14 Surprising Foods You Can Make In Your Waffle Maker

A few years ago I discovered that you can cook bacon in your waffle maker, and I’ve been intrigued by waffle maker recipes ever since! Who knew a simple waffle maker could be so versatile!? I’ve tried out several different recipes since then (with varying degrees of success), and I’m looking forward to sharing those with you today.

Why make foods in a waffle maker? Well I’m glad you asked! ;-) Since waffle makers apply heat to both sides of a food at the same time, so you can often cook them faster than you’d normally be able to. Another reason why you might want to cook with a waffle maker is that it can be easier to clean up than standard methods. (Especially if you have one with removable plates!) And finally, cooking foods in a waffle maker is just plain FUN. And sometimes that’s all the reason you need! :-) So without further ado, here are 15 foods you can (and should!) make in your waffle maker.

Related: 9 Things You’ll Want To Cook In A Panini Press Immediately

15 Foods You Can Make In A Waffle Maker

1. Brownies

Making brownies is definitely among my favorite ways to use my waffle maker! The key to success is adding one additional egg to your prepared brownie batter. Then just pour it into your preheated waffle maker, and cook!

Just keep an eye on it, and remove the brownie once it has reached your desired doneness. I like to leave mine in for a minute or two longer, so that they get nice and crispy (more like brownie bark than soft brownies). Give it a try!

Related: 11 Surprising Ways Your Microwave Is More Useful Than You Think

2. Pizza

You can make quick and tasty right in your waffle maker! Use your favorite homemade pizza dough, or buy a tube of prepared dough in the refrigerated section at the store.

Start with a hot waffle iron. Spread your pizza dough out on the iron and close the lid. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip (if desired) and cook for another 2 minutes or so. Lift the lid, then add pizza sauce, cheese, and your toppings of choice. Hold the lid slightly open until the cheese melts, then dig in!

3. Quesadillas

Quesadillas are one of our favorite quick lunches or snacks around here. Cooking them up in a waffle maker is so easy! Add whatever fillings you like, or check out my delicious Breakfast Quesadillas at the link below.

Related: How To Make Quick & Easy Breakfast Quesadillas In A Waffle Maker

4. Cinnamon Rolls

The best part about making cinnamon rolls in a waffle maker is the grid pattern that forms on the finished rolls. When you drizzle icing over the top, those indentations collect all the icing in an extremely delicious way. Seriously, you have to give this a try! :-)

Place one prepared cinnamon roll into each of the squares in your waffle maker, then close the lid. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the waffle maker and drizzle the tops with icing.

5. Tater Tot Hashbrowns

This is probably the easiest way you’ll ever make hashbrowns! Let a bag of tater tots thaw out for a while on your kitchen counter. Toss a handful of the thawed tots onto a preheated waffle maker, then press the lid down as much as you can. In a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy hashbrowns!

6. Bacon

Yep, you can make delicious and crispy bacon in your waffle maker! Just keep an eye on it, and remove it from the waffle maker when it reaches your desired color and crispiness. The best part about it? No grease splatters to clean up!

Related: 14 Surprising & Easy Ways To Cook Perfect Bacon!

7. Cornbread

Grab a box of cornbread mix and prepare according to the package directions. Pour the batter onto your waffle maker, and cook just like you would a waffle.

These super simple cornbread waffles are the perfect vehicle for chili! Just serve the chili right on top of the cornbread, and top with your favorite chili fixings. (This is a great dinner idea for busy weeknights, because it comes together so quickly!)

Related: Cornbread Waffles & Chili – Dinner In A “Jiffy!”

8. Grilled Cheese

You can make a pretty dang good grilled cheese sandwich on gluten-free bread (or whatever bread you want) right in your waffle maker! Just think of your waffle maker as a panini press in disguise. ;-)

9. Grilled Cinnamon Apples

Apples and cinnamon are a classic combination, and make a great dessert or afternoon snack. Whip them up in minutes using your waffle maker! Get the recipe from My Fussy Eater.

10. Frittata

These mini frittata get a deliciously crispy exterior when you cook them in your waffle maker. Breakfast is served! Get the recipe from Real Food By Dad.

11. Banana Bread Waffles

Banana bread and waffles together? Sign me up! The natural sweetness of overripe bananas in these waffles makes them a treat you’ll want to savor! Get the recipe from Friday Cake Night.

12. Leftover Stuffing Waffles

If you’re fine tuning your Thanksgiving menu, plan on making extra stuffing. Then turn those delicious stuffing leftovers into waffles! I’ve never tried this before, but I’m definitely putting it on my “to-do” list for next week. Get the recipe from Just A Taste.

13. S’mores

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a good s’more. Whip up a batch of these s’mores waffles and have a “campout” in the living room! Get the recipe from Delish.

14. Chocolate Chip Cookies(???)

This is the second time in my life that I’ve attempted to make cookies in a waffle maker, because it seems like something that should be possible. And I’ve heard that can be done successfully, but both times I’ve tried I’ve ended up with a crumbly mess! Until someone can tell me the secret to making it work, I’ll remain on the fence about this one. Proceed at your own risk! ;-)

What’s your favorite thing to cook in a waffle iron?