Cheesy potato waffles
Cheesy potato waffles are exactly what they sound like: crisp-edged, golden waffles made from mashed potatoes and a good handful of sharp cheese. Think brunch-friendly comfort food you can make with pantry staples (and yes, those leftover mashes from last night). They’re sturdy enough to hold a fried egg, light enough to snack on, and just right when you want “cozy” without fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (about 480 g)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (about 115 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt (reduce if your mash/cheese is salty)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil or cooking spray, for the waffle iron
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high. If it has numbers, aim for about 4–5 out of 6. Let it really heat up; a hot iron is half the battle for crisp edges.
- In a large bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes, cheddar, eggs, flour, cornstarch (if using), melted butter, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be thick, scoopable, and a little sticky, like sturdy mashed potatoes. If it feels loose, sprinkle in another tablespoon of flour. If it feels dry, add a splash of milk.
- Lightly grease the waffle plates. Scoop in batter: about 1/3 cup for standard waffles or 1/2 cup for Belgian. Spread gently to the corners, no need to be precious.
- Close and cook 4–6 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp. Try not to peek for the first 3 minutes; the steam is doing important work. If your iron complains and wants more time, give it another minute. You’re after that burnished edge.
- Transfer finished waffles to a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Slide into a low oven (200°F/95°C) to keep them snappy while you cook the rest. Stacking makes them steam and go soft, so keep them in a single layer if you can.
- Serve hot with your favorites. A fried egg and a little hot sauce? Always a good idea. If it’s a lazy Sunday, coffee in one hand, waffle in the other, no judgment.