Savory Waffles

Savory Waffles can be a tasty variation of the more traditional sweet waffle and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as sauces, cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetables. Here is a basic recipe to prepare Italian-style Savory Waffles.

Ingredients

• 250 g of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2 eggs
• 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 300 ml of milk
• 100 g of grated cheese (for example, Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino)
• Freshly chopped aromatic herbs (for example, rosemary, thyme, sage), to taste

Optional:

• Cooked or raw ham, diced
• Olives, chopped
• Sundried tomatoes, chopped
• Spinach, chopped and blanched

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the olive oil and milk.
3. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing with a whisk to avoid lumps.
4. Add the grated cheese and the aromatic herbs. If desired, you can also incorporate diced ham, olives, sundried tomatoes, or spinach at this point. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
5. Turn on your waffle maker and lightly oil it. When hot, pour a ladle of batter into the center and close the lid.
6. Cook until the waffles are golden and crispy, which usually takes about 5 minutes, but follow the instructions of your waffle maker.
7. Serve the waffles hot with your preferred toppings, like fresh or melted cheeses, cold cuts, or a basil or tomato sauce.

Did you know?

Savory waffles are extremely versatile and are a great way to experiment with available ingredients. In Italian kitchens, for instance, they can be a creative way to use leftover cold cuts or cheeses. They are perfect for brunch, a casual dinner, or even as the base for an alternative sandwich.