Classic Waffle Recipe for a Crispy, Fluffy Breakfast

Oh, how I adore a beautiful breakfast! There’s something truly special about the aroma of a freshly made waffle recipe drifting through the kitchen, promising a morning filled with warmth and comfort. Today, we’re diving into a waffle recipe that combines that beloved crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior with a delightful savory twist, proving that the most magical treats often come from simple ingredients.

I remember countless childhood mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, the sizzle of butter on the waffle iron a symphony to my ears. She taught me that baking isn’t just about following steps; it’s about infusing every dish with a little bit of heart. This particular waffle recipe for Savory Herb & Cheese Waffles brings back that same feeling of joy, a testament to how traditional methods can embrace new, exciting flavors.

This easy waffle recipe is not only perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast but also an incredibly versatile base for creative meals. It’s a fantastic way to bring family and friends together around the table, sharing smiles and delicious bites. My top tip? Don’t rush the process; let the batter rest a little, and your patience will be rewarded with waffles that are simply unforgettable.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful waffles begins with simple pantry staples, elevated by fresh flavors. You’ll need all-purpose flour for that perfect structure, along with baking powder, salt, and black pepper to season. The stars of the show are the dried Italian herbs and shredded cheese, which infuse these waffles with incredible savory notes. I always recommend using a good quality shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements for this waffle recipe can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make waffle recipe

Whipping up these savory herb and cheese waffles is a delightful experience, a true testament to how easy it is to create something truly special from scratch. You’ll simply combine your dry ingredients, then gently whisk in the wet components until just blended. Once your batter is ready, it’s a quick trip to a hot waffle iron, where a little magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a golden-brown, crispy delight. Each golden square of this waffle recipe promises a little bite of heaven.

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Savory Herb & Cheese Waffles (Waffle Recipe)

A delightful twist on classic waffles, these savory herb and cheese waffles are perfect as a unique side dish, appetizer, or a hearty breakfast alongside your favorite soup.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 waffles
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs or a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and chives
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend
Wet Ingredients
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups Milk any preferred milk
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 tbsp Cooking Oil or Spray for greasing the waffle iron

Equipment

  • Waffle Iron
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs until well combined. Set aside.
  2. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk the large eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a whisk or spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not overmix, as this can lead to tough waffles.
  4. Gently fold in the shredded cheese into the batter until evenly distributed.
Cook the Waffles
  1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly brush or spray the waffle plates with cooking oil or spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron, or enough to fill the grids without overflowing. The exact amount will depend on your waffle iron’s size.
  3. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. The steam coming from the iron will typically subside when the waffles are done.
  4. Carefully remove the cooked waffle from the iron using a non-scratch utensil. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron between batches if necessary.
  5. Serve the savory herb and cheese waffles immediately while warm. Enjoy!

Notes

These savory waffles are fantastic served alongside a hearty tomato soup, a creamy mushroom soup, or a French onion soup. They also make a delicious base for poached eggs or can be topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a toaster or oven for crispiness.

Pro Tips for Making This waffle recipe

Making perfect waffles is a skill that comes with a little practice and a few cherished secrets. Here are my favorite ways to ensure your waffle recipe turns out wonderfully every time.

My Secret Trick: My top tip for the crispiest waffles every time is to make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before you add the batter. Don’t rush it! A sizzling hot iron creates that beautiful, golden-brown crust we all adore.

Another tip I always share is to avoid overmixing your batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough waffles rather than the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Gently fold the wet into the dry until just combined.

For an extra layer of flavor in your waffle recipe, consider toasting your dried herbs lightly in a dry pan for about 30 seconds before adding them to the batter. This simple step truly awakens their aromatic qualities, making your savory waffles even more fragrant and delicious.

Finally, resist the urge to peek! Once the batter is in the waffle iron, let it cook undisturbed until the steam stops escaping. This indicates your waffles are done and perfectly crispy. Opening the iron too soon can deflate them and hinder that perfect texture.

Fun Variations for waffle recipe

One of the greatest joys of baking is experimenting, and this waffle recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be shy about making it your own.

Cheesy Twists and Herb Swaps

My sister always asks me to add a dash of smoked paprika to her waffle recipe for a deeper, more robust flavor, especially delicious with cheddar cheese. You could also try a blend of shredded Parmesan and mozzarella for a milder, creamier profile, or even a little crumbled feta for a tangy bite. Instead of Italian herbs, consider fresh dill and chives for a bright, spring-like feel.

Add-Ins for Extra Zest

A friend loves when I fold in a handful of finely chopped cooked bacon or ham to the batter for a truly hearty breakfast. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped, would add fantastic flavor and color. You could even incorporate a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick!

Gluten-Free Friendly

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, this waffle recipe adapts beautifully. Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You might need to let the batter rest for an extra 5-10 minutes to allow the alternative flours to hydrate fully.

What to Serve With waffle recipe

These savory herb and cheese waffles are so versatile, they can elevate any meal! They’re fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them an even more complete and satisfying dish.

I absolutely love serving them with a perfectly poached egg and a slice of avocado for a gourmet breakfast or brunch. The creamy yolk and fresh avocado complement the savory waffles beautifully. My mom always pairs them with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, creating a wonderful balance of flavors and textures for a light lunch. For a heartier meal, these waffle recipe wonders are incredible alongside crispy fried chicken or a warm bowl of chili, soaking up all those delicious juices. You could also offer a side of Greek yogurt mixed with a little garlic powder and fresh chives for a refreshing, tangy topping.

How to Store waffle recipe

Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to have a few extra waffles, and proper storage means you can enjoy them again just as fresh! Here’s how I keep my waffle recipe delicious for days.

Fridge Storage

Once your waffles have completely cooled, stack them with a piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking, and place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my go-to for quick weekday breakfasts!

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, flash freeze your cooked and cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, again with parchment paper between them if stacking. They’ll keep well for up to 2-3 months. A light dusting of powdered cheese (like Parmesan) after reheating really brings them back to life.

Reheating Methods

To enjoy your stored waffles, I always recommend reheating them in a toaster or toaster oven until crisp and warm. This brings back that lovely crispy exterior. You can also warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soft and chewy.

Nutritional Benefits

While these savory herb and cheese waffles are undoubtedly a comforting indulgence, they also offer some wholesome goodness. Thanks to the eggs and cheese, this waffle recipe provides a good source of protein, helping you feel satisfied. The herbs add a wonderful boost of flavor without extra calories, making it a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach to baking with simple, delicious ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter for this waffle recipe the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Give it a gentle whisk in the morning to recombine any settled ingredients before cooking.

Faq 2

To achieve truly crispy waffles, ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated and lightly oiled. Don’t overload the iron with too much batter, and allow them to cook until the steam subsides, indicating they are golden and perfectly crisp.

Faq 3

Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite shredded cheeses in this waffle recipe! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend like Parmesan and mozzarella would all be delicious. Just ensure they melt well.

Faq 4

If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, you can certainly use fresh! Roughly 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme) for every teaspoon of dried herbs in the waffle recipe will work wonderfully.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade waffle recipe, especially when it comes with a savory, cheesy, and herbaceous twist. This particular recipe for Savory Herb & Cheese Waffles is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to create beautiful moments and lasting memories around your kitchen table. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that waffle iron, and let the joy of baking fill your home. Happy baking, my sweet friends!

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