Savory Waffles

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Reader Rating
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings

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My wholesome savory waffles are filled with cheese and green onions, making for a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and are so easy to customize. Perfect for meal prep, too. 

savory waffles.

The savory breakfast you’ll love

Arman Liew

I used to think I was a sweet breakfast or brunch person, but after sharing my savory pancakes, that quickly changed. To add some variety, I tweaked and refined the pancake batter to see how it would fare in the waffle maker, which is how these savory waffles were born!

They have the perfect texture: crispy, golden edges, with a soft, fluffy center. I tested them with and without cheese (spoiler: the cheese wins every time), and I love treating the batter as a blank canvas. My family loves the addition of chopped bacon, ham, bell peppers, and onions. Enjoy them on their own or round them out with over easy eggs and breakfast potatoes for a filling and healthy meal. 

Bonus? They freeze beautifully and are great for meal prepping!

Key Ingredients

ingredients to make savory waffles.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

  • Eggs. Eggs are responsible for the structure of the batter. They also add flavor and richness.
  • Milk. I prefer using whole or non-fat milk, but non-dairy milk also works.
  • Greek yogurt. My secret ingredient! It not only adds extra protein to the recipe but also keeps the middles of the waffles soft. Not a fan of Greek yogurt? Try sour cream.
  • Self-rising flour. Skip the expensive pre-made stuff and make my homemade self rising flour.
  • Olive oil. I know it sounds a little odd to add oil to the batter, but the extra fat ensures a smooth consistency and fluffier waffles. It is also responsible for the crispy exterior. If you don’t like the flavor of olive oil, use melted butter.
  • Shredded cheese. What makes these waffles truly savory is the shredded cheese in the batter. I typically use sharp cheddar or Mexican cheese (I love that pop of color!).
  • Green onions. Adds a pop of green and subtle flavor to the waffles.

Recipe variations

  • Use different cheeses, like Monterey Jack, Asiago, or any cheese that you like and that melts well.
  • Mix in some greens, like English spinach, baby spinach, or arugula.
  • Add protein. Diced bacon, ham, chopped chicken, tuna, and even ground beef.
  • Veggie ideas. Try mushrooms, chopped broccoli, bell peppers, and onion.
  • Change up the seasonings, and use chives, garlic powder, or other herbs.
  • For gluten-free waffles, use gluten-free self-rising flour.
  • To make them eggless, use an egg substitute.

How to make savory waffles

yogurt, milk, eggs, and butter in a bowl.

Step 1- Make the base. Whisk eggs in a bowl, then mix in Greek yogurt, olive oil, and a drizzle of milk.

shredded cheese mixed into waffle batter.

Step 2- Add mix-ins. Gradually mix in self-rising flour until smooth, then fold in the cheese.

cooking savory waffles in a waffle iron.

Step 3- Cook. Heat and butter the waffle iron. Add batter and cook per your waffle maker’s instructions. Repeat until all batter is used.

savory waffles with sour cream and green onion on top.

Step 4Serve the waffles while they are still warm.

★★★★★ REVIEW

“I made these tonight in my Belgian waffle maker. I used two sections of it as a hamburger bun. It was yummy! Thanks for the great recipe!” – Heather

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Grease the waffle iron. Even a non-stick waffle iron needs a little help. Always grease your waffle iron with some oil or butter, as it prevents the waffles from sticking to it.
  • Don’t overfill the waffle iron. I know it’s tempting to load it up, but as it cooks, the batter will seep out and the waffles can turn gummy. Add just enough batter to coat the plates and close the lid comfortably. You’ll get crisp, perfectly cooked waffles every time. 
  • Don’t over-mix the batter. Mix the dry and wet ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid unnecessary mixing, or you will end up with tough and gummy waffles. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these as pancakes?

Yes, this batter works well as pancakes, too. My only suggestion is to add two extra tablespoons of milk or water to compensate.

Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Once you’ve made the batter, cover the bowl and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to cook them.

savory waffle.

Storage instructions

To store: Place leftover waffles in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Once the waffles have cooled, transfer them to a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you tried this Savory Waffles recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.

savory waffles recipe.

Crispy Savory Waffles

5 from 125 votes
These wholesome savory waffles are golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with cheese and green onions. Quick to make, easy to customize, and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal-prep. Watch how I make both in my kitchen in the video below!
Servings: 8 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups self rising flour
  • 3 large green onions chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, milk, greek yogurt until smooth. Slowly add the self rising flour until combined. Fold in the shredded cheese and green onions.
  • Add butter to a waffle iron and heat up. Once hot, add batter to the waffle iron and cook as per waffle iron instructions. Repeat the process until all the waffles are cooked up.
  • Serve with sour cream and sprinkle with more green onions.

Notes

  • Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for two months. 
  • Mix-ins: Chopped veggies, protein, and herbs. 
  • Make ahead: Cover the batter and keep in the fridge overnight. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSodium: 159mgPotassium: 83mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 236IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 149mgIron: 0.5mgNET CARBS: 18g
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Ways to serve and variations

I find a creamy element, like sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even some flavored cream cheese, is best for topping savory waffles. Alternatively, some of my family’s favorites are:

Keen on having them for lunch or dinner? Pair them with some salads and/or with some simply cooked protein, like air fryer salmon, parmesan crusted chicken, or beef shanks.

A fried egg (try over easy eggs, over medium eggs, and over hard eggs).

If you love the sweet and savory, pair the waffles with bacon, potatoes, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

More savory breakfast recipes

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, culinary school graduate, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

5 from 125 votes (117 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this recipe this morning. I usually make it as written the first time without changes. Unfortunately, after getting most of the ingredients together, I realized I only had mozzarella instead of cheddar and self rising whole wheat flour. Using the self rising whole wheat flour I had to add almost an extra 1 cup of milk as it was mortar without it …lol All in all an excellent recipe and very tasty. The whole family enjoyed it. Thank you for posting this recipe …extra yummy!

  2. 5 stars
    Love the base recipe but needs a couple tweaks. Batter is too thick. Add an additional 1/4 cup of milk and add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavours. Delicious with smoked salmon and avocado slices!

  3. 5 stars
    I only cook sweet pancakes, but for this I really want to experiment.
    It can be “pancake lunch”.

  4. I, for one, am so glad you picked up that waffle iron. These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them.

  5. I’ve never considered making a savoury waffle before – I love this idea! I think with a few “tweaks” I could probably make them vegan too – score!

  6. Arman, I love that you made these high in protein! It’s easy to fall into the carbohydrate trap in the morning, when the carbs just make you sluggish. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to all forms of coconut, so I’ll have to use my standby… Bob’s Redmill Low Carb baking mix! 🙂

    1. Oh wow- I’ve never heard of that baking mix but seeing as I’m about to move over to your end of the world- I better find it in the supermarket 🙂

  7. It may be from a “cheapo” waffle maker, but they sound delish!! And I’m jealous… I don’t have even a cheapo one 🙁 I need to be on the hunt for one, though. These would be top of my list to make 😉

  8. I made theses tonight in my Belgian waffle maker. I used 2 sections of it as a hamburger bun. It was yummy!

    Thanks for the great recipe!

    1. Heather, thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and for making them- using them as a hamburger bun is absolutely genius!

  9. Haha! My pancake griddle was a grocery store impulse buy! And I swear it’s one of my favorite appliances!

    Interesting to see the peanut flour in these…does the flavor actually come through with all the herbs and cheese? And YAY for Vegemite!!! 😀

    1. You can definitely taste the peanut flour if you don’t add enough herbs and cheese- That’s the excuse to add EXTRA cheese. Sometimes impulse buys are SO worth it.

  10. You know I love these. You had me at whole eggs, two cheeses and garlic. I am totally digging on the savory waffle idea, although I’ll just have to make your savory pancakes again because I don’t have a waffle iron. Boo! These are genius though.

    1. I’ll let you in on a secret…these were made pancake form first. And in case you don’t have the flours I used, they definitely work with wholewheat, white or oat- I made them that way for my sister (who proclaimed the cheese to pancake ratio had to be 3:1).

      1. Your sister is a genius, and I’m pretty sure you know the way to my stomach. The mystery flours was the only thing holding me back. Not anymore. Keep up the delicious savory recipes.

      2. Another little secret- All my recipes using strange flours are ALWAYS trialled with my sister first using whole wheat, white etc. Goat flour.

  11. I am kind of a marketer’s dream… even though I’m a marketer. Most products that are fancily displayed can get me. I’ve never had savory waffles but I keep seeing yours and need. to. try!

    1. LOL…Cass that made me lol.

      You’re like a double standard…in human form. Try these out as pancakes first…they work just as well!

  12. You were right. Seriously, this sounds like the PERFECT savory waffle to try. I am a sucker for cheese, so it just makes sense to say that I already love this.
    I haven’t put my waffle make to much use, but now I found a reason to. 😉

  13. Another delicious sounding recipe! I haven’t used my waffle maker in ages and never for savory waffles. Gotta get on both of those!

    Random and if you don’t know, no worries – but for the peanut flour, think that PB2 stuff (powdered peanut butter) would work okay?

  14. Boo and hiss to peanut flour! You and Davs are both out to kill me — I swear. But savoury waffles sound all sorts of fabulous. I’ve never had them before, but I’m definitely not opposed to the idea. I would probably leave out the garlic, though, and top them with plenty of maple syrup for a sweet and salty combo that I love oh so much. And speaking of maple syrup — definitely the best thing to put on waffles or pancakes. I -am- Canadian, after all 😉

    1. Sunshine spoon, you can sub the almond flour for oat, whole wheat or white. Stop making excuses and buy a damn waffle iron.

      …Hmmm. Okay, this weekend I think I need to try out maple syrup on cheese waffles. (potentially) genius spoon.

  15. Ok. I guess I am forced to put peanut flour on my grocery list this week. 2 recipes of yours I need to try now. Glad you picked up that waffle maker.

  16. bahhhh this look SO GOOD! I want to try them after I’m done with this challenge (yay for a fellow blogger/friend doing it too!) and then I will devour all. of. the. cheese.

    1. I made sure to include cheese in #WholeArman 😉

      At least the cheese will taste extra nice once your done with it!

    2. Also just realised you included white potatoes too- Hi 5! I could and NEVER would cut them out! Nice one!

  17. These sound amazing. I love savoury flavours like this one- a cheddar and garlic waffle sounds and looks brilliant 🙂

  18. Cheapo is the wayyy to go (except in certain circumstances…NSFW). Also old, gifted appliances are the best too. My food processor is older than Australia but seeing as we used to live in a world where appliances weren’t meant to break it makes nut butter like a champ and I don’t have to worry about it imploding…but now that I said that it’s for sure going to break on me…

    remind me to tell you about how C and I scored a 52 inch TV from a crack den. I wish I were making this up.

    HIGH FIVE IT”S SATURDAY BRO.

    1. I think your food processor had an affair with my mum’s food processor- it is probably older than the Paleo Cavemen but makes bomb almond butter….although it takes FOR-EVER.

      …I need to hear this story. And in other news, guess who will (hopefully) have cable internet come friday.

  19. I’ve actually never tried one before, but I love the idea of a savory waffle!

    Funny story…for my bridal shower years ago, I received a waffle iron as a gift. Mind you, in wasn’t on the registry and I was annoyed that I got one seeing as I thought I’d NEVER use it. So, I returned it to the store. Low and behold, 6 1/2 years later, and now I want a waffle iron. Guess I should of kept it!!!

  20. Wow! I don’t see a lot of true waffle makeovers and this one is so original. My favorite waffle topper when I eat them is agave. Yum 🙂

    1. You know, I’ve never tried Agave before! It went through a health trend here but I’m yet to see it consistently pop up!

  21. Ok I’ve said it before but I NEED a waffle maker. I’m seriously missing out on all the good recipes. Plus I feel like they might turn out better for me than my pancakes do…

    1. Dude! this works as a pancake- you just need to cook them slow on low heat. And covered. You can do it (put your back into it).

  22. holy moly! i’m impressed and need these. I love cheddar, garlic, and vegemite, and duh.. grainfree! Now I need a waffle maker. cheapo one please

  23. It’s like you’re in my head. I’ve been hard core about to get a waffle maker, and this is posted. I’ve been adding butter, and you slathered these perfect-looking waffles with it. I think it’s a sign.

  24. So…I have a waffle maker and a chocolate fountain. I don’t have a donut hole maker though! But I have a mini cupcake maker…shit. And all of them were given to me as gifts – apparently, people think that I’m a marketer’s dream? And I wonder why my storage closet feels like it’s exploding…
    I was going to make pancakes for dinner tonight, but I think I’m officially switching them to waffles. Annd still need to try the savoury waffle thing…must get on that soon.

  25. I never had a waffle in my life, yup. They’re as unpopular as donuts in our country. BUT thank you for providing the GRAMS in this recipe, you’re the best!!! This cup measuring madness drives me crazy!
    Aaaaand weeeekend!!!

  26. Minus the fact that this would kill me, it looks good! Any peanut flour substitution ideas? I don’t think I’ve ever had a savoury waffle before… except for the time I added cumin instead of cinnamon to the batter (I was a little hungover, hence the error)… I didn’t end up eating them. 😛

    1. Yes my dear Kale face- you can use standard whole wheat, white or all purpose- just reduce the liquid a tad!

      I’ve made the cumin instead of cinnamon before…in oatmeal!

  27. Oh my gosh I need a cheapo waffle maker now! I like the idea of freezing them for later, sounds super handy.
    The espresso maker that was recently purchased was the cheapest one in the store and we now use it several times a day! Riley has become an espresso monster (even though I’m pretty sure it was a gift for me). I’m a total sucker for the cheap items by the cash register haha.

    1. YES! You should see my freezer set up- I have batches of 3 which I just defrost the night before and lather with butter the next day. Bliss.

  28. Those look great! I AM a sweet pancake/ sweet waffle girl but you are about to convince me to surrender and change to the dark side of the power 😉
    There’s no peanut flour available here (as I said, food-wasteland) Do you think you can substitute peanut flour by almond flour?
    My aunt once made me eat cheese waffles and I didn’t like them at all. But I was a little girl and ate zero cheese. I was a very fussy eater!
    I am such a sucker for a good bargain! Horrible! I might have bought them all 😉 No kidding, I already have a waffle maker and chocolate fountain and mini gugl baking dish and medi gugl baking dish and macaroon baking dish and sandwich maker and mini gril… you get the point!

    1. I cannot believe you didn’t like cheese as a little girl..lucky it’s been rectified!

      You most definitely can make it with almond flour- just be wary with the liquid you use and not make it soupy!

      …they actually have baking dishes for MACAROONS?

      1. Really yummy waffles, thank you, only just got my waffle iron, what a great start to my waffle days. will try othere recipes, 🤗

  29. I’ve never had a savory waffle before! this is making me want to get a waffle iron though. You had me at cheddar + garlic 🙂