Waffle Recipe Ideas

Some might say that any waffle is a good waffle, and we wouldn’t disagree. Others have never had anything beyond a plain waffle with maple syrup, butter and a side of bacon or sausage. Let us provide some inspiration.

First, look beyond plain wheat and buttermilk Waffles to the more complex and interesting world of cornmeal, multigrain and whole wheat Waffles. Just as those breads are generally more interesting than plain white bread, you may find that you enjoy the Waffles more.

One comment on batter: We don’t believe that sugar should be added to pancake waffle batter. You’re already topping a sweet waffle with syrup, jam, ice cream and fudge sauce or other sugar product that’s sweet enough, plus fruit. Think of it as toast topped with jam versus cookies topped with jam—leave the sugar out.

Next comment on waffle toppings: Let your imagination be your guide. Our list below is only the beginning for whatever inspires you. Who says you won’t invent a great barbecue beef waffle, cornmeal guacamole waffle, nacho waffle, pickled tongue waffle or spicy poached egg waffle? (In fact, those all sound great to us right now!)

Sweet Waffle Recipe Ideas For Breakfast/Brunch Or Lunch

Serve with artisan maple syrup or a pecan syrup. Optional sides: fresh fruit and breakfast meat (bacon, ham, sausage).

Trail Mix Waffle

• Malted Waffle. Add 2-3 tablespoons of malt (the same kind you use for malted milk) to your basic recipe for a flavor lift.
• Nutty Crunchy Waffle. Top with almonds, pecans or pistachios—or a blend.
• Trail Mix Waffle. Top with nuts, dried fruits, coconut and granola.
• Tricolor Chocolate Chip Waffles. Update the standard with dark, milk and white (or butterscotch, cappuccino or PB chips).
• Wholesome. Whole grain waffle topped with nonfat yogurt and fresh fruit.

Savory Waffle Recipe Ideas For Any Meal

Chicken & Waffles

• BLT Waffle. A regular or cornmeal waffle, topped with sliced romaine hearts, tomatoes and bacon. Serve with Caesar dressing.
• Chicken & Waffles. A Southern classic. Generally made with a regular or buttermilk waffle, fried chicken breasts and brown gravy or sawmill gravy*. 

*Sawmill gravy is a white gravy or bechamel sauce with added bits of mild sausage or chicken liver; the roux is made from meat drippings. It is also called country gravy.
    

• Serendipity Waffle. “Serendipity” is our word for leftovers. Anything you have in the fridge can be made into an exciting waffle topped with a sauce—cheese, tomato, mushroom or your favorite gravy.
• Smoked Salmon Waffle. A cornmeal waffle topped with smoked salmon, sour cream or creme fraiche, chopped chives (onion lovers can substitute chopped red onion) and dill.
• South-Of-The-Border Waffle. A cornmeal waffle (white or blue corn) with a small dice of jalapenos in the batter. You can serve this with maple syrup for breakfast/brunch; and with queso (cheese sauce) or a queso-salsa blend for other meals.
• Waffle Stew. One of the oldest embellishments for Waffles is to top them with your favorite stew. You can garnish with grated cheese, chopped green onions and a dab of sour cream and/or a bit of leftover mashed potato “whipped cream.” Serve with a side of colorful mixed steamed vegetables and a big salad. A great way to make leftover stew special.

Dessert Waffle Ideas

• Candied Pecan Waffle. Candy roasted pecans top waffle with pecans and whipped cream.
• Hot Fudge Sundae Waffle. Serve with ice cream, top-quality fudge sauce, strawberries and whipped cream.
• Lemon Berry Waffle. Top with lemon curd (or other fruit curd) and seasonal berries. Garnish with whipped cream and fruit sauce (either pureed berries or a fruit syrup).
• Sticky Bun Sundae. Top with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream, raisins and walnuts, garnished with a sprinkling of cinnamon and brown sugar (mixed). Add a very light drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped cream.