Frozen waffles are a gift to mankind – they’re convenient when you want to switch from the toast or bagel breakfast routine and are neutral enough to host a variety of toppings. Not all people have the time to whip up a waffle batter and cook them on a waffle maker, and frozen waffles give you a convenient breakfast solution for hectic mornings when you just need to get out of the house quickly. Read on some of these tips to upgrade your frozen waffle game.
How to Make Frozen Waffles Taste Better
Once you’ve found the right waffle brand for your tastes, it’s time to explore how to enjoy them so they would taste better and fresher, like baked at home.
1. Heat it up quickly to prevent sogginess
The secret to perfectly cooked frozen waffles is heating them as quickly as possible. Remember that frozen waffles are already cooked – you need to heat them up quickly so they would become crispy and not soggy. Whether you heat them on the pan, griddle, toaster oven, oven, or microwave – they must go straight from the freezer to your heat source. Thawing or cooking them slowly may result in a soft and soggy waffle.
2. Always keep them at the back of the freezer
The back of the freezer is the coldest part, and waffles should always be stored there. Keeping your waffles in the freezer door may seem convenient, but they are more likely to defrost there. This can lead to freezer burn and cause a negative impact on the taste.
3. Consume it soon after opening the package
After opening the package, it’s best to heat them up and eat them right away. The expiration date might be years or months away, but frozen waffles taste best when eaten within three months of opening the box. The longer they stay in your freezer, the blander they’ll taste when you eventually eat them.
4. Cook it on the stove
If you like your waffles crunchy and with browned edges, heat them up on a stove. Instead of placing them in the toaster, cover your waffles in butter and cook them in a hot pan on your stovetop. To ensure the waffles won’t get soggy, make sure that the pan is piping hot before adding the waffles.
5. Sprinkle water on the waffles before putting them in the oven
Cooking frozen waffles in the oven can make them crispy on the outside, but you also risk drying them out. Sprinkle a couple of drops of water on top before popping them in the oven to put moisture back so you can get a better texture. Be careful not to overdo it, though – you don’t want a saturated waffle because it won’t brown properly.
6. Pop it in the air fryer
If you have an air fryer – forget the oven. This appliance actually does a great job of making frozen waffles taste better. Cover the waffles with butter and cook them at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes. To coat every cranny of the waffle, try to use spray butter. Turn them halfway through cooking to make sure you get even browning.
Ideas to Enjoy Your Frozen Waffles in a New Way
This commonly-overlooked breakfast staple has much more potential than always getting smothered in maple syrup and butter. Here are some fresh options for enjoying your frozen waffles in a new way:
1. Avocado toast
Ah, the classic millennial breakfast. Why limit yourself to toast if you can upgrade your game with a toasted waffle? Top a crunchy waffle with mashed avocado and whatever else your heart desires, like bagel seasoning, eggs, or pickled onions. Make it spicy by adding some red pepper flakes and a bit of fresh lemon juice. The frozen waffle adds a nice crunch and sweetness to an otherwise savory breakfast.
2. Chicken and waffles
This one’s a no-brainer – of course, you can use frozen waffles to make the traditional soul food: chicken and waffles. You may want to use two toaster waffles to create a slider or a chicken waffle sandwich.
3. Waffle sandwich
Elevate any sandwich by using two frozen waffles instead of bread or buns. It works for both breakfast and lunch (and brunch, of course) – replace the bread for your egg sandwiches, grilled cheese, BLTs, and sliders. You may also want to go for the sweet route, smear peanut butter or chocolate spread in between, and then top it with bananas or berries.
4. Pizza waffles
Frozen waffles are great to use as a base for a personal pizza. Unlike some other personal pizza crusts, they will stay crispy when topped with sauce and cheese. Toast the waffles first, then add your pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice. Then, cook them in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until the cheese is melted. Yum!
5. Waffle tacos
You can try using the frozen waffles as taco shells! This works with classic, round waffles that are a bit thinner. Let the waffle thaw and wedge it between the wire rungs in an oven rack. After it’s fully cooked and toasted, it will hold its shape. Fill it with whatever taco fillings you want – lettuce, ground beef, refried beans, salsa, cheese, and sour cream for a savory meal.
6. Waffles as crackers or dips
Got an impromptu get-together, and you got no chips to serve your friends? You can toast a couple of frozen waffles and put them beside your dip. You may want to slice them up first before toasting them to make bite-sized portions. Everyone will be shocked and delighted to discover how delicious a waffle is when dipped with brie, queso, pimento cheese, or Buffalo chicken dip. Waffles have a neutral flavor on their own, so they can work as a cracker for any savory or sweet dip.
7. Waffles as breadcrumbs
This might be weird, but it works. Toast your waffles very well and crush them up finely to make crispy, lightly sweet breadcrumbs for topping your macaroni and cheese, pork chops, chicken, or fish. You can impress your dinner guests when they find out you used toaster waffles to coat your dish.
8. Waffles as a pot pie topping
Want a time-saving hack for serving pot pie? Instead of topping your freshly baked pot pie with a pie crust, top it with a toasted waffle instead. It can produce the same effect, but it saves you the time and effort of making a homemade crust or puff pastry.
9. Ice cream sandwiches
waffles or regular-sized waffles cut in half can help make this serving easier. Simply fill the waffles with your favorite ice cream and enjoy.
10. Waffle sticks
Think churros or funnel cake fries, but with toaster waffles. An air fryer can make this doable, but a toaster or a regular oven can also work. Cut the waffles into strips or triangles, then brush them with butter and coat them in sugar and cinnamon. You can also serve it plain with a side of chocolate sauce, peanut butter, or jam on the side for dipping.
11. Waffle pops
This one’s a dessert and a snack in one. Simply dunk your toasted waffles into melted chocolate, or drizzle the melted chocolate over the top. Then, you may want to add additional toppings like candy, sprinkles, and nuts. You may also want to slice up the waffles first into bite-sized pieces and put them on a stick before dipping them in chocolate. No matter how you prefer to serve them, chocolate-coated waffles are a delight to eat.
Waffle Topping Ideas
We usually top waffles with butter and maple syrup, just like pancakes. Some of us like topping them with fresh berries or jam. But if you’re feeling more adventurous and like to turn things up, here are some topping combinations that will surely work with frozen waffles – allowing you to enjoy them as you’ve never before!
1. Tahini and jam
Tahini is usually known as a key ingredient in hummus, but since it’s made of toasted sesame seeds, it has the same nutty and creamy texture as peanut butter. With the same flavor and texture profile, combining it with jam allows you to make slightly more upgrades to PB & J. Make sure to top your waffle while it’s still hot to keep the tahini creamy.
2. Fried egg, sriracha and cilantro
If toast and eggs are a regular menu for your breakfast, try to leave the bread behind for a while and replace it with toasted waffles. Let the waffle’s slight sweetness contrast the savory egg and the spicy zing of sriracha. Sprinkle it with some cilantro to add a vibrant flavor.
3. Caramelized bananas
If maple syrup has always been your thing, here’s how you can part with it gradually: sweet, caramelized bananas. Sauté some sliced bananas in a frying pan with butter, then sprinkle some brown sugar. Keep cooking until the bananas are golden and saucy.
4. Apples and peanut butter
Dipping apples into peanut butter is always fun and delicious, but you can make it more filling by using it as toppings for toaster waffles. Spread some peanut butter on top of your fresh-from-the-oven waffles, and top it with sliced apples. Add a drizzle of honey if you like.
5. Yogurt, berries, and granola
Try eating your parfait with waffles by spreading those toppings out on a toasted waffle. Spoon over your yogurt of choice, then add some raspberries or blueberries and crunchy granola. You can drizzle them with honey – it’s not a must, but it’s highly recommended.
6. Nutella, strawberries, and nuts
Spread the all-time favorite Nutella on top of your waffles, then add some sliced strawberries and crunchy pistachios. This is the waffle combo you might always go back into whenever you’re craving an easy-to-make dessert or a sweet snack.
7. Mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil
It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy Caprese. Bring it to your breakfast table by adding a thick slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of your toasted waffle, then top it with tomatoes and a few basil leaves. Drizzle it with olive oil, then add a little salt and pepper to taste.
