Crispy Savory Ham and Cheese Waffles Recipe: Breakfast Magic

Whipping up crispy savory ham and cheese waffles can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary adventure.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark excitement in our kitchen.

Salty ham and melted cheese create a perfect harmony inside golden, crunchy waffle pockets.

Breakfast becomes more than just a meal, it’s an experience that awakens your taste buds.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts will appreciate this simple yet impressive dish.

These waffles promise to make your breakfast table feel like a gourmet destination.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible aroma and mouthwatering texture of these delectable treats.

Why Crispy Savory Ham And Cheese Waffles Are A Must-Try

• Craft Delightful Comfort: These waffles blend savory ham and melty cheese into a perfect breakfast or brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort: With simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, anyone from beginner cooks to seasoned chefs can create these delicious waffles without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for weekend family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or quick meal solutions that satisfy both kids and adults with their irresistible cheesy, meaty flavor profile.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, using different meat options like bacon or turkey, or adding herbs to personalize the waffle experience.

Everything You Need For Ham And Cheese Waffles

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the waffles.
• Baking Powder: Helps the waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the waffles.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the waffle's richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the waffles remain moist and prevents sticking.

• Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Provide savory depth and create delicious pockets of flavor throughout the waffles.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the waffles from sticking to the waffle iron and promotes easy release.

Steps To Make Crispy Savory Ham And Cheese Waffles

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly distributed. The gentle whisking helps prevent any lumpy surprises in your final waffle.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, and oil. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, unified mixture that looks creamy and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk, mixing just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your waffles tough and dense.

Step 4: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

Carefully fold in diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese. Distribute these savory ingredients evenly throughout the batter so every bite has maximum flavor.

Step 5: Prepare Waffle Iron

Heat your waffle iron and lightly coat the cooking surfaces with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your waffles will release easily and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Cook Waffles

Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron, filling each section about three-quarters full. Close the iron and cook until the waffles are crispy and golden brown. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific waffle maker.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot waffles to a serving plate. These savory waffles are delicious on their own or can be topped with additional cheese, chopped herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips For Perfectly Crispy Savory Waffles

• Choose high-quality ham and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor intensity.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
• Let waffle batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help ingredients blend perfectly.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
• Enhance breakfast experience by topping waffles with fresh herbs like chives or green onions for extra freshness.

Tasty Variations On Ham And Cheese Waffles

• Bacon Ranch Waffles: Replace ham with crispy bacon bits and add ranch seasoning mix to the batter for a tangy, savory flavor profile.
• Spinach Feta Waffles: Swap cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and mix in chopped fresh spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast option.
• Jalapeño Pepper Jack Waffles: Incorporate diced jalapeños and shredded pepper jack cheese to create a spicy, zesty waffle with a kick.
• Green Onion Swiss Waffles: Use Swiss cheese and finely chopped green onions for a mild, fresh-tasting waffle with subtle herb notes.

What To Serve With Ham And Cheese Waffles

• Pair with Zesty Tomato Salsa: Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice complement the rich ham and cheese waffles, cutting through their richness with bright, tangy flavors.
• Serve with Creamy Dijon Mustard Dip: Whisk Dijon mustard, sour cream, and a touch of honey to create a smooth, tangy sauce that enhances the savory waffle's depth.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's high acidity and herbal notes perfectly balance the waffles' salty, cheesy profile, creating a delightful culinary harmony.

How To Store Leftover Ham And Cheese Waffles

• Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before placing in the container to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual waffles in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Toast frozen or refrigerated waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy and heated through. This method restores the original crunch and warmth.
• Arrange waffles on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Uncover for the last 2 minutes to crisp up the edges.

FAQ Guide For Crispy Ham And Cheese Waffles

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with swiss, gouda, or monterey jack cheese to create different flavor profiles.

• Is it possible to make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the waffle batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 12 hours before cooking.

• What's the best ham to use for these waffles?

Deli-style ham or leftover holiday ham both work great. Just dice the ham into small, uniform pieces for even distribution in the batter.

• Can I freeze these waffles for later?

Absolutely! Let the waffles cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each waffle and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Crispy Savory Ham and Cheese Waffles Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy ham and cheese waffles elevate breakfast with a delightful blend of salty ham, melted cheese, and golden-brown waffle goodness. Comfort meets gourmet in this irresistible morning treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, blending flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly integrated.
2. Whisk milk, eggs, and oil in a separate container, creating a smooth liquid mixture.
3. Slowly incorporate wet ingredients into dry components, stirring gently to avoid overmixing and maintain a light texture.
4. Delicately fold diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
5. Heat waffle iron to medium-high temperature and lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Ladle batter onto preheated waffle iron, filling each section approximately 3/4 full to prevent overflow.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until waffles develop a golden-brown exterior and crisp texture, following manufacturer’s recommended settings.
8. Remove waffles carefully using a heat-resistant spatula, allowing excess steam to escape.
9. Transfer to a warming plate and serve immediately while maintaining optimal crispness and flavor.

Notes

• Choose high-protein flour like bread flour for extra crispiness and structure in your waffles.
• Grate cheese cold for better distribution and prevent clumping in the waffle batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender and light waffle texture.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for binding.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 432 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 755 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg