10+ Waffle Iron Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Waffle irons usually get pigeonholed as breakfast gadgets, but honestly, they’re way more versatile than that. You can whip up all sorts of meals and snacks with just this one tool—no need to stick to the sweet stuff.

Using a waffle iron gives you a fun, simple way to cook different foods fast, and with a texture you just can’t get any other way.

Maybe you’re craving crispy grilled cheese, savory hash browns, or even a quick dessert. Your waffle maker’s got your back.

Trying new recipes with just one gadget? It’s easier than you think.

Let’s dive into some ideas to get the most out of your waffle iron. You might find a new favorite.

1) Classic crispy waffles

Craving waffles that are crispy outside and soft inside? This classic recipe is a solid go-to.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients help with that crunch.

Add milk, eggs, and melted butter next—the butter’s key for crispy edges. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high before pouring in the batter.

Keep cooked waffles warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) while you finish the batch. Top them with syrup, fruit, or whatever you like.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk and melted butter.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until golden.
6. Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
7. Serve with your favorite toppings.

For more details on crispy waffles, see this recipe.

2) Waffle iron brownies

Brownies in a waffle iron? Yep, it works. Just pour the brownie batter into your preheated iron.

Close the lid and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. Go longer if you want them extra crispy.

The iron gives you crunchy edges and a chewy middle. Plus, the waffle shape is kind of fun.

You can use any brownie recipe you like. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brownie batter (from your favorite recipe)
• Butter or oil for greasing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. Grease the plates with butter or oil.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of batter onto the center.
4. Close and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until crispy outside.
5. Remove and let cool a bit before eating.

Try it when you want brownies in a hurry. For more ideas, see the Waffle Iron Brownies Recipe.

3) Hash brown waffles

Hash brown waffles are a crispy, golden twist on potatoes. Start with shredded potatoes and squeeze out as much water as you can.

Spread them evenly on a hot waffle iron. The outside gets crunchy while the inside stays soft.

Toss in cheese or spices if you want more flavor. Cooking takes about five minutes.

It’s less messy than frying and honestly, just as tasty.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded potatoes
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high (around 375°F / 190°C).
2. Squeeze moisture from potatoes.
3. Mix potatoes with cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Spray the iron with cooking spray.
5. Spread potatoes evenly, keeping away from the edges.
6. Close and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
7. Remove and serve warm.

4) Waffle iron grilled cheese

Grilled cheese in a waffle iron is so easy, you might never go back to the pan. The bread gets crisp, golden, and those little ridges are pretty satisfying.

Butter your bread first to keep it from sticking and boost the flavor. Use any cheese you love—cheddar is a classic.

Press the sandwich in your preheated iron for about 3-5 minutes. When the bread’s golden and the cheese is melted, you’re good to go.

Ingredients

• 2 slices sandwich bread
• 3 oz cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp salted butter (room temperature)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice butter-side down on the iron.
4. Add cheese, then top with the other slice, butter-side up.
5. Close and cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden and melty.
6. Remove and enjoy.

Check out this waffle iron grilled cheese sandwich recipe for more details.

5) Falafel waffles

Falafel waffles are a clever spin on the classic. Instead of deep-frying, just cook the falafel batter in your waffle iron.

Spoon the batter into a greased, preheated iron. Press down and cook for 5-10 minutes.

They come out crispy on the outside, soft inside, and hold their shape. Top with tahini, yogurt sauce, or fresh veggies.

Great for a snack or light lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup flour
• Olive oil for greasing

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C).
2. Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper until chunky.
3. Stir in flour to make a batter.
4. Grease the iron with olive oil.
5. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter into the iron and close.
6. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Remove and serve warm.

Try falafel waffles for something different. For more tips, see this falafel waffles recipe.

6) Waffled Margherita pizza

You can make Margherita pizza in a waffle iron, and honestly, it’s pretty fun. Roll out pizza dough to fit your iron—about 6 inches wide, or whatever works.

Add fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil. Close the iron and cook until the dough is golden and the cheese melts.

The result is a crispy, cheesy snack with fresh basil flavor. It’s a quick way to scratch that pizza itch.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Tomato slices
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil (optional)
• Flour (for dusting)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough.
3. Place dough in the iron.
4. Top with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
5. Close and cook 4-6 minutes, until golden and melty.
6. Remove and drizzle with olive oil if you want.

7) Omelet waffles with sausage

Omelet waffles with sausage are a nice switch from regular eggs. Mix eggs with sausage and whatever veggies or cheese you’ve got.

Pour the mixture into your preheated iron. Cook until set and golden, usually 4-6 minutes.

You get a warm, filling breakfast that’s faster than a stovetop omelet. Plus, you can change up the add-ins every time.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Non-stick spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron and spray with non-stick spray.
2. Whisk eggs in a bowl. Add sausage, peppers, onions, cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour into the waffle iron.
4. Close and cook for 4-6 minutes, until firm and golden.
5. Remove and serve warm.

Find more ideas like this at the waffle omelette recipe page.

8) Waffled chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate chip cookies in a waffle iron? Absolutely. You don’t even need the oven, and the cookies come out soft inside, crisp outside.

Start with your favorite dough. Preheat your iron to medium-low and spray it so nothing sticks.

Drop small dough balls on the iron and close gently. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until golden, but still a bit soft.

Let them cool a bit before digging in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugars until smooth.

3. Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips.

5. Heat your waffle iron to medium-low. Spray it with cooking spray.

6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the waffle iron. Close the lid.

7. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden and set.

8. Remove the cookies carefully and let them cool before eating.

Try out this easy recipe for warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie waffles using your waffle maker here.

9) Waffle iron cinnamon rolls

Waffle iron cinnamon rolls? Yup, you can totally pull this off in no time. Grab a can of store-bought cinnamon rolls to keep things simple.

Spray your waffle maker with butter spray. Flatten the rolls a bit with your hands.

Place one roll in the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the roll turns golden brown and the inside is soft. The outside gets a nice crisp.

Top with cream cheese glaze or whatever icing you like. It’s faster than baking and looks pretty cool, too.

Ingredients

• 1 can of store-bought cinnamon rolls
• Butter spray or non-stick spray
• Cream cheese glaze or icing (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron.

2. Spray it with butter spray.

3. Flatten the cinnamon rolls slightly using your hands.

4. Set a cinnamon roll in the center of the waffle iron.

5. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes (around 350°F / 175°C).

6. Remove the waffle roll carefully.

7. Drizzle with glaze or icing if you’re in the mood.

10) Waffle iron quesadillas

Making quesadillas in your waffle iron is honestly a breeze. Just toss a tortilla on the iron, pile on cheese and whatever fillings you want, then top with another tortilla.

The waffle iron presses and heats it evenly. You’ll get a crispy, melty quesadilla in just a few minutes.

Use chicken, veggies, or stick with plain cheese—totally your call. It’s a great way to whip up a snack with barely any mess.

Ingredients

• 2 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup cooked chicken, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup diced bell peppers or onions (optional)
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Crank up your waffle iron to medium heat—about 350°F, or 175°C if you’re fancy.

2. Give the waffle iron a quick mist with cooking spray. Nobody wants a stuck tortilla.

3. Toss one tortilla onto the iron.

4. Sprinkle cheese and whatever fillings you’re craving evenly over that tortilla.

5. Slap the second tortilla on top.

6. Close the iron and let it do its thing for 3 to 5 minutes. You’re aiming for golden and crispy, not burnt.

7. Gently lift it out. Let it cool for a minute so you don’t burn your fingers, then slice it up.

If you want to get creative or just need more inspiration, check out some waffle iron quesadilla recipes here.