8 Yummy Foods You Can Make In A Waffle Iron
A waffle iron does so much more than simply make breakfast. Check out these easy and clever meal ideas (including dessert!) you can make in minutes!
Waffle irons are not just for waffles anymore. Granted, most things you put between waffle irons will come out “waffle-ized,” but that’s a good thing! The reason waffle irons are shaped the way they are is to increase the available surface area of the heating surface, so it comes into maximum contact with whatever batter or food you are pressing between the irons. This promotes crispness and browning in all the nooks, making the humble waffle iron a versatile kitchen tool.
Here is a list of 8 clever ideas for delicious foods you didn’t know you could make in a waffle iron. Get the kids involved and have fun!
8 Foods You Can Make In A Waffle Iron
1. Sandwiches
Move over, Panini press! A waffle iron makes terrific grilled cheese sandwiches. Brush it with butter or olive oil and close it down over the sandwich (you may not be able to close it completely) until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy golden brown. Sliced bread such as scali works best. Try filling your waffle sandwiches with prosciutto and provolone, gruyere and tomato, or smoked turkey and muenster. It also makes great tuna melts and Cuban sandwiches!
2. Muffins/Brownies
You can experiment with all kinds of batter in a waffle maker. A few that work really well are corn muffin batter (add onion or jalapeño for a more savory hush puppy style waffle to serve with grilled fish!), banana bread batter, date nut batter, lemon poppy, etc. Brownie batter is terrific in a waffle iron, especially if you like crispy edges. Imagine a whole waffle of crispy brownie edges topped with vanilla ice cream! Just load the batter in the iron until 3/4 full and cook 6-8 minutes.
3. Frittatas
Make a simple Spanish “tortilla,” which includes chopped onions and potatoes cooked in olive oil, allowed to cool, and mixed with scrambled eggs. Season well with salt and pepper and then ladle the mixture into the waffle iron, close, and cook until set and lightly brown. You can add cheese, meats, and all kinds of veggies to your frittata mixture. Try a Denver omelet with ham, bell pepper, onions, and some shredded cheddar cheese. Or try spinach and feta cheese; even a “crustless” quiche with bacon, swiss cheese, and onion. Whisk some light cream in with the eggs! Get creative!
4. Corned Beef Hash
Once you try corned beef hash in a waffle iron, you will never make it in a skillet again. Fair warning, it probably won’t stay together in a perfect waffle shape. It really depends on the hash you use (homemade is best). Getting the browned hash out of the waffle iron tends to happen in pieces, but it’s still delicious — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Be sure not to rush it. Let it brown well. It’s hard to overcook hash. Top with a couple of poached eggs, and serve!
5. Hash Browns
Another breakfast staple that works so well in a waffle maker, that you will wonder how you ever lived without it. Grease the irons well with oil, butter, or bacon drippings, and add shredded potatoes from a bag (or grate them yourself and squeeze out as much water as possible). Season with salt and pepper, add some minced onion if you like. Press in the waffle iron and let it get a rich golden brown. Want an even shorter short cut? Add frozen Tater Tots in a single layer and close the lid. Cook until your potato waffle is crispy.
6. French Toast
You read that right—French toast in the waffle maker. Soak slices of day-old bread (brioche works fantastically) in a mixture of 4 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup of milk; butter the hot waffle iron generously, and close the egg-soaked bread inside. Dust with powdered sugar and top with maple syrup, fruit preserves, or whipped cream.
7. Quesadillas
Add cheese and your favorite fillings to a large flour tortilla, fold in half, and press until golden brown. A great way to use up leftovers!
8. Stuffing
Take your favorite stovetop or bagged stuffing recipe and press it in a well-buttered waffle maker. Again, this one is for the people who fight over the crispy parts. You can serve sliced turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce atop a stuffing waffle!
Any other ideas to waffle-ize? Share them with us in the comments below!
Edward Higgins
Edward Higgins is a freelance writer, artist, home chef, and avid fly fisherman who lives outside of Portland, Maine. He studied at Skidmore College and Harvard University. His article 10 Best Edible Insects appears in the 2020 Farmers' Almanac.
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Edward Higgins#molongui-disabled-link
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Edward Higgins#molongui-disabled-link
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Edward Higgins#molongui-disabled-link
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Edward Higgins#molongui-disabled-link
Potato pancakes in my waffle iron were superb!
That sounds delicious!!
Take a can of refrigerated pillsbury cinnamon (or orange) rolls, put one in a waffle iron, and cook until done. Dollop with the little pack of icing that comes with the tube and voila — a hot cinnamon roll!
Try tater tots! Its awesome.
thank you for the tips!
What does remodeling have to do with a waffle iron ?
You’ve obviously never remodeled your kitchen. When you do , you’ll know. LOL.
Love this I live in Oklahoma an I’m fixin to do some remodeling
Exactly what I was thinking! I’m sure we’re going to get sick of the microwave and toaster oven that is going to be set up in the extra bathroom while we do the kitchen.