If you’re a waffle-lover, you probably have a handy waffle maker on your kitchen counter. But did you know that your waffle maker does more than make waffles?  The fact is that waffle makers can help serve up various foods beyond just waffles. What dishes can you cook with a waffle maker? Lots! You might just be surprised to discover that it's far more than blueberry waffles. 

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.  And this comfort food tastes even better when cooked in a waffle iron.  All you’d need to do to cook these comfort food sandwiches in a waffle iron is to lightly smear some butter on the outside of a cheese sandwich (any slice of your favorite cheese will do). Heat the sandwich in the waffle maker until the cheese melts and the outside is golden brown. Crispy, moist, buttery – you may not want to cook your grilled cheese any other way. 

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are another classic comfort that can be made even easier with a waffle maker. Grab a tortilla and insert your favorite fillings like cheese and chicken, and fold the tortilla in half. Then, place the folded tortilla into the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. 

Brownies

Yes, you read that right. You can make delicious brownies using a waffle maker. First, prepare your favorite brownie mix according to the package instructions, then pour the batter into the waffle maker. Cook until the brownies are firm and crispy on the outside but still gooey on the inside. The indentations in the waffle maker give these brownies consistent crispy “edges” throughout while keeping the insides of the browny soft and fudgy. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cinnamon Rolls

Brownies aren’t the only desserts you can cook in a waffle maker. Cinnamon rolls also turn out deliciously perfect when cooked like a waffle. “Baking”  cinnamon rolls in a waffle maker is surprisingly easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Start by rolling out some cinnamon roll dough, cut it into small circles, and place them in the waffle maker. Cook until the cinnamon rolls are puffed up and golden brown. Drizzle(or heavily) with icing and serve warm.

Falafel

A falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern deep-fried treat. Though flavorful, this dish isn’t typically the healthiest because of its deep-fried status. That said, you can make a healthier version of this classic dish using a waffle maker.  Prepare the falafel mixture using chickpeas, onions, garlic, and spices, then form the mixture into small patties. Place the patties in the waffle maker and cook until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside. Serve with pita bread and your favorite toppings, such as tahini sauce or hummus.

Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a delicious seafood dish that can be made even easier with a waffle maker. Prepare your favorite crab cake mixture using crabmeat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices. Form the mixture into small patties and place them in the waffle maker. Cook until the crab cakes are crispy and golden brown on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for some tang or use your go-to dipping sauce. 

Why You Should Cook with a Waffle Iron 

Although a waffle iron is deceptively basic, its strength lies in its waffle design. The small ridges created by the hot plates’  peaks and valleys turn food into a textural treat. Meanwhile, the heat cooks food quickly and evenly without needing a lot of oil. So, the next time you have lunch, think about making a dish in your trusty waffle iron.

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