A waffle maker is an adaptable kitchen tool with many creative uses beyond traditional waffle-making. While the waffle maker is a kitchen appliance designed specifically to create delicious, golden-brown waffles, as simple as the design may seem, this tool is one of the most versatile kitchen equipment you will ever need.
Since waffle makers apply the heat on both sides of the food simultaneously, food can be cooked faster than the usual cooking time. Aside from this, this tool offers an easier way to clean the device than the traditional and standard cleaning methods, especially with the invention of removable plates; these are just a few of the numerous reasons why the waffle maker is a must-have in your fabulous kitchen.
Whether cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, the waffle maker can bring joy and satisfaction to your dining experiences. This essential kitchen tool offers versatility, convenience, and culinary creativity, making it a valuable addition to any home cook’s arsenal. Aside from its conventional use, here are some creative waffle maker uses.
1. Cookies
Let’s start with your sweet tooth. You can bake cookie dough in the oven, which may take some time. Make your cookie one of a kind, and go for a waffle maker. Prepare cookie dough and place small portions on the waffle maker to create cookie-shaped waffles. Serve them with ice cream or toppings of your choice.
2. Brownies
Making brownies is one of the many favorites when using a waffle maker. Pour your favorite brownie batter into the waffle maker for quick, evenly baked brownie waffles. The secret to making a delicious brownie from a waffle maker is adding eggs to the prepared brownie dough. All you have to do is put it in a preheated waffle maker and bake it! Use it as a delicious dessert or a unique sundae addition.
3. Cinnamon Rolls
Boosting your creativity with snacks is now easier with waffle makers. The fun part of making cinnamon rolls with a waffle iron is that the finished rolls have a pattern. When you drizzle the frosting on top, these indentations collect all the frosting and make it very tasty. Seriously, a must-try. Remove the cinnamon roll dough from the mold, flatten it, and bake it with a waffle iron to make cinnamon roll waffles. Sprinkle with the included icing, or create your own to finish.
4. Hash Browns
Thanks to the unique pattern and ridges that the waffle maker creates, not to mention the intense heat it generates, it’s the perfect vessel for making crispy, flavorful hash browns. Spray iron, add your favorite hash brown ingredients, and cook until crisp. You can quickly put the hash browns in the waffle iron and grill them immediately. But you can also add bell peppers and onions to create extreme flavors.
Also, to be more creative, you can grate potatoes and combine them with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Press the mixture into the waffle maker to create crispy and delicious hash brown waffles. To add more, you can opt for Tater Tot hash browns, which is probably the easiest way to make hash browns. Let the bag of tater tots defrost on the kitchen counter for a while. Place a handful of thawed waffles in the preheated waffle iron, and press the lid down—perfectly crispy hash browns in minutes.
5. Quesadillas
Sandwich a tortilla and shredded cheese between plates in a waffle maker to create a classic cheese quesadilla. Add other ingredients, such as cooked chicken, vegetables, and salsa, for more variation. Why pay for a quesadilla maker when a waffle maker can do the same job? The recipe is more straightforward than this, adding cheese, tortillas, and perhaps bell peppers or cooked meat, but the result is surprising. Waffle quesadillas are an easy preparation option perfect for a busy day, bringing out just the right cheesy flavor in the dough.
6. Falafel
Falafel is traditionally served in pita pockets, but it’s also an excellent topping for vegetarian salads and a great accompaniment to couscous. To make falafel on the waffle iron, spray or brush both irons with oil and spread the batter evenly on the bottom iron. Prepare falafel mixture using chickpeas, herbs, and spices, then shape it into patties and cook them in the waffle maker until crispy. Gently close the iron (do not press) and cook until evenly browned.
7. Pizza
All you need is pizza dough, cheese, and marinara, and in about an hour, you’ll have a delicious waffle iron pizza on your table. Make a pocket out of the batter by spreading the pizza dough on the iron and closing the lid with all your favorite pizza toppings, push it into the waffle maker, and bake until golden brown. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip (if necessary) and cook for 2 minutes. Lift the lid and add the pizza sauce, cheese of your choice. Try it by leaving the top slightly open until the cheese melts.
8. Crab Cakes
Let’s be more creative with a crab cake made from a waffle maker. Some people strongly believe what should and should not be in crab cakes. Some prefer crab cakes without a crumb outside, while others love crab cakes best baked in a waffle iron since bread burns quickly. If you buy or bake breaded crab cakes, turn the heat down to low if your waffle iron allows it, and watch closely as the cakes bake to your liking.
9. Grilled Sandwich
This meal may now be added to your meal plan this week. This recipe is so easy to assemble your favorite cheese, deli meats, and veggie sandwiches and place them in the waffle maker. Grab the waffle iron to toast the bread and melt the cheese. Butter the outside of the bread, stuff the middle with cheese, and wait for the heavenly aroma to intensify the taste.
10. Omelets
Finely chop spinach, bell peppers, and other succulent vegetables, add an egg, a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix. Whisk eggs and your preferred omelet fillings (cheese, vegetables, cooked meats) together, then pour the mixture into the waffle maker for a convenient and fluffy omelet. Pour the mixture onto a hot, greased waffle iron (use the low setting if you have one) and close. Within minutes, you’ll have a one-piece, peel-off omelet. Top with your favorite toppings, such as green onions, cheese, and sour cream.
11. Waffled S’mores
Grab a load of s’mores waffles and go camping in your living room! Make s’mores sandwiches with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, and bake them in your waffle maker for a simmering treat.
12. Waffled French Toast
Looking for a faster way to make breakfast? Slice bread and dip it in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then toast in waffle iron to create a unique French toast.
13. Zucchini Fritters
Cut a few zucchinis into strips and squeeze them over the sink with a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out the moisture. Mix the zucchini with eggs, ricotta cheese, flour, salt and pepper. You can substitute parmesan for the ricotta and optionally add Italian seasoning for different preferences. Pour a spoonful of this mixture into the hot waffle maker and close the lid. Once browned, remove from heat and serve with plenty of yogurt or sour cream.
14. Tofu
Firm or super firm tofu is soaked in water, drained, and dried well. Cut the tofu into strips about ¾ inch thick and marinate in your favorite marinade for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 day. When it’s time to cook, discard the marinade, pat the tofu dry, and place it on a greased waffle iron set to the highest setting, it should be cooked for about 5 minutes.
15. Waffle Fries
Waffle makers can make you more creative and inventive. One meal perfect for this tool is surprisingly easy and simple. Instead of putting frozen fries in the oven, fill the waffle maker with fries, and you’re done in about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
The waffle maker’s primary function is to create delicious, golden-brown waffles with a crunchy and crispy exterior and a soft interior, making it suitable for creating other dishes. However, there’s more to exceed this typical expectation. With creativity, you will discover many dishes this genius tool can offer. Experimenting with your waffle maker to see what else you can create besides the typical waffle is better. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and temperatures for each recipe.