If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful twist on breakfast or brunch, this Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe will quickly become your go-to dish. Imagine golden, crispy waffles infused with sharp cheddar, crispy bits of smoky bacon, and vibrant chives—each bite bursts with indulgence and comfort. It’s an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that can brighten up any morning or satisfy a savory craving any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a waffle that’s both golden and tender, with perfect pockets of melted cheese and crispy bacon throughout. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and a stunning color contrast in the final dish.
- Flour (1 ¼ cups): The base that gives structure to your waffles, feel free to use a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend to keep it adaptable.
- Cornmeal (½ cup, medium grind): Adds a delightful crispiness and slightly nutty flavor to the waffle crust.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Keeps the waffles light and tender by softening the texture.
- Sugar (3 Tbsp.): Just enough sweetness to balance the savory ingredients without overpowering them.
- Baking powder (2 tsp.): The secret to fluffy, uplifted waffles that aren’t too dense.
- Salt (1 ¼ tsp., to taste): Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients, especially the bacon and cheddar.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp.): A subtle kick that complements the cheese and bacon beautifully.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
- Buttermilk (1 ½ cups): Brings a tangy flavor and tender crumb, but regular or plant-based milk works in a pinch.
- Butter (¼ cup, melted and cooled): Adds richness and helps create that crispy outer crust on the waffles.
- Cheddar cheese (¾ cup, shredded): Sharp, melty, and packed with savory goodness in every bite.
- Bacon (6 oz., cooked and crumbled): Crispy bacon bits infuse smoky flavor throughout the waffles.
- Chives (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh and mild onion flavor that lifts the dish and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, turn on your waffle iron and give it at least five minutes to get thoroughly heated. A hot waffle iron ensures your waffles will have that perfect crisp exterior that makes every bite so satisfying. Meanwhile, start gathering and prepping your ingredients to streamline the process.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures your waffle batter is evenly seasoned, and the baking powder will give you that lovely rise.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted, cooled butter together until smooth. This blend adds moisture, richness, and a dreamy texture that balances the more rustic feel brought by the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then gently stir with a spoon or spatula until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep those waffles tender and fluffy rather than dense or tough.
Step 5: Fold in Cheese, Bacon, and Chives
This is the best part—folding in the shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chopped chives. These flavorful additions make the batter uniquely savory and visually inviting with specks of gold and green throughout.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Spray your preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then spoon in the batter. Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions—usually until the steam stops and the waffles are golden brown. The aroma alone will have you eager to dive right in.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your savory waffles with an over-easy egg perched on top, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and either a drizzle of pure maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream. This combination elevates the flavor balance and makes for a stunning plate that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring a vibrant contrast to these rich waffles. Think extra chopped chives for a pop of color and mild oniony freshness. A fried or poached egg adds silkiness and indulgence, while a little sour cream adds tang and creaminess. For a surprising twist, a drizzle of maple syrup offers a sweet-savory counterpoint that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with light sides to balance the richness. A crisp green salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes brighten the plate. Sautéed spinach or asparagus works wonders, or grab some fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. These sides round out your meal and add nutritional goodness without overshadowing the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, try stacking waffles layered with creamy avocado slices, extra bacon, and a soft-boiled egg on top for a dramatic presentation. Another idea is to cut the waffles into smaller squares and serve them as appetizer bites with a dollop of sour cream and chive garnish. Whether plated elegantly or served family-style, these savory waffles always steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover waffles (though they rarely last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh enough for a speedy breakfast the next day.
Freezing
To keep these waffles for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for busy mornings when homemade indulgence is just a toaster away.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen waffles in a toaster or oven to revive their crispy exterior and warm inside. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make waffles a bit soggy. A quick re-toast is the secret to enjoying these waffles just as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious and satisfying.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries! You can use regular milk or any plant-based milk you prefer. For a tangier flavor closer to buttermilk, try adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your milk and let it sit for five minutes before using.
Can I substitute bacon for another protein?
Definitely. Cooked sausage crumbles, diced ham, or even cooked veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers can be delightful alternatives if you want to switch things up or cater to different dietary preferences.
How do I get my waffles crispy every time?
Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before cooking and don’t overload it with batter. Also, spraying it with non-stick spray helps. Reheating leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven also restores crispiness better than microwaving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe is perfect for making ahead, freezing, and reheating quickly on busy mornings. You can enjoy homemade savory waffles without the hassle any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, marrying crispy textures with rich, savory flavors that bring smiles all around the table. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy waffles beyond breakfast.
Print
Savory Waffles with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Waffles Recipe with Bacon & Cheddar delivers a deliciously hearty twist on classic waffles, combining the sharpness of cheddar cheese, smoky crumbled bacon, and fresh chives in a crispy, golden waffle. Perfect for brunch or a comforting breakfast, these waffles pair beautifully with eggs, maple syrup, or sour cream for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups flour (or a gluten free 1-to-1 blend)
- ½ cup cornmeal (medium grind)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk (regular milk or a plant-based milk)
- ¼ cup butter (melted and cooled)
Add-ins
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 oz. bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ¼ cup chives (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Turn on your waffle iron and allow it to heat up for at least 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the batter evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed, for an even distribution of the leavening agents and flavor.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted, cooled butter until smooth to create the wet batter base.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently mix by hand until the batter is well incorporated but not overmixed, to maintain waffle texture.
- Add Cheese, Bacon, and Chives: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives, folding them evenly into the batter to distribute savory flavors throughout.
- Cook the Waffles: Spray the preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour in the waffle batter according to your appliance’s size and cook time instructions until waffles are golden and crisp.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the savory waffles hot, topped with an over-easy egg, more fresh chives, and either a drizzle of pure maple syrup for sweetness or a dollop of sour cream for tang. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour blend if gluten intolerance is a concern.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Bacon can be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- Adjust salt to taste if using salted bacon or cheese.
- Waffle cook time varies by appliance; monitor closely to avoid burning.
