Savory Spinach + Cheese Waffles

As you are aware I'm totally crushing on our waffle maker.  I've wanted to keep sharing waffle recipes, as the ideas are overflowing in my head, but I also want to avoid turning this into a waffle blog.  

Although, that idea doesn't sound half bad.

Maybe you're on the fence when it comes to turning typically sweet things savory, but hopefully this recipe will take you happily to the other side.  This is amazingly satisfying for any meal of the day and can be whipped up and ready to eat in about 10-15 minutes!  

I think the key to savory waffles are the toppings.  You could do something simple like plain cream cheese but this seemed like the perfect opportunity to put an egg on top.

And you know I'm always looking for opportunities to put eggs on top of things.

Finished off with a little avocado and salsa verde.  

Happy dance.

I'm thinking cream cheese, salsa, and hot sauce would be another fabulous topping combination.  

Print this!

Savory Spinach + Cheese Waffles

gluten-free // yields 2, 6-inch Belgian waffles

adapted from: basic buckwheat waffles

• 1/2 cup raw/light buckwheat flour
• 1/4 cup sweet rice flour
• 3 tablespoons almond meal
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3/4 cup chopped baby spinach
• 1/3 cup freshly grated pepper jack cheese
• egg, avocado, salsa, cream cheese, butter, optional toppings

1. Preheat and grease a 6-inch, round Belgian waffle iron, or other.
2. Stir the flours, almond meal, baking powder, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
3. Whisk the egg, then whisk in the milk, applesauce, oil, and garlic.  
4. Pour the wet into the dry and whisk until you no longer see dry flour.  Do not over-mix.
5. Fold in the spinach + cheese.
6. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then pour 1/2 of the mixture into your waffle maker and lightly spread if needed.  Depending on your waffle iron, you may get more/less than 2, 6-inch waffles.
7. Cook according to your preference and your specific waffle iron.  I set mine just over medium for a lightly crisped exterior.
8. Remove + serve immediately with desired toppings.  While waffle is cooking, prepare sunny-side up eggs if desired.

notes/substitutions:  2% milk or soy milk will also work.  Sharp cheddar, asiago, or grated parmesan would also work well.  A sharp cheese will make the waffle more flavorful.  Dried basil or parsley can be subbed for oregano if desired.

As speculated the other day the waffle maker now has a permanent position on the counter.  Adios stand mixer!

I can guarantee there will be more waffle recipes coming soon.  

Yum.

Ashley

The Ultimate Grilled Sandwich

Who doesn't love a good PB + J?

I'm kind of a sucker for them.  

Easy to make.  Perfect for a snack.  For a hike.  For breakfast.  Anytime.

Such simplicity in these ingredients.  And I must be honest with you...I prefer grape jelly!

But for today, let's kick it up a notch.

Let's get a little crazy.

Let's grill this bad boy.

But not in a pan or in a panini press.

Let's pile it high with toppings.  Healthy, sweet, fruity, savory...let your imagination run wild!

And then let's grill it in you WAFFLE MAKER.

Oh yes.  

Do not underestimate the power of the waffle maker.

This grilled sandwich is like no other.  The waffle maker actually creates nooks + crannies and then makes them CRISPY.

Are you hearing the words I'm saying?  Are you looking at the nooks + the golden brown color!?  How is it possible that there is any other way to make a sandwich??

This sandwich making method is blowing my mind.  I think my waffle maker just earned a permanent position on my counter.  That is a big deal!

I don't have an official recipe for you, but I do have a few ideas.

The Ultimate Waffle-Grilled Sandwich

gluten-free, vegan

General instructions/tips:

• Preheat + grease your waffle maker around the medium heat setting [adjust as needed].
• If using frozen gluten-free bread be sure the bread is fully thawed before putting in the waffle maker.  A quick way to thaw frozen bread is to put in your toaster on a low setting for about 1/2 - 1 cycle.  Don't let it actually toast, just thaw.
• Do not use a crusty bread, as it will be very hard to clamp down your waffle maker.  Best to use a soft sandwich bread.
• You may not be able to fully close your waffle maker.  Don't force it.
• Spread nut butter on both sides of the bread and then other ingredients in the middle.
• Takes about 1 typical waffle cycle to fully grill, but may vary with your waffle maker. 
• A round or rectangular waffle make will work.

Classic Peanut Butter + Jelly >> Spread peanut butter on both sides then sandwich together.  Grill.  Serve with a side of jelly for dipping.

PB, Banana, Strawberry, Walnut, Coconut >> Spread peanut butter on both sides then top one side with banana slices and one with strawberry slices then sprinkle with walnuts + coconut.  Grill.  Serve with a side of jelly for dipping.

PB, Chocolate, Banana, Coconut >> Spread peanut butter on both sides then top one side with banana, one with dark chocolate chips [vegan if needed], then sprinkle with coconut.  Grill.

Almond Butter + Berry >> Spread almond butter on both sides and top each side with mixed berries.  Grill.  

Smore's >> Spread almond butter on both sides then top one side with chopped marshmallows [gf + vegan if needed] and one side with dark chocolate chips [vegan if needed].  Grill.

PB, Banana, Maple >> Spread peanut butter on both sides and top each side with banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  Grill.  Serve with a side of maple syrup.

Strawberry, Almond, Coconut >> Spread softened coconut butter on one side and almond butter on the other then place strawberries on one half.  Grill.  

The possibilities are endless.  

You could easily set this up as a fun weekend breakfast/brunch with family or friends.  Set out bowls with different topping options, a few types of bread, nut butter, jelly, etc. and then get grilling....err....waffling!

It's a bird!  It's a plane!

Nope.

It's a waffle-grilled sandwich!

And if you happen to stop by to my house anytime in the next month, you can without a doubt expect to be fed a waffle sandwich.  Don't worry, I'll let you pick the toppings.  I hope you can deal.

Now what are you waiting for?  Find yourself a waffle maker and get to it!

Ashley