Waffle Iron Dishes – 12 Recipes

These breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipes prove that the humble waffle iron is far more versatile than it seems.

Sundae is a dessert made from chocolate brownie wafers with ice cream.

Photo of the dish - Sundae - a dessert made from chocolate brownie wafers with ice cream

Cooking brownies in a waffle iron takes half the time, and you don't even need to refrigerate them. Top them with ice cream and toppings while they're still hot—a quick dessert for any occasion.

Recipe: Sundae is a dessert made from chocolate brownie wafers with ice cream.

Pizza "Margherita" in a waffle iron

Yes, it's not only possible to make pizza in a waffle iron, but it's also quite convenient: it creates a crispy crust with pockets for sauce and cheese. The waffle iron serves as an oven for baking the crust, and it's also where the cheese is melted into the topping.

Recipe: Pizza "Margherita" in a waffle iron

Chickpea waffles with hummus in a waffle iron

Photo of the dish - Chickpea waffles in a waffle iron with hummus

This light variation of falafel tastes wonderful and is lower in fat than the deep-fried variety.

Recipe: Chickpea waffles with hummus in a waffle iron

Sweet buns in a waffle iron with meat sauce

Photo of the dish - Butter buns in a waffle iron with meat sauce

Scones made in a waffle shape have a larger, more porous surface, perfect for dipping sauce. This recipe also works for homemade scone dough.

Recipe: Sweet buns in a waffle iron with meat sauce

Banana bread in a waffle iron

Instead of a rectangular baking pan, use a waffle iron: fresh, warm banana bread cooks faster. If you like lumpy bread, mash the bananas less thoroughly.

Recipe: Banana bread in a waffle iron

Quesadilla in a waffle iron with meat topping

With crispy edges, this quesadilla takes its cues from nachos. Pickled onions add a tart tang to the rich chorizo and gooey, melted cheddar cheese.

Recipe: Quesadilla in a waffle iron with meat topping

Chocolate chip cookies in a waffle iron

These cookies, with a soft center and crispy edges, cook up very quickly—no need to preheat the oven. For this recipe, it's best to use a thicker waffle iron, but if yours is a thinner one, keep in mind that the cookies will cook faster.

Recipe: Chocolate chip cookies in a waffle iron

Rice cakes with soybean paste, spinach, and sauerkraut - Bibimbap

The signature and most delicious feature of the traditional Korean dish bibimbap is its layer of crispy, golden-brown rice. Making it from scratch can be time-consuming, but this waffle iron version is perfect even for a weekday dinner. Finish it off with an egg fried in the same pan—no need to even turn on the stove!

Recipe: Rice cakes with soybean paste, spinach, and sauerkraut - Bibimbap

French Toast Waffles

These quick and delicious French toasts don't require a stovetop. A waffle iron creates a variety of textures: thin and crispy on one side, thick and fluffy on the other.

Recipe: French Toast Waffles

Hash brown in a waffle iron with smoked salmon

These quick potato pancakes have a crispy, caramelized crust. Top them with smoked salmon and sour cream to make them a complete breakfast.

Recipe: Hash brown in a waffle iron with smoked salmon

Waffle-Made Sandwiches with Processed Cheese and Tomatoes

Photo of the dish - Sandwiches with processed cheese and tomatoes in a waffle iron

Make a hot sandwich in a waffle iron: no need to stand over the stove waiting for the bread to brown. The baked tomatoes make it feel like you're eating a cheese sandwich with tomato soup.

Recipe: Waffle-Made Sandwiches with Processed Cheese and Tomatoes

Carrot waffles with curd cream

Photo of the dish - Carrot waffles with cream cheese filling

This delicate pie requires no oven, baking pan, or chilling time, and the surface is perfect for cream cheese frosting. It's perfect for a first or brunch meal, or as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Recipe: Carrot waffles with curd cream