Easy Crispy & Cheesy Savory Waffles Recipe

Q: Is Pancake Mix the Same as Waffle Mix?

If you’ve seen any of my pancakes recipes, you may notice that waffles and pancakes are quite similar because both batters share the same ingredient set! The difference between the two is that waffles have more butter than pancakes. We need additional butter in waffles for them to get crispy without over-cooking. Additionally, due to waffles being thicker and denser than pancakes, then a little extra kick is needed to help them rise to be their best!

Q: Can This Crispy Savory Waffles Recipe be Made Gluten-Free?

These cheesy waffles can most definitely be prepared gluten-free! All you need to do is replace the all-purpose flour with 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour to maintain the exact same ratio of flour to the other ingredients without affecting the taste. I have used gluten-free flour to replace all purpose flour on a number of occasions, such as in my Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies or Gluten-Free Lemon Crepes with Mascarpone Filling and I’ve not noticed any difference at all!

✦ Join the Kitchen

To see how these amazing this Crispy Cheesy Savory Waffles recipe comes together, be sure to watch the video! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven’t already, and make sure to press the bell button to be notified when all of my video recipes are live! Let’s get cooking!

Crispy cheesy savory waffles served on white plate with caramel dipping sauce and sour cream.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Waffles Recipe!

Crispy: This recipe will give you all the tips and tricks you need to achieve perfectly crisp waffles that are restaurant-quality right at home!
Easy and quick: All you need to do is gather the ingredients and make your batter! In the meanwhile, the waffle maker will pre-heat, and then once it’s ready the machine does all the work for you. Making waffles is perfect when you don’t have much time after a long day for an extremely satisfying but simple dinner!
Fluffy and cheesy inside: An important characteristic of waffles is that they should be soft and fluffy to compliment the crispy exterior. This savory waffles recipe will show you how to achieve the perfect airy yet super hot and cheesy waffles inside!
Versatile toppings: You’ll see that I’ve kept these cheesy waffles simple with the toppings. However, there are lots of ways to mix and match the final serving of these waffles to keep things interesting and creative! Read on for tons of inspiration so you can enjoy these cheesy waffles again and again in a different way each time if you would like!

Golden crispy savory waffles on a white plate with sour cream and sauce for dipping.

Questions You May Have!

Are These Cheesy Crispy Waffles Belgian Waffles?▼

If you’re wondering what waffle maker I’m using, then it’s the Ninja Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker, and you can get an idea all about it in my impressions review video on my YouTube channel. I really do need to update this video since I’ve used this machine a lot more since, and now I have only positive feedback about it! Essentially, this Ninja waffle maker forms waffles that have deep pockets, a staple characteristic of Belgian waffles, these waffles are definitely Belgian-style waffles. On the other hand, true Belgian waffles are made with yeast and they tend to use whipped egg whites for additional fluffiness. I’m not using yeast, but baking powder as the leavening agent. These cheesy waffles will be close to Belgian waffles but not entirely authentic! Regardless, I can guarantee that they are super delicious!

Is Pancake Mix the Same as Waffle Mix?▼

If you’ve seen any of my pancakes recipes, you may notice that waffles and pancakes are quite similar because both batters share the same ingredient set! The difference between the two is that waffles have more butter than pancakes. We need additional butter in waffles for them to get crispy without over-cooking. Additionally, due to waffles being thicker and denser than pancakes, then a little extra kick is needed to help them rise to be their best!

Crispy golden waffle on white plate with bowls of syrup and whipped cream for serving

Should I Use Butter or Oil To Make Waffles?▼

My choice is always butter instead of oil when making waffles! I find that butter has much more flavor than oil, and it helps give the richness which is iconic for waffles. Additionally, butter helps to give waffles that incredible smell that we all adore!

How Thick Should the Waffle Batter Be?▼

If you’re a seasoned pancake maker, then I would compare the thickness of waffle batter to pancake batter. The batter should be thick enough to momentarily hold its shape while also being pourable, and it should flow slowly when poured. In case the batter is too thick, add a splash or two of milk to adjust the consistency.

Crispy cheesy savory waffles on a white plate with maple syrup and sour cream for dipping.

Can This Crispy Savory Waffles Recipe be Made Gluten-Free?▼

These cheesy waffles can most definitely be prepared gluten-free! All you need to do is replace the all-purpose flour with 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour to maintain the exact same ratio of flour to the other ingredients without affecting the taste. I have used gluten-free flour to replace all purpose flour on a number of occasions, such as in my Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownies or Gluten-Free Lemon Crepes with Mascarpone Filling and I’ve not noticed any difference at all!

Do I need to Grease the Waffle Maker Before Cooking the Waffles?▼

No, that is not necessary at all. In my case, my waffle maker specifically tells you not to use any to protect its non-stick coating. Additionally, with all the butter we have in our batter, these savory waffles are designed in a way that grease is not required because there is plenty of grease from the butter within the batter that will help brown and crisp the waffles while ensuring it does not stick.

However, if there is some technical reason why your waffle maker requires you to spray grease over it, then feel free to do it to ensure your waffles turn out properly!

Crispy cheesy savory waffles on a white plate with caramel and sour cream dipping sauces.

Can You make These Cheesy Waffles in Advance?▼

It can be extremely convenient to have these savory waffles prepared in advance. Once you have prepare the waffles, just make sure to cool them down on a baking wire rack. Once cooled, transfer them into an air-tight container or Ziploc bag and store in the fridge 3-4 days.

However, how you reheat your waffles is extremely critical - there definitely is a correct way to do this! For the fastest reheating method, then pop your savory waffles in the toaster until crispy and warm. You could also reheat them in the oven at 350 F oven for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with putting the waffles back in the waffle maker to refresh the prepared waffles - that’s what I did here after taking the photos since I really wanted them hot and fresh!

If making in advance for storage, be sure to top only when serving!

Crispy golden cheesy waffles on a white plate with a small bowl of syrup for dipping.

Can This Cheesy Waffle recipe Be Made in a Mini Waffle Maker?▼

This cheesy waffle recipe will work regardless of what size of waffle maker you have, so if what you’re working with is a mini waffle maker, then go for it! You’ll simply just get more small waffles out of this recipe.

Tools Needed to Make This Savory Cheesy Waffles Recipe

Ingredients for Crispy Savory Waffles

Scroll to the bottom of this post or press the “Jump to Recipe” button for the FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD to see all ingredients and their instructions and to save the recipe for later. The recipe card will also allow you to scale the recipe based on how many waffles you want to make so you have the perfect amount of batter and cheese! By default, you’ll get 3 large waffles from the quantities below.

Ingredients for savory waffles arranged in small bowls: buttermilk, flour, shredded cheese, diced butter, green onions, egg, and salt.

All-purpose flour: Essential for the waffle base. I’m using regular white all-purpose flour, but bread flour will also work.
Buttermilk: We’re looking to make fluffy and airy buttermilk waffles, so buttermilk is really key here. Of course you can use whole milk if you want, but buttermilk really adds a nice sourness which is excellent for savory waffles. Additionally, buttermilk will help the waffles rise even more.
Egg: This binds all the ingredients together.
Baking powder: The leavening agent to allow the waffles to rise and be airy.
Butter: Melt your butter and add it into your waffle batter.
White granulated sugar: I’m using a little less sugar and I usually would for sweet waffles since these are supposed to be savory waffles, after all. We’re going to add just enough to add flavour to the waffles.
Cheese: Shredded cheese. I’m using a mix of pepper Jack cheese and extra old white cheddar. These will provide lots of flavour and some cheese pulls! Other fantastic cheeses include Monterey jack, Mexican cheese, Parmesan cheese, Asiago, sharp cheddar cheese, or Havarti.
Herbs: Freshly chopped green onions or scallions.
Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavours in the waffle batter.

How to Make the Best Cheesy Savory Waffles Recipe

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Dry ingredients for waffles—flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt—whisked together in a glass bowl.

Dry ingredients whisked together in a glass bowl for savory waffle batter.

Dry ingredients for savory waffles whisked together in a glass bowl with a whisk.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Milk being poured into a glass bowl containing beaten eggs and melted butter for waffle batter.

Wet ingredients mixed in glass bowl: beaten egg, buttermilk, and melted butter combined together.

Whisking wet ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, melted butter) together in a glass bowl with a whisk.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Do not over-mix — a few lumps are okay!

Waffle batter being stirred in a glass bowl with a whisk, showing a thick, lumpy mixture.

Thick, lumpy waffle batter with visible streaks in a glass bowl, ready to be folded with cheese and chives.

Gently fold in the cheddar and chopped chives. Use a measuring cup to pour about 3/4 cups into the Ninja Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker or the required amount that your waffle maker model needs.

Waffle batter with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives folded in, ready to cook.

Waffle batter in a bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives folded in, ready to cook.

Waffle batter with cheddar cheese and chives being mixed in a glass bowl with two spoons.

Folding shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives into waffle batter with a red spatula in a glass bowl.

Lightly grease your waffle iron if needed. Pour in the batter (about ½ to ⅔ cup per waffle depending on your iron).

Pouring waffle batter from a measuring cup into a Ninja waffle maker.

Cook until golden brown and crisp, 4–5 minutes per waffle, or according to your waffle maker’s settings.

Golden brown crispy cheesy savory waffle on a waffle iron with a red spatula.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

A fork lifting a crispy golden savory waffle dipped in sauce, with more waffles on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Savory Waffles

Fried chicken: Hello chicken and waffles! You can pair this with my Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe for a truly ultimate experience!
Deli meat: You can top with or add deli meat into the batter, such as ham, chicken, turkey, or even roast beef.
Meat & seafood: If this is going to be a lunch or dinner, then perhaps you want some chicken on the side, such as Pan-Fried Chicken Breasts, Lemon and Thyme Chicken Schnitzel. You could also serve with some fish, such as Blackened Salmon or Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs.
Toppings: You can’t go wrong with smoky bacon to make these bacon cheddar waffles. Smoke salmon would also be great! I would even suggest some flavoured cream cheese, such as everything cream cheese or chive cream cheese. For richer options, ricotta or mascarpone would also be incredible!
Egg: You can top with a fried egg, poached egg, orboiled egg.
Potatoes: Serve with some baked, deep fried, or air fried French fries, diner-style hash browns, or McDonald’s Style Hash Browns.
Produce: You could top with cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices or chunks.
Greens: Top with arugula, or you could even add some spinach into the batter if you would like. You can also serve with a salad, such as my Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Almonds.
Herbs: I used green onions here, but you could also do chopped chives.
Gravy: In my opinion you can’t have enough gravy! I recommend my Chicken Gravy from Drippings!
Chilli: A nice side of chilli can be perfect to complement the waffles. I recommend my Instant Pot Beef Chilli, my Slow-Cooked Texas-Style Chicken Chilli, or for a vegetarian option, my Instant Pot Vegetarian Bean Chilli.
Pizza: For a fun twist, you can definitely make these waffles pizza-style! Add some marinara sauce on top of the waffles and then top with some mozzarella, and then put the waffles under the broiler until the cheese is molten. You could also add pepperoni or other pizza toppings!
Sweet and savory: If you love the sweet and savory combination, you can top your waffles a bit of maple syrup or honey.
Sauce and dips: Use your favourite hot sauce, ranch, Green Goddess Dressing, Avocado Lime Crema, Homemade Mayonnaise (and any variation of mayo, such as Spicy Mayo, Chipotle Mayo, or Garlic Truffle Aioli), sour cream, BBQ sauce, or hot honey sauce (recipe coming soon!).

Crispy cheesy savory waffles on a white plate with bowls of sour cream and maple syrup for dipping.

TIPS for the Best Savory Waffles

Whisk the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining the wet ingredients with the dry. This helps ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed while cooking the waffles.
While it may seem counter-intuitive, you actually want some lumps in the waffle batter as it adds to the final texture of the waffles. There’s no need to over-mix the batter for the waffles.
Using buttermilk in this recipe is recommended as it helps to make the waffles extra fluffy. The buttermilk is acidic and can act as a leavening agent in the batter.
To keep the waffles hot a crispy before serving a crowd, place the cooked waffles on a baking rack in an oven heated to 200 F.
Switch up the flavours in these savory waffles by use cheese options like aged white cheddar, havarti, mozzarella, gouda and so much more. And similarly use fresh herbs or veggies like finely chopped onions, fresh chives or peppers.

Other Savory Breakfasts

Tim Horton’s Farmer’s Wrap

Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments! If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to post it on social media and tag it with #cookingwithanadi and mention me @cooking.with.anadi. Thank you!

Recipe by Anadi Misra