Start by separating the 3 eggs: yolks in one bowl, whites in another bowl.
Beat the 3 egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This will take a while, 7-10 minutes. Set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a light whisk or stir to combine.
2 cups all purpose flour, 1 Tbsp. baking powder, ¾ tsp. kosher salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 egg yolks, milk, oil and Dijon mustard.
1 ¾ cups milk, ½ cup canola oil, 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Gradually stir the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture.
Add in the diced ham, cheese and chives and blend together lightly; mixture should be slightly lumpy.
1 cup ham (heaping cup), 1 cup Gruyere, Swiss OR Cheddar cheese, 1 Tbsp. chopped chives
Carefully fold the egg whites into the above mixture. Do not over mix.
Preheat the waffle iron. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick spray.
Pour the batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden brown.In my 4 inch waffle iron it takes about 2 minutes per waffle.
Serve topped with butter and maple syrup. Also delicious with a poached egg and diced avocado on top and additional Dijon mustard for dipping.See notes for other toppings.