Name: Broccoli Cheese Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 cup finely diced broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon finely diced green onion (optional); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup blanched almond flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

I am so excited to share this Broccoli Cheese Waffles Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that surprises everyone. Combining the nuttiness of almond flour, the savory tang of shredded cheddar, and tender little bites of broccoli, these waffles are naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor. I love how the cheese mellows the broccoli’s taste, making it a perfect way to sneak some veggies onto your plate without any fuss. They’re quick to make and so fun to eat, whether for breakfast, a snack, or even a side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Cheese Waffles Recipe

What really sets this recipe apart for me is the incredible flavor combination that feels both comforting and fresh. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese blends beautifully with the mild broccoli, and the almond flour adds a subtle, hearty texture that makes each waffle satisfying without being heavy. I find myself craving these whenever I want something a little different from the usual breakfast routine or a clever way to get more greens into a meal.

Another thing I adore is how straightforward the preparation is. It doesn’t require any complicated techniques or fancy equipment—just a waffle iron and a few simple ingredients. I appreciate how quickly they come together and how versatile they are. They work wonderfully for family breakfasts, casual brunches with friends, or even as a delightful appetizer at parties. Honestly, these waffles always steal the show and get rave reviews every time I make them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven white bowls and dishes with different food ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a white bowl holds a heap of shredded orange cheese. To the right, a small glass bowl contains a light beige powder, likely a dry ingredient. Below it, another white bowl is filled with small green broccoli pieces. On the bottom right, three brown eggs rest directly on the surface. Near the bottom center, two tiny white bowls contain white salt and beige pepper. At the very top, a small dish holds a light golden liquid, possibly oil. The items are arranged neatly with space between them, all photographed clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. They are simple, yet each plays an essential role in making your broccoli cheese waffles deliciously irresistible.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the broccoli gently to bring out its mild flavor and soften it perfectly.
Broccoli florets: Fresh and finely diced to give the waffles that vibrant green color and a pleasant vegetable bite.
Eggs: The binding agent that holds the waffles together and adds richness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor that melts beautifully throughout the waffles.
Blanched almond flour: Naturally gluten-free, it provides a tender crumb and subtle nutty undertone.
Green onion (optional): Offers a mild, fresh oniony kick that livens up the batter.
Baking powder: Gives the waffles just the right amount of puff and lightness.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that elevates the overall taste.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the finely diced broccoli florets and cook until they are fork-tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. To help soften the broccoli faster, add a few tablespoons of water to steam it as it cooks. Once tender, remove from heat and if you want, chop the broccoli even more finely on a cutting board for a more uniform texture in the waffles.

Step 2: Preheat your waffle iron so it’s nice and hot by the time the batter is ready. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, diced green onion (if using), baking powder, and garlic powder. Mix until all the ingredients are fully combined and the batter looks smooth and cohesive.

Step 3: Gently fold the cooked broccoli into the batter, distributing it evenly without overmixing. This step is key to ensuring each waffle has the perfect balance of broccoli and cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Lightly spray your waffle iron with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then spoon about 3 heaping tablespoons of batter for each mini waffle. Spread it out slightly but don’t overfill. Close the waffle iron and cook according to your machine’s instructions—usually around 3 to 5 minutes—until the waffles are lightly browned, crispy on the outside, and cooked through.

Step 5: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and place them on a cooling rack. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and keeps them delightfully crisp. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to enjoy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 mini waffles—enough to serve 2 to 4 people depending on appetite and sides. Prep time is a quick 10 minutes, mostly spent chopping and whisking. Cooking takes about 20 minutes total, including sautéing the broccoli and waffle cooking time. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, with no resting time needed, so it’s perfect for a speedy but satisfying meal.

How to Serve This Broccoli Cheese Waffles Recipe

The image shows four golden brown round waffles cooling on a wire rack. Each waffle has an even grid pattern with small square indentations and a slightly crispy texture with some darker brown spots. The waffles have small green flecks scattered inside, suggesting added herbs or vegetables. The wire rack is placed over a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tone of the waffles. The scene is well-lit with natural light, making the waffles look fresh and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve these broccoli cheese waffles, I love to keep things simple yet full of flavor. They pair beautifully with a dollop of tangy sour cream or herby yogurt dip, which complements the savory notes perfectly. Another favorite is topping them with creamy mashed avocado for a luscious texture contrast or even layering them into a sandwich with an egg and some crispy bacon or ham for a complete meal.

Presentation-wise, I like sprinkling extra shredded cheddar or some finely chopped green onions on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. These waffles are best enjoyed warm right off the griddle but they still taste great at room temperature, making them convenient for entertaining or packing into lunchboxes. For beverages, I personally love pairing them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc at brunch, or a refreshing iced tea for a non-alcoholic option.

This recipe adapts well to any occasion—family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, cozy weekend brunches, or even casual dinner sides. Just plate them with your favorite complements and enjoy a dish that’s both fun and wholesome every time.

Variations

I’ve found this Broccoli Cheese Waffles Recipe to be wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tweak it according to your tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you want a dairy-free version, swapping cheddar cheese for a vegan cheese alternative works well, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor punchy. You can also try substituting almond flour with another gluten-free flour like oat or coconut flour, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly.

To switch up flavors, I’ve enjoyed adding grated Parmesan cheese for a sharper bite or mixing in different herbs such as thyme or chives for extra freshness. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, finely chopped spinach or kale also make excellent substitutes and keep the veggie boost intact.

While the waffle iron is ideal to get that crispy exterior, you can also try cooking the batter in small, lightly greased muffin tins for an easy “waffle muffin” style bite, baked at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes until golden and set. This can be a fun twist especially if you want to make these ahead and grab-and-go.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes happens when I try to keep these all to myself), store the broccoli cheese waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture and keep the waffles from getting soggy.

Freezing

These waffles freeze beautifully, which is great for meal prepping. Let them cool completely, then individually wrap each waffle in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy texture, I always recommend reheating broccoli cheese waffles in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This method restores the crunch better than the microwave, which can make them a bit soggy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works—just cover loosely with a paper towel and heat in short bursts to avoid steaming.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can work in a pinch! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This helps prevent watery waffles and keeps the texture just right.

Are these waffles suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Because this recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

The recipe as it stands relies on eggs and cheese, but you can adapt it using vegan egg replacers (like flax eggs) and a plant-based cheese substitute. The texture will be a bit different, but with some experimentation, it’s totally doable!

How do I know when the waffles are done?

Look for a golden brown color and a crispy exterior. Your waffle iron’s indicator light or timer is a good guide, usually between 3 to 5 minutes. If you want extra crispness, you can leave them a bit longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.

What’s the best way to enjoy leftovers?

I love reheating them in the oven to restore crispiness and then topping with creamy sides like avocado or a spicy hot sauce for an easy and tasty snack or meal addition.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Broccoli Cheese Waffles Recipe a try because it’s such a delightful way to enjoy veggies with a cheesy twist. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser in my home. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or a creative side dish, these waffles bring comfort and flavor to the table. I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!