Savory Cheese Potato Waffles

This loaded potato waffle recipe transforms the humble spud into a crispy, savory breakfast or dinner that satisfies those comfort food cravings. The combination of shredded potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates a hearty meal that brings the best flavors of a loaded baked potato to your waffle iron.

I first made these waffles when looking for creative ways to use leftover baked potatoes. They've since become a weekend tradition in our house, especially when we have overnight guests who always ask for the recipe before leaving.

Ingredients

• Baking potatoes: These starchy potatoes create the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior
• Large eggs: They bind everything together so your waffles hold their shape
• All purpose flour: Just enough to help structure without making the waffles dense
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness
• Baking powder: Creates a slightly lighter texture in the finished waffle
• Extra sharp yellow cheddar cheese: Provides that classic loaded potato flavor and beautiful golden color when melted
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create those crispy edges
• Crumbled cooked bacon: Brings smoky flavor and delicious texture contrast
• Chives: Provide a mild onion flavor that complements the potato perfectly
• Sour cream: The classic cool, tangy topping that balances the rich, crispy waffle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the potato mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the squeezed dry shredded potatoes with beaten eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, cheddar cheese, and melted butter. This creates your basic waffle batter. Gently fold in the bacon bits and chopped chives, being careful not to overmix which can make the batter gummy.

Heat your equipment:

Preheat your waffle iron until it's thoroughly hot. This is crucial for achieving those crispy edges. Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 200°F so you have a warm place to hold finished waffles while you cook the remaining batches.

Cook the waffles:

Brush the waffle iron generously with melted butter to prevent sticking. Spread one fourth of your potato mixture onto the iron, making sure to spread it evenly for consistent cooking. Close the iron and cook on high setting until the waffle turns beautifully golden and crisp, which typically takes between 5 to 7 minutes depending on your waffle iron.

Keep warm:

Transfer each finished waffle to a rack placed in your preheated oven. This keeps them warm while maintaining their crispness as you cook the remaining batches.

Serve and garnish:

Top your waffles with a dollop of cool sour cream, additional crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and freshly chopped chives for the full loaded potato experience.

Pin it

My family's favorite way to enjoy these is actually for dinner with a side salad. The contrast between the warm, crispy waffle and the cool, crisp greens creates a perfectly balanced meal that satisfies everyone. My daughter always requests these for her birthday dinner.

Make Ahead Options

These potato waffles work wonderfully as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before cooking. The cooked waffles also freeze exceptionally well. Simply place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or 350°F oven until hot and crispy again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize these waffles based on what you have available. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor profile. Green onions work perfectly in place of chives. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers. Dairy-free versions can be made using plant-based cheese and butter substitutes, though the texture may vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions

While these waffles are hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, they also pair beautifully with other dishes. For breakfast, serve with a fried egg on top and fresh fruit on the side. For dinner, they complement grilled meats beautifully or can be topped with chili for a creative twist on chili and cornbread. For a brunch buffet, cut them into quarters and serve as an impressive savory option alongside traditional sweet waffles.

Pin it

These waffles are sure to become a family favorite, offering endless opportunities for customization and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these potato waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these potato waffles ahead of time. Cook them completely, let cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until crispy and hot throughout. For longer storage, freeze between parchment paper and reheat directly from frozen.

→ What can I substitute for the bacon to make these vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon entirely or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives. Other tasty additions include sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or extra cheese. For a smoky flavor similar to bacon, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the batter.

→ Do I need a special type of waffle iron for this recipe?

Any standard waffle iron will work for this recipe, though the cooking time may vary slightly between models. Belgian waffle makers (with deeper grooves) or traditional waffle irons both produce excellent results. The key is ensuring your waffle iron is well-heated before adding the potato mixture and that you cook the waffles until golden and crisp.

→ Why do I need to squeeze the potatoes dry?

Squeezing the shredded potatoes dry is crucial for achieving crispy waffles. Potatoes naturally contain a high water content, which can make the waffles soggy if not removed. After shredding, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step ensures your waffles will be crispy on the outside and properly cooked on the inside.

→ What can I serve with these potato waffles?

These versatile potato waffles work well for multiple meals. For breakfast, serve with fried eggs and hot sauce. For lunch, top with smoked salmon and crème fraîche. For dinner, they make an excellent side dish alongside roasted chicken, steak, or grilled vegetables. They also pair beautifully with soups and salads for a complete meal.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, many other cheeses work well. Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, pepper jack for some heat, smoked gouda for depth, or a combination of cheeses. Just ensure you're using a good melting cheese that complements the other ingredients in your waffles.