Have You Tried Savory Waffles Yet? From Spinach to Sweet Potatoes, Your New Brunch Favorites

Waffles are a firm favorite in many American households. In fact, research suggests that in 2020, more than 123 million people in the US enjoyed them in some form. While many likely reached for them at breakfast with sweet toppings like maple syrup, peanut butter, or fresh fruit, there’s a growing trend toward savory waffles, too.

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Savory ingredients like avocado, beans, and sautéed mushrooms work wonders on waffles. Are you hungry yet? Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite savory waffle recipes, each topped with delicious ingredients like vegan cheese, nutritious greens, and a kick of spicy sriracha. Frankly, after trying these, you might find yourself reaching for savory waffles more often than the sweet variety.

What are savory things to put on waffles?

When it comes to savory waffle toppings, the limit only ends with your imagination. Think of your favorite savory breakfast food—there’s a decent chance it will taste even better with a waffle. Tofu scramble, black beans, baked beans, spinach, roasted vegetables, hot sauce, vegan bacon, vegan sausages, and even smoked fish-free salmon are great waffle choices. 

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Of course, these ingredients will work best if the waffle itself is savory, too. Instead of sugar or vanilla, make your savory waffle batter with ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. You can even add vegan cheese sauce or puréed vegetables into the mix, too.

Savory vegan waffle recipes

For inspiration on the best ways to enjoy savory vegan waffles, keep reading.

Dustin Harder

1 Savory Waffle With Dairy-Free Cheddar Fondue

This hearty recipe from vegan chef Dustin Harder is ideal for those days when you’re in the mood for a filling, satisfying brunch. The batter comes together with the help of ingredients like soy milk, orange juice, and unbleached flour, while the topping is a mix of velvety, homemade cheddar fondue and flavorful tofu and vegetable ragout. Loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients, this savory waffle recipe is as nourishing as it is tasty.
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Amy Lanza

2 Savory, Dairy-Free Cheesy Broccoli Waffles

In this recipe from the Nourishing Vegan Every Day cookbook, recipe developer Amy Lanza opts to fill the waffle batter with ingredients like grated vegan cheese, chopped broccoli, and hot smoked paprika for a spicy kick. Cooling vegan yogurt, avocado, and cilantro are the perfect complimentary topping choices. Want some more heat? Sprinkle some chili flakes over the top.
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Hot for Food

3 Green Waffles With Spinach, Onion, Vegan Cheese, and Sriracha Maple Syrup

In this recipe from Hot for Food, the spinach, onions, and cheese (made from cashews) all go straight in the batter to make a comforting, nutrient-dense crispy, golden savory waffle. They’re topped with creamy avocado and a little drizzle of sweet-spicy sriracha maple syrup. “The sriracha maple syrup is a nice kick,” says Lauren Toyota. “It really compliments this brunchy, lunchy, maybe even breakfast-for-dinner kinda dish.”
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Desiree RD

4 30-Minute Savory Zucchini Waffles

Sometimes, the best way to eat your vegetables (or to get your children to eat their vegetables) is to hide them. And what better way than in a plate of tasty, savory waffles? “These falafel-inspired waffles are a really fun way to get more zucchini on your plate,” writes Desiree Nielsen, RD. “Particularly if your family aren’t zucchini fans because they’re blended up into the batter which transforms their texture.”
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The Veggie Yaya

5 Savory Sweet Potato Waffles

Another tasty hidden vegetable recipe, these savory waffles are made with sweet potatoes, flour, plant-based milk, and herbs and spices. “This recipe is great for using up that sweet potato just sitting on your kitchen counter, or to use up any leftover cooked sweet potato,” says recipe developer Erika Piper of The Veggie Yaya. You can top with whatever ingredients you fancy, but this recipe opts to keep it simple, with a slab of vegan butter and a sprinkle of green onions.
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