5 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Make in a Waffle Maker

Growing up, whenever I was sick, the one food I craved was waffles. It was my comfort food, and when my mom popped open the waffle iron and filled the house with that sweet smell, I knew happiness was on its way. Years later, when my husband and I made our wedding registry, the first thing I put on there was a waffle maker, a decision that rewarded us time and time again. Because it’s not just waffles that come out of the waffle iron — we use this baby anytime we need a quick and easy treat. The waffle maker is a far more versatile device than many realize. Here are just a few things we’ve made in our waffle iron. 

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Grilled Cheese

The first time my husband made a panini in the waffle maker, I felt a little embarrassed by how impressed I was. I don’t know why it had never occurred to me — after all, what is a waffle but an unfilled panini? This process is laughably fast and easier than making it on the stove, at least in my opinion. I struggle to flip a hefty sandwich without its contents spilling out on the pan, or getting that perfectly even cooking that a waffle maker provides. The best part is you can make any panini or toasted sandwich, but I usually go straight for a good old-fashioned grilled cheese. Throw some butter on the outside of the bread, stick it in the waffle maker, and voila! You’ll have a toasty sandwich with an incredibly satisfying texture.

Cinnamon Rolls

Are you tired of waiting for your cinnamon rolls to rise in the oven? Instead, stick the raw pre-made dough into the waffle maker and cook for three to four minutes. Once they’re done, they look like the sweet, fancy waffles you might order in a restaurant. Drizzle the frosting on top, and you’re good to go! 

Waffle Fries

You can easily cook frozen hashbrowns in the waffle maker for a tasty breakfast, but I will take you one step further. Buy a bag of frozen tater tots (we use sweet potato tots) and defrost them in the microwave. Stick a couple in the center of a waffle maker and close it, creating a large waffle fry in about five minutes. Elevate the creation by adding avocado and a fried egg.

Bacon

If you don’t have the time or resources to cook your bacon in the oven or stovetop, throw it in your waffle iron instead. You might have to cut the bacon strips in half to fit, but it works like a charm. One word of warning: This method isn’t for anyone who likes their bacon extra crispy. 

Baked Apples

For a healthier treat, core an apple and slice it into rings. Then dust it with cinnamon or brown sugar and pop it into the waffle maker. In about two minutes, you’ll have delicious baked apples. To spruce up your apples even more, warm some caramel for dipping.

More Ideas

The above ideas have become staples in my weekly routine — alongside actual waffles, of course. But it’s got me ruminating on other snacks that might work well with a creased, checkerboard texture. Riffing on the grilled cheese, a quesadilla immediately comes to mind. As do numerous sweet treats like brownies, cornbread, and cookies. (Use store-bought dough, and you’ll have freshly “baked” cookies in minutes.) If you feel like experimenting, an omelet or pizza might also be good options, but personally, I’ll stick to traditional methods for those items and save my waffle maker for the must-have treats I need in a pinch. 

The Best Waffle Maker

If you don’t have a waffle iron yet but want to make these treats, check out the Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker. While it’s on the smaller side, I like that the grooves aren’t as deep as other waffle makers, making it ideal for expanding beyond waffles to make other items. It has a five-setting browning control, so you can choose how crispy you want your treats. It is also nonstick, so food easily comes out. (Nothing is more frustrating than a waffle that sticks to the iron!) Plus, it has more than 19,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, so tons of people stand by this product.

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