A waffle maker or waffle iron is an appliance used to cook waffles. It has two hinged metal plates which are molded to create the honeycomb pattern found on waffles. But did you know that it can also be used to cook foods other than waffles? Yes, and all thanks to its distinctive surface, this gadget is like a mini grill, oven toaster, and panini press all rolled into one.
If you’re wondering how and what other foods you can make using it, then we’re here to give you a list of the surprising foods that will prove that your waffle maker is a lot more flexible than you think.
1. Bacon
You can definitely make some delicious and crispy bacon in your waffle maker. You just have to keep an eye on it and remove it from the waffle iron once it reaches your desired color and crispiness. The best thing about cooking bacon in a waffle maker is that there’s not grease and splatters to clean up.
2. Veggie Waffle Omelet
For this, you simply need some eggs, milk, and diced vegetables. Omelet can cook pretty good in a waffle maker. You just have to make sure that you dice up your veggies pretty small so that they will fit in the cracks.
3. Hash Browns
You can make even better hash browns when you waffle them. You can also take them to the next level by experimenting with different spices such as curry, hot pepper flakes, and oregano. Cooking them in a waffle maker will give you a nicer and crispier hash brown.
4. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are perfect for a quick snack or simple meal and preparing them is easier with the use of a waffle maker. Since you’re not going to use a skillet, it means that there will be no flipping needed. You can also try using whole-wheat tortillas and garnish it with guacamole instead of sour cream.
5. Margherita Pizza
Yes, you can also make a Margherita pizza or any other pizza using your waffle maker. Pizza is actually worthwhile as a waffle because it will have an extra-crisp ridged crust and little wells for sauce and cheese to run into. Aside from that, your waffle maker will also do double duty as an oven to make the crispy crust, and as a broiler to melt the cheese. You can find the Margherita Pizza recipe here.
6. Zucchini Fritters
Cooking zucchini fritters in a waffle iron is better compared in a frying-pan because it makes them a little bit healthier. But they will be as crispy, cheesy, and delicious as the original zucchini fritters. Check out the recipe here.
7. Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can create chocolate chip cookies in a waffle maker and it will result with the same crisp and texture as the traditional oven-baked version. Just make sure that you let them cool so that they will crisp up. You can find the full recipe here.
8. Cinnamon Rolls
The great thing about making cinnamon rolls using a waffle maker is the grid pattern that forms on the finished rolls. It’s because when you drizzle some icing over the top, those patterns collect all the icing in a delicious way.
To create cinnamon rolls in a waffle maker, place one prepared cinnamon roll into each square then close the lid. Wait for about 2 to 4 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls become golden brown. Then remove them from the waffle maker and drizzle with icing.
9. Banana Bread
Turning a banana bread into a waffle is a great idea. Having a waffle with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas makes them a treat you’ll want to savor. If you’re interested, you can find the full recipe here.
10. S’mores
Yes, you can make some s’mores without having to go out and light a campfire because your waffle maker will let you enjoy a good s’mores indoors. What are you waiting for? Whip up some s’mores waffles and camp out in your living room. Get the recipe here.
11. Brownies
Brownies are one of the easiest foods you can cook using a waffle maker. The secret is to add one additional egg to your prepared brownie batter. You simply just have to pour the batter into your preheated waffle maker and wait for it to be cooked.
12. Bibimbap
Yes, you’ve read that right. You can cook bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish, using your waffle maker. This dish can be a bit time-consuming to make from scratch but the waffle-iron version is much easier. If you love this dish and you want to try cooking it in your waffle maker, then you can get the recipe here.
13. Grilled Cheese
You can also make some grilled cheese in your waffle maker, in case you needed an excuese to call grilled cheese fancy. Just imagine your waffle iron as a panini press in disguise. You can find its recipe here.
14. Cornbread
This is very easy. You just need a box of cornbread mix and prepare it according to the instructions. Pour the mixture onto your waffle maker and wait for it to cook just like a waffle.
15. Croissant Waffles
You can also cook up some refrigerated puff pastry dough in your waffle maker and you will have super quick and tasty croissant waffles. You can top it with whipped cream, chocolate chips, or powdered sugar. You can see the instructions here.
16. Kimchi Fried Rice
If you do not have time to go out and buy some kimchi fried rice, you can quickly make some using your waffle maker at home. All you need is homemade kimchi, or a quality brand if you do not have some homemade ones. You can find the full recipe here.
17. Mashed Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Waffles
This is just like a baked potato because it also calls for melted cheddar cheese and some sprinkled chives. You can even use leftover mashed potatoes. When cooked using a waffle maker, the waffles turn out lighter and it is best topped with an egg as well, transforming it into a Benedict-like main dish. Check its recipe here.
18. Grilled Cinnamon Apples
Apples and cinnamon are a great and classic combination. They are also good as dessert or afternoon snack. You can even make them in minutes by using your waffle maker. Check it here to find out how.
19. Grilled Polenta with Corn and Parmesan
You can heat up any leftover polenta using your waffle maker. To ensure a perfectly crispy crust, try to cook the polenta a few minutes past the waffle iron indicator.
20. Mac and Cheese
Cooking mac and cheese in a waffle maker? Yes, it’s possible and great as well. You can also pair it with a silky, smooth cheese sauce. You can check the full recipe here.
These are some of the surprising foods you can make using a waffle maker. These foods definitely proved how versatile a waffle maker can be. So, what are you waiting for? Take your waffle makers out of your cabinets and start cooking!