Cottage Cheese Waffles
Cottage Cheese Waffles are a fun and tasty twist on your usual waffle breakfast. These waffles are light and fluffy thanks to the cottage cheese, which adds a nice bit…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cottage Cheese Waffles are a fun and tasty twist on your usual waffle breakfast. These waffles are light and fluffy thanks to the cottage cheese, which adds a nice bit of creaminess and a subtle tang. You get the perfect crispy outside with a soft and slightly cheesy inside, making them a real treat.
I love making these waffles when I want something a little different but still easy and quick. The cottage cheese gives them a boost of protein, so they feel a bit more filling without being heavy. Plus, I find they hold up well whether you eat them sweet with syrup or fresh fruit, or even savory with some herbs and a dollop of sour cream.
One of my favorite ways to serve these waffles is with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. It’s such a simple combo, but the flavors pop so nicely against the cottage cheese. They’re perfect for a weekend breakfast that feels special but doesn’t take all morning to whip up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe, adding moisture and protein. I prefer full-fat for creaminess, but low-fat works fine too. If you’re not a fan, ricotta is a good substitute for a similar texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a light texture. You can swap with whole wheat for more fiber or gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just expect a slightly different bite.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and add fluffiness. No easy substitute here unless you use flaxseed or chia egg replacements, but the texture may change.
Milk: Regular milk works well, but you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat if you want a dairy-free option.
Vanilla Extract & Sugar: These add a touch of sweetness and flavor. You can skip the sugar if you want less sweet waffles, especially if topping with syrup or fruit.
How Can I Make These Waffles Light, Fluffy, and Crispy?
The secret to great waffles is the batter and cooking technique:
- Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until combined to keep waffles fluffy.
- Preheat your waffle iron well and grease it lightly to prevent sticking and create crispy edges.
- Cook the waffles until golden brown; this usually takes 4-6 minutes depending on your machine.
- Avoid opening the waffle iron too early to let the steam escape and develop the crispy texture.
- If you like, keep finished waffles warm in a low oven so they stay crisp before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Waffle iron – essential for shaping and cooking your waffles evenly with a crispy outside.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll want at least two for wet and dry ingredients to keep things neat.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs, cottage cheese, and other ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting your ingredients just right.
- Spatula – useful for scraping batter into the waffle iron without waste.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley for a savory twist that pairs well with sour cream topping.
- Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to boost richness and gooey texture.
- Stir in mashed bananas or blueberries for natural sweetness and a fruity note.
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier waffle with a slightly different taste.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Waffles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffles:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, as preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or non-stick spray for the waffle iron
For the Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh blueberries
- Banana slices
- Maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the batter and 15-20 minutes to cook the waffles, depending on your waffle iron and the batch size. So, plan for about 25-30 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Waffle Iron:
Turn on your waffle iron and preheat it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to keep the waffles from sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until they’re well combined. Add the cottage cheese and milk, stirring until you get a fairly smooth mixture.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
Finally, add the vanilla extract and give a gentle stir to mix it in.
3. Cook the Waffles:
Pour about ⅓ to ½ cup of batter onto your hot waffle iron, depending on its size. Close the lid and cook the waffles for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack the waffles on a plate and top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices. Drizzle generously with maple syrup, and enjoy your warm, protein-packed breakfast treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cottage cheese for the best texture. If you only have frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid overly wet batter.
Can I Make the Waffles Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the waffles in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a crispy texture.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Note that texture may vary slightly with different flours.
Can I Make These Waffles Savory Instead of Sweet?
Absolutely! Omit the sugar and vanilla extract, and add herbs or shredded cheese to the batter for a savory version. These pair nicely with sour cream or smoked salmon toppings.
