16 Ways to Use a Waffle Iron

Special Ingredient: Dark chocolate cake mix

Now this is the ultimate waffle dessert recipe! Layers of dark chocolate cake waffles are sandwiched with a banana cream and topped with chocolate ganache for a towering treat that will make jaws drop.

Special Ingredient: Brownie batter

There's no way to pass these off as breakfast, so go ahead— pile on the ice cream and toppings.

Special Ingredient: Crumbled bacon

Bacon makes breakfast better—even waffles. These once-separate breakfast staples find happiness together in your waffle iron.

Special Ingredient: Cornmeal

Not all waffles are sweet. We call for cornmeal instead of sweeter ingredients like sugar in this waffle batter. From there, choose your own topping adventure: Southern chicken and waffles, chili, Mexican breakfast, or taco.

Special Ingredient: Bourbon

These buttery cookies are spiked with bourbon before getting perfectly pressed by a waffle iron. The light and airy texture (and dusting of powdered sugar) makes them taste like a mash-up between a beignet and a sugar cookie.

Special Ingredient: Whole grain bread

No need for a panini press when your waffle iron can serve double duty (if you have both, we won’t judge). Just think of all the possibilities for waffled sandwiches!

Special Ingredient: Ramen noodles

Bet you've never tried this! Bake the ramen noodle mixture in a waffle iron for a crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside starch. Then top with coleslaw, barbecue chicken, and an egg for a hearty meal.

Special Ingredient: Canned pumpkin

It's comfort food time! Pair up pumpkin with your waffle iron for a match made in baking heaven. And that maple-pecan cream? It's heavenly, too.

Special Ingredient: Cookie batter

Up your cookie-exchange game with these elegant, shareable treats. For those of you who like to plan your parties in advance, you can freeze these chocolaty cookies for up to 3 months.

Special Ingredients: Loose green tea and grated ginger

Your waffle iron can bake a variety of foods, and it also isn't intimidated by beverages. The green tea in these waffles lends a subtle flavor that's perfectly complemented by the fruity peach sauce.

Special Ingredient: Hash browns

Hash browns are made from potatoes, and these waffles are made with hash browns. So waffle latkes are basically vegetables. Channel baked potatoes and top with sour cream and chives, but swap the typical bacon bits for smoked salmon.

Special Ingredient: Chocolate

Chocolate and coffee: classic flavors that can completely transform a recipe. These tender waffles are best served warm with a generous scoop of ice cream.

Special Ingredient: Refrigerated biscuits

This ooey-gooey sandwich looks like a typical waffle, but take a bite and you'll discover crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and melty mozzarella hiding inside!

Special Ingredient: Sweet potatoes

Celebrate Thanksgiving any morning of the year with this holiday-inspired recipe. The taste of sweet potatoes and cranberries will have you feeling extra thankful all year long.

Special Ingredient: Bacon and apples

Instead of serving waffles, bacon, and apples at brunch, why not combine all three in one dish? The waffle iron continues to make mealtime much more efficient.

Special Ingredient: Cookie batter

Here, the waffle iron steals another recipe from the oven. The only appliances your kitchen needs for this one are a waffle iron and a sink.