Savory Waffles with Ham and Cheese

Waffles are a classic breakfast staple, but next time try making this Savory Waffle Recipe. The combination of salty ham, melted cheese, and green onions in a crispy waffle is a match made in heaven. It takes a little extra work to make these ham and cheese waffles, but it is so worth it for the unique flavor! The best part is they can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for easier meal prep!

Just like Overnight Ham & Egg Casserole, this also a great recipe to use up leftover ham, especially after the Easter Holiday.

Ingredients

This Savory Waffle recipe uses pretty simple ingredients. It is made with traditional homemade waffle ingredients except we are not adding sugar and instead are adding some savory ingredients like Dijon, green onions, ham, cheese, salt and pepper.

Pictured are the ingredients you need, plus some tips on a few ingredients:

Ham: You need a heaping cup of ham to make this savory waffle recipe. It is a great way to use up leftover ham. Or, like pictured above, you can buy a ham steak and dice it up. There is also a product at the grocery store that is finely diced ham in a package.

Cheese: Whatever cheese you choose to use, Gruyere, Swiss or Cheddar, it is best to use fresh shredded cheese. It will melt smoother and creamier in your waffles.

Green Onions: When using green onions in your waffles make sure you cut them small, and use the white and light green parts. Then you can use the dark green parts for garnish.

Equipment: Waffle Iron

This recipe will work in any waffle maker that you have! I use a 4 inch Dash Waffle Iron. It is a single waffle iron so it does take a little longer to make all 20 waffles.

A quad waffle iron would make much faster work of these ham and cheese waffles!

Variation Options

This Savory Waffle Recipe is filled with cheese, ham and green onions, but you can choose any combo of salty and savory ingredients for your waffles. Here are some ideas:

• Pancetta, shredded mozzarella, chopped basil & spinach
• Breakfast sausage (browned & crumbled), cheddar, green onion
• Crispy prosciutto (crumbled), parmesan, shallots
• Crispy Crumbled Bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions

Step by Step

To make these ham and cheese waffles you will start by separating 3 eggs, you need one bowl of yolks and one bowl of whites.

Then pop the whites into a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whisk until stiff peaks form, about 7-10 minutes. Then set aside.

Meanwhile, in one bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside

In another bowl or large liquid measuring cup combine: egg yolks, oil, milk and Dijon mustard.

Now stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir in the green onions, diced ham and cheese.

Finally, fold the stiff egg whites into the mixture.

Time to make the waffles! Preheat your waffle maker and lightly spray with non-stick spray.

In my 4 inch Dash Waffle Iron I use a scant ⅓ cup of batter per waffle, and they cook in about 2 minutes.

Repeat until all the batter is used.

My 4 inch waffle iron makes about 20 waffles. I serve 2 per person with some fruit and yogurt.

Make Ahead

Since it takes a while to prep and make all the waffles you can absolutely make them ahead for easier meal prep.

Keep them in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

You can reheat them in a skillet, toaster or toaster oven or if you are doing more than one you can pop them in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.

Freezing

These waffles freeze really well! I like to place them on a baking sheet that will fit in the freezer. Leave them in the freezer for about 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer safe baggie.

They will be good in the freezer for about 6 months.

You can reheat them in a skillet, toaster or toaster oven or if you are doing more than one you can pop them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.

Savory Waffle Topping Ideas

Of course there is the traditional topping of butter and maple syrup for your savory waffles. But we like to branch out with things like avocado and over easy eggs. Here are some other ideas:

• Diced Avocado or mashed avocado
• Extra Dijon mustard
• Sour cream or plain Greek Yogurt
• over easy egg
• Mango pepper jelly or other spicy fruit jellies
• Hollandaise sauce
• Crispy Bacon
• Fresh tomatoes and burrata
• Crispy Chicken Tenders and syrup (Chicken & Waffles!)
• Bacon Jam

Side Dishes for Serving

Since this is a savory breakfast recipe I recommend adding some sweetness on the side. Fresh fruit and a sweet fruit yogurt would be perfect!

Menu for a Brunch Buffet

If you are having a brunch buffet and want to include these Savory Waffles, here are some other dishes to add:

• Savory Waffles
• Toppings: syrup, sour cream, mashed avocado, and fruit & pepper jelly
• Scrambled eggs
• Fresh fruit bowl
• Crispy Chicken Tenders
• Cheesy Potatoes
• Store Bought Kale Salad
• Fresh Lemonade

More Savory Breakfast Recipes

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