Savory cottage cheese waffles are a delicious departure from traditional sweet waffles, transforming breakfast into something more sophisticated and satisfying. These crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffles incorporate protein-rich cottage cheese into the batter, creating an incredibly tender texture while adding nutritional value. Flavored with herbs, cheese, and sometimes vegetables, these savory waffles can be topped with eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, or even used as a base for chicken and waffles. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast, want to use up cottage cheese in a creative way, or simply love savory breakfast options, these waffles deliver on flavor, nutrition, and versatility. They’re perfect for brunch entertaining, meal prep, or anytime you want something more exciting than plain toast or bagels.
Serving Quantity: Makes 6 to 8 waffles (depending on waffle iron size)
Cooking Time: 35 minutes (including 10 minutes prep time and 25 minutes cooking time)
1. Ingredients for Waffles
- One and one-half cups all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon baking powder
- Half teaspoon baking soda
- One teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
- Half teaspoon garlic powder
- One and one-half cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- Three large eggs, separated
- One-quarter cup whole milk
- Four tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- One cup shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese
- Two tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Two tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: one-quarter cup cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham
2. Ingredients for Toppings
- Fried or poached eggs
- Sliced avocado
- Smoked salmon or lox
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh herbs (dill, chives, parsley)
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Hot sauce or sriracha
- Sautéed mushrooms and spinach
3. Preheat the Waffle Iron
Turn on your waffle iron and set it to medium-high heat. Most waffle irons need at least 5 minutes to preheat properly. A properly heated waffle iron is crucial for crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. While it’s heating, you can prepare your batter. If your waffle iron has a non-stick coating, you may not need to grease it, but a light spray of cooking spray never hurts and ensures the waffles release cleanly.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined with no lumps. Whisking aerates the flour and ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps create fluffy waffles. The salt and pepper season the batter throughout, while the garlic powder adds subtle savory depth. Set this bowl aside.
5. Prepare the Cottage Cheese
If your cottage cheese has large curds, you can pulse it a few times in a food processor or blender to break it down slightly for a smoother batter. This step is optional, as some people like the texture of the curds in the finished waffles. Either way works beautifully. The cottage cheese adds protein, moisture, and a subtle tang that makes these waffles special. It also creates an incredibly tender crumb.
6. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, egg yolks (save the whites for later), milk, and melted butter. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until everything is well combined and relatively smooth. The mixture should be creamy and uniform. The egg yolks add richness and help bind everything together. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed in.
7. Beat the Egg Whites
In a clean, dry bowl using clean beaters, beat the three egg whites on high speed until they form stiff peaks. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes with an electric mixer. The whites should be glossy and hold their shape when you lift the beaters, standing straight up without drooping. This step is what makes these waffles extra fluffy and light. Don’t skip it or your waffles will be denser. Even a drop of yolk or grease will prevent the whites from whipping properly.
8. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold them together just until no streaks of flour remain. Don’t overmix or the waffles will be tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy. Fold in the shredded cheese, chopped chives, and parsley. If using bacon or ham, add it now. The herbs and cheese add wonderful savory flavor throughout the waffles.
9. Fold in Egg Whites
Add about one-third of the beaten egg whites to the batter and fold gently with a rubber spatula to lighten the mixture. This makes it easier to incorporate the remaining whites. Add the rest of the egg whites and fold very gently, using a lifting and folding motion rather than stirring. Fold just until no white streaks remain. It’s okay if a few small bits of egg white are visible. Overmixing will deflate the whites and make the waffles dense instead of fluffy.
10. Cook the First Waffle
Once your waffle iron is fully preheated, spray it lightly with cooking spray if needed. Pour enough batter into the center of the waffle iron to spread nearly to the edges when you close the lid. The exact amount depends on your waffle iron size, usually about three-quarters to one cup. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually 4 to 6 minutes. Don’t open the lid too early or the waffle will tear. The waffle is ready when steam stops escaping and the waffle is golden brown and crispy.
11. Keep Waffles Warm
As each waffle finishes cooking, transfer it to a wire rack set on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining waffles. Don’t stack them directly on top of each other or they’ll steam and lose their crispiness. The wire rack allows air circulation to keep them crispy. If you’re serving a crowd, this method ensures everyone gets hot waffles at the same time.
12. Continue Cooking Batches
Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron lightly between each waffle if needed. You should get 6 to 8 waffles depending on the size of your waffle iron. The batter may thicken slightly as it sits, which is normal. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk. Stir gently between batches to redistribute the cheese and herbs that may have settled to the bottom.
13. Prepare Toppings
While the last waffles are cooking, prepare your toppings. Fry or poach eggs so they’re ready to serve immediately. Slice avocados and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Halve cherry tomatoes. Arrange smoked salmon on a platter. Set out sour cream, fresh herbs, and any other toppings you’re using. Having everything ready makes serving quick and easy so the waffles don’t get cold while you’re preparing accompaniments.
14. Serve Hot
Place one or two waffles on each plate depending on size and appetite. Top with your chosen toppings. A classic combination is a fried egg on top with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. For a luxurious brunch, add smoked salmon with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. For something heartier, try sautéed mushrooms and spinach with a poached egg. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or fresh black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
15. Creative Serving Ideas
These savory waffles are incredibly versatile. Use them as a base for chicken and waffles with crispy fried chicken and maple syrup mixed with hot sauce. Make breakfast sandwiches with waffles instead of bread, filled with eggs, cheese, and bacon. Top with chili for a fun twist. Serve with pulled pork and coleslaw. Use as a base for eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce. The savory flavor works with countless toppings, so get creative based on what you love.
16. Make-Ahead and Freezing
These waffles freeze beautifully for easy meal prep. Let cooked waffles cool completely on a wire rack. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster, toaster oven, or 350-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy and heated through. This makes them perfect for quick weekday breakfasts.
17. Texture and Appearance
Perfect savory cottage cheese waffles should be golden brown and crispy on the outside with deep pockets for holding toppings. The interior should be fluffy, tender, and moist with visible flecks of herbs and melted cheese throughout. They should be sturdy enough to hold toppings without getting soggy. The cottage cheese creates an incredibly tender crumb that’s almost custardy in the center. The cheese adds pockets of melty, savory goodness in every bite.
18. Variations to Try
Make these waffles your own with simple substitutions. Use feta and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean version. Add corn and jalapeños for Southwestern flavor. Try blue cheese and caramelized onions for a gourmet twist. Use Parmesan and Italian herbs for an Italian-inspired waffle. Add everything bagel seasoning to the batter for extra flavor. Stir in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. The basic recipe is endlessly adaptable.
19. Nutrition Information Per Waffle (without toppings)
- Calories: 285
- Total fat: 14 grams
- Saturated fat: 8 grams
- Cholesterol: 115 milligrams
- Sodium: 620 milligrams
- Total carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Dietary fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
20. Helpful Tips for Perfect Savory Cottage Cheese Waffles
- Separate eggs carefully as even a drop of yolk will prevent the whites from whipping to stiff peaks.
- Beat egg whites to stiff peaks for the fluffiest, lightest waffles with the best texture.
- Fold in the egg whites gently rather than stirring to maintain the air bubbles that create fluffiness.
- Don’t open the waffle iron too early or the waffle will tear and won’t be fully cooked.
- Let the waffle iron preheat completely before adding batter for the crispiest exterior.
- Keep finished waffles warm in a low oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness while cooking batches.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the richest flavor and most tender texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour or the waffles will be tough instead of tender.
- Freeze extras for quick breakfasts that reheat perfectly in the toaster for crispy results.
- Experiment with different cheeses and herbs to create your own signature savory waffle flavor.
