Waffle Maker: 2 Hacks and a Snack

August 30, 2017 by Kari Karch

If you think the waffle iron is only for breakfast, you’re missing out. From dog treats to chicken dinners, your waffle iron may be the most underutilized appliance in the kitchen.

Here are some fun ways to incorporate your waffle iron and make some delicious and energy boosting snacks. I’ve also included a couple of hacks to keep your waffle iron in tip-top shape to be used year round. Happy Eating!

Hack #1: Waffle iron full of crumbs and a sticky mess? Problem solved! Just turn on your waffle iron and leave the top-side open. Dampen 8 paper towels and stack on top of each other. Place damp towels in waffle iron and close lid. The steam will loosen the crumbs and stuck on mess. Open after 1 minute and brush out any remaining crumbs.  

Hack #2: Short on time to make breakfast for the kiddos before they are off to school? Just heat your waffle iron and toss in some frozen tater tots and close the lid. The tots will turn into hash browns and you can serve them up with a hard boiled egg and some cut up fruit. Complete breakfast in just 3 minutes!

Waffle Iron Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:
½ of thawed pizza dough (found in your frozen section or ask your favorite pizza place to sell you their dough)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ cup cream cheese (or Tofutti which is a dairy free alternative)
2 Tbsp. strawberries, small dice
1 Tbsp. blueberries
½ kiwi, small dice

Directions:
Heat your waffle iron and brush both sides with olive oil once heated.
Lay the dough over the middle and spread out till the edges.
Bake the dough for 5-7 minutes or until light golden brown.
Remove from the waffle iron and smooth cream cheese over the dough.
Top with cinnamon, salt, and remaining fruit. Serve.

Image credit: Joanne Wan license via Creative Commons

Kari Karch

Kari Karch is a 19-year veteran of the culinary industry, creator of Kiss the Cook, and the head chef and spokesperson for the Kenmore brand. She has made many notable appearances on ABC Morning News, on WGN, on the Cooking Channel and as a judge for the World Food Championships.