Mini Waffle Bar
Step up to the Waffle Bar! I recently caved and got one of those Dash Mini Waffle Makers, partly because I finally saw it in a color I liked (bronze) and partly because I’ve been thinking about it for months. I’m not big into waffles, which is probably why it took so long for me to get a waffle maker, but then I realized that the possibilities go far beyond your average sweet waffle.
I started thinking up how to cook eggs, meats, and other twists to actually put the maker to good use. I’m not a fan of one-trick appliances or gadgets, so as soon as I convinced myself I’d use it frequently I was sold.
Here are five simple recipes for mini waffles—two sweet and three savory—Hot Cocoa, Cinnamon Bun, Spinach & Egg, Hash Brown, and Breakfast Sausage. And first, take a look at a couple tips to ensure they come out just right.
Tips for great Mini Waffles:
Each recipe below will make about 4 mini waffles or 2 regular size waffles.
In a mini waffle maker, use about ¼ cup of batter/liquid per waffle.
Most of these cook fast, 2-3 minutes at most. Check once you see steam coming from the top. You’ll know they’re done when they’re slightly crisp and are golden brown.
Keep waffles warm in a 250ºF oven between batches and while finishing up sauces, drizzles, and dips.
For more mini breakfast bites with lots of flavor varieties, check out my recipes for Baked Egg Bites.
Hot Cocoa Waffles
Chocolaty sweet with a fudgy center, these waffles actually have a packet of hot cocoa in them, which makes them so decadent. Top with melted chocolate, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit.
Sift ⅓ cup flour, ¼ cup hot cocoa (one packet), 1 tsp. baking powder, and ¼ tsp. salt. Add more flour 1 Tbsp. at a time if the mixture looks too thin when whisking in the wet ingredients.
Whisk in ½ egg (scramble it first), ½ cup milk, 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, and ¼ tsp. vanilla extract.
Cinnamon Bun Waffles
They smell just like the Cinnabon at a mall food court (if you’re into that kind of thing). Drizzle them with a quick homemade icing or slather on some cream cheese frosting.
Sift ½ cup flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. salt.
Whisk in ½ egg (scramble it first), ⅓ cup milk, 1 Tbsp. Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread, 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, and ¼ tsp. vanilla extract.
If you don’t have cinnamon bun spread, add in ½ tsp. more vanilla extract and ½ Tbsp. sugar.
Spinach & Egg Waffles
Fluffy like an omelet, this savory waffle option is great for rounding out breakfast. Add whatever’s on hand in the pantry and the vegetable drawer.
Whisk 4 eggs, ½ cup chopped spinach, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 1 tsp. red pepper flakes, ½ tsp. black garlic (or garlic powder), ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper.
Hash Brown Waffles
Crispy on the outside and soft like mashed potatoes on the inside, these would make a great “bun” replacement for a breakfast sandwich since they’re barely greasy. Or dip them in ketchup. Note: These will take a little longer to cook, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine 1 cup frozen shredded hash browns (thawed), 2 egg whites, ½ Tbsp. chopped chives, ½ Tbsp. dried parsley, ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper.
Breakfast Sausage Waffles
The easiest one by far—this isn’t even a recipe. Grab your favorite breakfast sausage, form a patty, and put it in the waffle maker. Make this one last, as it creates some additional grease in the griddle.
2-3 oz. turkey sausage
