Full disclosure: I am not on the Keto diet. This may explain my confusion when I started seeing “chaffle” recipes pop up everywhere from low-carb Instagram feeds to some of my favorite big-name cooking websites.
At first, I wondered if chaffle was a typo. But no, chaffle recipes are officially a thing. Basically…cheese plus waffle. Get it?
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It’s a Keto-friendly concoction made in your waffle iron using just those two main ingredients and sometimes almond flour, and you can eat it for breakfast, dessert…you name it. Even a tasty no-carb bread substitute, though after trying and adapting. few recipes, turns out they’re great on their own.
Consider me a convert!
Related: How I lost 25lbs in 3 months with Bright Line Eating
How to make great chaffles: The basics
Many chaffle recipes call for the addition of 1 teaspoon almond flour and/or baking powder – just this small amount will give the chaffles a slightly more recognizable waffle-like texture, if you prefer. For starters, I’m working off the original, more basic recipe.
1. Using a fork, thoroughly combine 1 whole egg with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. You can do this in a bowl or liquid measuring cup. Add a little salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
2. Pour the egg and cheese mixture onto the center of a hot waffle maker.
3. Cook using the medium to medium-high setting. (My waffle maker turns green when it’s ready.) Serve immediately or freeze.
Related: Finally! The easy secret for how to make waffles crispy.
Pro tips to make your chaffles delicious.
Learn from my mistakes…and successes. These tips should help.
- Do not check on the chaffle by opening the waffle iron too early! You want it to remain cooking until completely done and crisp. If anything, err on the side of cooking slightly longer than you might think.
- You can definitely experiment with other Keto-friendly cheeses – Goat Cheese and Haloumi could work well — however mozzarella is typically recommended because it’s mild in flavor and not as greasy as other options. It helps with the texture.
- If you want more protein and flavor, you can also add 1 slice of chopped ham when mixing your egg and cheese. Bacon can work too (in moderation if you’re on a strict Keto diet.)
- If you prefer a sweet chaffle, substitute cream cheese for the mozzarella. I love this tip! I can’t imagine the mozzarella in my sweets.
- Sprinkle a little bit of extra cheese on the waffle maker before adding the egg-and-cheese mixture for a really nice savory and crisp crust. My husband and I love this trick when making ham and cheese chaffles.
- To keep them super crisp on the plate it can be tough, since the steam from cooking softens them, like any waffles. They’re best eaten or frozen right away. Though I did find that adding a bit of almond flour helps with the texture.
- As for the waffle maker, you really can’t go wrong. If you don’t own one yet, Many Keto bloggers obsess over the Dash Mini Waffle Maker for chaffles — under $15 at our affiliate Amazon! It’s not only inexpensive, but it’s versatile and comes in lots of fun colors. Plus, it works very well; my best friend has been using one for years to make eggs for her kids and swears by it.I personally use my classic Cuisinart waffle maker without issue — it’s just a few dollars more. (And our editor Liz is a fan as well.)
- Make more than you need — chaffles can be stored in the fridge for a few days. I reheat using my toaster oven but you could also reheat them in a pan on your stovetop.
- There are variations galore! Once you’ve got the basics down, try a few alternative recipes for chaffle variations from your own favorite recipe bloggers or magazines.
Pumpkin Chaffles | Life Made Sweeter
I like Kelly’s chaffle recipe and tips and tips, including amounts and tips for adding baking powder or rice flour.
She also offers plenty of great recipes for more savory and sweet adaptions, like perfect-for-now Pumpkin Chaffles, made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and some low-carb sweetener if you’d like.
Related: 15 of our favorite healthy Trader Joe’s products that make healthy eating easy
The final chaffle recipe verdict
Simple and delicious! And easy peasy.
Personally, my family has been loving eating ours for breakfast and lunch but with add-ins like bananas or pumpkin, I see how they could be reimagined as a sweet treat. After all, plenty goes well with eggs and cheese, if you’ve ever studied an omelet menu.
Another bonus? It’s frugal; a little goes a long way in filling you up. One egg and a little cheese seemed to stretch farther than it does when serving regular old fried eggs and toast.
Trendy name or not, whatever your diet, I think that Keto-friendly chaffles are here to stay.
