Savory Protein Waffles

The BEST High Protein Savory Waffles Recipe with Toppings

After my Cottage Cheese Waffles went viral (with over 1 million views!), I knew I had to try a savory version of this recipe! I love sweet breakfasts, but sometimes I want something savory instead. And while I’m all about savory egg breakfasts, sometimes you just need something different!

The result was even better than what I could have imagined! The waffles turned out crispy on the outside, light and fluffy in the center, and have that crave-worthy savory, cheesy goodness. And to take things up a notch, I love piling on different sweet and savory toppings to create an open-faced waffle sandwich situation that is next-level delicious!

I’ve been making a big batch of these easy savory waffles and freezing them for the week ahead, then toasting them and adding toppings on busy mornings. They’re also great for work lunches or even busy weeknight dinners! Top them with just about anything you want – they’re SO good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

• Light & Fluffy – Perfectly crispy on the outside, light, thick, and super fluffy on the inside.
• 26 g Protein – Cottage cheese gives these waffles an extra boost of protein without the need for protein powder, meaning you get 26 grams of high-quality protein for every two waffles. You can also add even more protein with toppings like eggs and smoked salmon! 
• Quick & Easy – With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these waffles are ready to eat in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for buy mornings! 
• Meal Prep-Friendly – I love to prep extra waffles to store in the fridge or freezer. Then, all I have to do is warm them up, and they’re ready to eat. 
• Versatile – As long as you stick with the basic batter, you can mix and match any mix-ins and toppings to create different flavors and make this recipe your own. 

You’ll Also Love: Almond Flour Waffles

Ingredients 

Savory protein waffles come together with just a handful of basic ingredients you likely have on hand. Here’s what you need for this recipe: 

• Flour – I use a combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour for a little extra fiber and healthy fats, but you can omit the almond flour and just use all-purpose flour if preferred. Or, sub in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed. 
• Baking Powder – Helps create the fluffy interior we want. 
• Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and (optional) salt infuse the batter with savory flavor. 
• Cottage Cheese – I recommend full-fat or whole-milk cottage cheese for the best taste. Blending it makes the batter extra smooth!
• Eggs – Add structure to the batter. 
• Milk – Use any milk you have on hand—dairy or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk work well. 
• Avocado Oil – Feel free to swap this out for coconut oil, canola oil, or melted butter. 
• Green Bell Pepper – Swap this with jalapeño if you prefer a spicier taste. 
• Chopped Chives – Use green onions instead if you can’t find chives, and save extras for garnish.
• Parmesan Cheese – For the best taste and texture, buy a block of parmesan and grate it yourself. 

Topping Options 

The best part of any waffle recipe? The toppings, of course! Here are some of my favorite additions for restaurant-worthy savory waffles: 

• Hot honey
• Fried or poached egg
• Smoked salmon or crispy prosciutto
• Sautéed spinach or arugula
• Avocado slices
• Roasted tomatoes or grilled mushrooms
• Hot sauce or herby yogurt sauce
• Salsa

How to Make Savory Waffles

I love how easy this recipe is and that it’s perfect for involving kids. All you need is a bowl, a blender, and a waffle iron! Here’s an overview of how to make cheesy savory waffles: 

1. Mix the dry ingredients – Whisk the flours, baking powder, and seasonings in a large bowl. 
2. Blend – Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and milk to a blender and pulse until smooth. Then, stir in the avocado oil. 
3. Combine – Add the blended cottage cheese mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently. The batter will be thick! Fold the chopped green bell pepper, chives, and parsley into the batter, followed by the parmesan cheese. 
4. Cook – Scoop ⅓ cup of batter into each waffle cavity and cook on a hot waffle iron until golden brown and crisp. Mine took about 3 minutes, but the cooking time varies depending on the waffle iron! 
5. Serve – Add your toppings of choice and enjoy! 

RELATED: Vegetarian Jalapeño Bacon Waffles

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Cottage Cheese: This really makes a difference when adding cottage cheese to recipes!
• Blend Until Smooth: I like to blend the cottage cheese before adding the other ingredients. This ensures the batter is smooth and free of curds, which can make the waffles lumpy. 
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful to stir the ingredients just until combined. Stirring too much can make the waffles dense. 
• Preheat Your Waffle Iron: A hot waffle iron is key to even cooking and a crispy texture. I like to heat mine just before stirring in the herbs and veggies. 
• Adjust the Cooking Time: I find 3-6 minutes are all I need for perfectly cooked waffles, but the exact time will vary depending on your waffle iron. So, keep a close eye on it and adjust as needed. 
• Grease Between Batches: Lightly grease or spray your waffle iron with oil after each batch to prevent sticking. 
• Cool on a Wire Rack: If you’re making a large batch of waffles at once, transfer them to a wire rack to cool while you finish cooking. This will prevent them from becoming soggy. 

Variations 

• Mediterranean-Inspired – Swap the green bell pepper for sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Then, use feta cheese instead of parmesan, and top your waffles with Greek yogurt or tzatziki, cucumber slices, and fresh dill. 
• Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño – Use sharp cheddar cheese in place of parmesan. Then, use jalapeños instead of bell pepper, and add a ½ teaspoon or so of smoked paprika for extra depth. 
• Pesto and Mozzarella – Include 1 tablespoon of spinach basil pesto in the batter, and use shredded mozzarella instead of parmesan. Top your waffles with cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze. 
• Southwest-Style – Use roasted corn and black beans in place of the bell pepper, and swap the parmesan for shredded pepper jack cheese. Then, serve your waffles topped with salsa, avocado, and a fried egg. 
• Mushroom and Gruyère – Use gruyère or Swiss cheese instead of parmesan. Then, fold in sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions instead of or in addition to the bell pepper. 
• Italian Herb – Add ½ teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of dried basil to the batter. Then, swap the parmesan with shredded mozzarella. You can even top the waffles with marinara sauce for a pizza-inspired option. 

You’ll Also Love: Gluten-Free Waffles

How to Store 

These savory waffles are perfect for meal prepping ahead of time! I almost always have a batch in my freezer. Here’s how to keep them fresh: 

• Refrigerator: Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Pop them (thawed or frozen) in the toaster or air fryer to bring back their crispy texture. They’ll taste fresh and delicious! 

FAQs

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