Ham & Cheese Waffles Recipe 

Few things smell better on a lazy weekend morning than waffles sizzling in the iron, unless, of course, they’re packed with melty cheddar and bits of salty ham. These ham and cheese waffles are my savory twist on a breakfast classic: crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor that doesn’t need syrup (though I always add it)!  They’re just as perfect for brunch with friends as they are for an easy weeknight dinner, especially when you top them with a fried egg and a little Dijon on the side.

Ingredients for Waffles

Flour

2 Cups of all-purpose flour.

Sugar

1 Tablespoon of regular white granulated sugar.

Baking Powder

1 Tablespoon of baking powder.

Salt

1 Teaspoon of salt.

Eggs

3 whole eggs.

Milk

2 Cups of whole milk.  Low-fat milk will also work.  

Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard

Butter

10 Tablespoons of butter, melted and cooled slightly.  I like to melt the butter in the microwave, but you could also melt it on the stovetop in a small pot.  

Ham

5 slices of thinly sliced Ham, diced into small pieces.  Any kind of deli ham will work.  I have used smoked, honey, maple, and even rosemary ham was good.  

Cheese

2 Cups of Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated.  I recommend buying a block instead of the pre-grated kind.  (It doesn’t melt as well.) If cheddar is not your thing, you could try Swiss or Gruyere cheese.  

For Serving

Butter & Maple Syrup, or try adding a fried or poached egg on top of the waffles with a side of Dijon mustard for dipping.  

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the waffle iron and melt the butter.  

Turn on the waffle iron now, so it’s nice and hot when you are ready to pour in the batter.  Using a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and melt on high until completely melted.  Set aside to cool.  

Step 2:  Mix dry ingredients.

In a big bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3:  Mix wet ingredients.

Grab another mixing bowl and whisk eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard until smooth.  

Step 4:  Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.  Do not overmix.  

Step 5:  Add butter, ham, and cheese.

Slowly add the cooled melted butter, ham, and cheese to the batter.  Stir gently so everything is evenly mixed.  

Step 6:  Spray the iron with cooking spray.

Before pouring in the batter, be sure to spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray.  You may need to spray again in between batches.  

Step 7:  Make waffles.

Pour in the batter, making sure each waffle has plenty of ham and cheese. Depending on the kind of waffle iron you are using, I like to use a 1/4 measuring cup to pour the batter onto the iron.  If you have a large Belgium-style waffle maker, you can use a 1/2 cup.   You can also use a soup ladle and ladle batter.  Try not to overfill because you’ll end up wasting a bunch of batter.  

Step 8:  Cook waffles.

Cook waffles until golden brown and crispy.  Every waffle maker is different.  Some beep when they are done, but always check along the way and cook according to your liking.  My waffle maker beeps when ready, but they are never done enough for me!

Step 9:  Serve immediately or keep warm

Serve these waffles hot as they come out of the waffle maker, or if you are serving a crowd, you can keep them warm in the oven at 200°F. Just place the cooked waffles on a baking sheet with a wire rack. Once you’ve used up all the batter, you can serve everyone all at once!  

Step 10:  Serving option

Serve hot with butter and maple syrup.  Or top with a fried or poached egg with some Dijon on the side for dipping.  Garnish with green onions or chives.  

Step 11:  Use all of the batter

If you have leftover batter, I recommend cooking up the rest.  Let the waffles cool, pop them in a ziplock bag, and keep them in the fridge.  Just toast to reheat for later.  They make a great afternoon snack or an easy on-the-go breakfast.  

Whether you’re a morning person looking to kickstart the day with golden waffles or just craving an easy dinner that’s a little extra special, this savory waffle recipe is always a good thing to have up your sleeve.  Waffle dinners never go out of style, especially when they’re loaded with ham and cheddar, and if you love savory recipes, these ham and cheese waffles might just become your new favorite!  

Baked Pumpkin French Toast

Chia Seed Pancakes

Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Bread