cheese ones but didn’t have broccoli so I added 1 cup of drained cooked riced frozen cauliflower and sweet potato mix and 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder and salt and pepper. My 4 year old won’t eat vegetables but said these were the best! Will definitely be making again. Thank you!

  7. Made for my toddler tonight and it was a hit! I made just the cheese version but I may add the garlic powder next time because that would really good!