When it comes to kitchen appliances, I’m sure most of us would agree that we don’t want any gadgets that only serve one purpose. Never shall I own a Quesadilla Maker or a Hot Dog Toaster (yes, that is a real thing).
But a waffle iron? Sure, we can assume they only make waffles and therefore wonder if they are worth the purchase because of the single job they perform. But guess what? I’ve been on a “what else can I make in my waffle iron?” kick lately, and I’m here to share some delightful waffle iron hacks!
The Waffle Iron: Good for so much more than just making waffles. Check it out…
It looks like a regular waffle. But it’s eggs, cheese, and hashbrowns, and it’s ridiculously good.
Why Waffle Iron Experiments?
Perhaps it’s the ease of making food in a waffle iron, the fact that I can easily offer a “made to order” option for picky eaters, and that I can make as many “waffles” that we need as we need them. Using a waffle iron instead of an oven on a hot day is also a huge perk because it doesn’t heat up the house!
And the best part: it’s fun. Somehow making food in the shape of a waffle is more fun than making food in the shape of normal.
Earlier this week I shared how you can make Waffle Omelets (otherwise known as Womelets). Later I will show you how you can make Waffle Muffins (perhaps we will call them Wuffins, though we hesitate to get carried away). And who knows what else this summer will bring as we avoid turning on the oven and test our waffle iron to the limits.
Today, I show you how to make Egg and Cheese Hashbrown Waffles. These are hearty and filling, naturally gluten/grain free, can be adapted for each family member’s preferences, and are fun to serve. The only difference is that there is no obvious way to cleverly rename these because saying Washbrowns is just weird.
Simple Egg and Cheese Hashbrown Waffles
- 6 eggs
- 1½ pounds frozen hashbrowns (or freshly made, see link below)
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- Add in options: chopped meat, chopped veggies such as onions, pepper, mushrooms, or asparagus
- Whisk eggs and stir in all other ingredients.
- (For picky eaters, leave the add-in options separate to add to each waffle individually.)
- Scoop ½-3/4 cup of egg/hashbrown mixture into waffle iron.
- Top with add-ins.
- Close waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes until brown and crispy.
- Serve as is or with hot sauce if desired.
Want to make your own hashbrowns to keep in the freezer? Learn an easy method here!
Recipes for your Waffle Iron
- Whole Wheat Waffles (it is so obvious)
- Overnight Waffle Batter (great to have on hand and use as needed!)
- Cookies or Brownies in your Waffle Iron (seriously fun!)
- Waffle Omelets (my family loves these like crazy!)
- Waffle Muffins (coming soon)
- Strawberry Shortcake Waffles (also coming soon)
- Look out because I’m on a waffle iron kick. What else will I come up with?!?!
Have any ideas for me? What creative ways have you found to use your waffle iron?
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I’ve tried a similar recipe a few times now and they stick to the waffle iron every time! It’s a horrible, time consuming mess! I’m going to try this recipe, but do you have any additional tips for success?
I buttered my waffle iron before making these, but other than that, I didn’t do anything special and these came out easily!
Do you have a waffle iron you recommend? Our regular waffle iron broke years ago. Our friends bought us a waffle boat maker. I don’t know if these recipes would cook the same, as it makes thicker waffles. Thank you.
I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A1MEP6M?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwheavenlyho-20&camp=1789&linkCode=xm2&creativeASIN=B00A1MEP6M :)
I somehow missed your other waffle suggestions, but like the sounds of making other goodies in my waffle iron.
I have a decent one (I think), but find the clean-up a bit overwhelming (butter dripping out and so many nooks and crannies to clean). I’m wondering if you have any tips for clean-up, or perhaps I should just use it already and stop being such a perfectionist.
Thanks a waffle lot!
I use a wet paper towel to wipe it out. :)
That’s it? I guess I’ll ditch the perfectionism! Thanks, Laura!
I had the ingredients on hand so I tried this with much reservation and it turned out great. I brushed my waffle iron with olive oil before the first batch (just like I do with waffles) and I had no trouble whatsoever. Nothing stuck. I have a small belgian waffle maker that you flip. I ignored the light that says when it is done and set the timer instead. My kids are usually really picky about new things but they all liked it.
I don’t eat starch or grains, so my waffle iron got sent to the appliance pantry. I’ll need to exhume it & start by making g omelets! I’m also going to try using riced cauliflower instead of hashbrowns.
Tip for cleaning waffle irons: when you are finished using the waffle iron, unplug it, allow to cool slightly – it still needs to be very warm. Wet a paper towel or dish cloth & lay flat inside iron. Eat breakfast! When you get back to your iron, it should wipe out effortlessly! This works well for other similar appliances, i.e., George Foreman grill, etc
Beautiful! I love the cleaning tip!
I just came across your recipe & I have a couple of questions. First, what is the yield? And the hashbrowns are frozen, not thawed?
This serves 6-8, and makes about 5-6 waffle omelets. I use frozen hashbrowns, but thawed is ok too!