Savory Waffles with Bacon Bits

Savory Waffles with Bacon Bits are a delicious twist on the classic sweet breakfast waffle. Instead of the traditional sweet batter, these waffles are packed with savory flavors—crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and a hint of herbs—making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a unique dinner.

The waffles are golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and studded with flavorful bacon bits that deliver a smoky, salty punch in every bite. Topped with sour cream, chives, or even a fried egg, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two breakfast favorites: waffles and bacon. The crispy exterior with a soft, tender interior, along with bursts of smoky bacon, makes every bite satisfying. It’s versatile, easy to make, and feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

It’s also a fun way to serve a savory breakfast when you’re tired of the usual eggs and toast. The combination of cheese, bacon, and herbs makes this waffle unforgettable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Crispy, fluffy, and savory waffles with smoky bacon bits.
• Quick to make, perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
• Can be topped with eggs, avocado, or sauces for extra flavor.
• Unique alternative to sweet waffles.
• Crowd-pleasing, kid-friendly, and versatile.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 waffles (2–4 people depending on portion)
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch
• Cuisine: American
• Estimated Calories: 300–350 per waffle

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (about 4–5 slices of bacon, chopped)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, fried egg, hot sauce, or extra cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Add cheese and bacon: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives if using.
6. Cook waffles: Grease the waffle iron lightly with oil or nonstick spray. Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron (amount depends on your iron size). Cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 4–6 minutes.
7. Serve immediately: Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, fried eggs, avocado, or hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
5. Fold in cheese, bacon bits, and herbs.
6. Cook waffles in a greased waffle iron until golden brown.
7. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

How to Serve

• Serve as a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
• Top with a fried or poached egg for extra protein.
• Add avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce for flavor variations.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a side salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use leftover cooked bacon for convenience.
• Don’t overmix batter to keep waffles fluffy.
• Preheat waffle iron properly to ensure crisp waffles.
• For extra crispiness, place cooked waffles in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
• Fresh herbs like chives or parsley enhance flavor and color.

Variations

Cheesy Jalapeño Waffles: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Waffles: Mix in finely diced bell peppers or spinach.
Turkey Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner version.
Breakfast Sandwich Waffles: Use waffles as a base for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and avocado.
Herb Lovers: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for aromatic flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked waffles in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven for crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven directly from frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

• Waffle iron
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board (for bacon and herbs)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, leftover or pre-cooked bacon works perfectly.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, mix the batter and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add a splash of milk before cooking if it thickens.

Q: Can I freeze the batter?
It’s better to freeze cooked waffles than the batter for best texture.

Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, omit bacon and add extra cheese or vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Conclusion

Savory Waffles with Bacon Bits are a versatile and delicious option for breakfast or brunch. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with smoky bacon and cheese, they offer a flavorful alternative to traditional waffles. Easy to prepare, customizable, and satisfying, these savory waffles are a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, indulgent, and savory meal to start the day.