Let’s be honest—holiday leftovers can feel a little repetitive. But what if I told you there’s a way to transform that mountain of stuffing into something totally new and absolutely delicious? Enter leftover stuffing waffles. Trust me, this is the recipe you didn’t know you needed. I stumbled upon this idea one lazy morning after Thanksgiving, staring at a fridge full of stuffing and a waffle iron collecting dust. Why not combine the two? The result? Crispy, savory waffles that are the perfect excuse to skip the cereal.
This recipe has become my go-to for using up leftovers in a way that feels fresh and exciting. It’s quick, easy, and seriously satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to impress breakfast guests without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a leftovers pro or just looking for a creative way to start your day, these waffles are a game-changer. Let’s turn that stuffing into something magical!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These leftover stuffing waffles are about to become your new favorite kitchen hack. Here’s why:
- Quick magic: Ready in 15 minutes flat – faster than waiting for takeout!
- Easy-peasy: Just mix, scoop, and waffle – no fancy techniques required.
- Flavor bomb: All those savory herbs and spices from your stuffing get crispy edges.
- Leftover hero: Gives tired stuffing a delicious second life (no more boring reheats!).
- Endless fun: Top with eggs, gravy, or even maple syrup for sweet-savory bliss.
I swear, the first time I made these, my husband thought I’d invented some gourmet brunch dish. Nope – just genius use of what was already in my fridge!
Ingredients for Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy wonders (measurements matter!):
- 2 cups leftover stuffing (cold works best)
- 2 large eggs (they’re the glue holding everything together)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (just enough to bind)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for that golden crispiness)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan are my faves – optional but delicious)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or parsley add freshness – optional)
See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients doing extraordinary things. Now let’s make some waffle magic!
How to Make Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Okay, let’s turn that stuffing into crispy golden waffles! Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be biting into savory perfection in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Iron
First things first – plug in your waffle iron and let it heat up nice and hot (medium-high setting works best). While it’s warming up, give those plates a quick brush with melted butter or a spritz of cooking spray. Trust me, you don’t want your leftover stuffing waffles sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a big bowl and dump in your cold stuffing (cold works better, promise!). Crack in those eggs, sprinkle the flour, and drizzle the melted butter. Now get your hands in there – yes, hands! – and mix until everything’s nicely combined. If you’re feeling fancy, gently fold in the cheese and herbs now. The mixture should hold together when pressed, but still be a bit crumbly.
Step 3: Cook the Waffles
Here comes the fun part! Scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture onto the hot waffle iron. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly – don’t worry if it’s not perfect, rustic is charming! Close the lid and let it work its magic for about 4-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy around the edges. Pro tip: If you like extra crispy leftover stuffing waffles, give them an extra minute – just keep an eye on them!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slide those beauties onto a plate and get creative! My favorite way is with a drizzle of warm gravy and a fried egg on top, but sour cream and chives are amazing too. Feeling adventurous? Try maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo that’ll blow your mind. Whatever you choose, dig in while they’re hot – that first crispy bite is absolute heaven!
Tips for Perfect Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Want leftover stuffing waffles that turn out amazing every time? Here are my hard-won secrets from years of morning-after-Thanksgiving experiments:
- Cold is key: Straight-from-the-fridge stuffing binds better than room temp – those crumbs hold their shape!
- Flour magic: If your batter’s too wet, add 1 tbsp more flour. Too dry? A splash of milk or beaten egg saves the day.
- Crisp factor: For extra crunch, let them cook 30-60 seconds longer (just peek first – waffle irons vary).
- Don’t crowd: Stick to 1/2 cup portions – overfilling makes messy edges.
- Herb hack: Toss in extra fresh herbs if your stuffing was light on seasoning.
My biggest tip? Make extra – these disappear fast once people taste that crispy, savory goodness!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Listen, I know we don’t always have exactly what a recipe calls for – that’s why I love how flexible these leftover stuffing waffles are! Here’s the scoop on swapping ingredients:
- Flour: All-purpose works best, but gluten-free blends or even almond flour can substitute in a pinch (you might need a tad more).
- Eggs: No eggs? Try 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce to bind – they won’t crisp as much but still taste great.
- Cheese: Skip it if you’re dairy-free, or try nutritional yeast for that umami kick.
- Herbs: Dried herbs work if fresh aren’t handy – just use 1/3 the amount.
- Stuffing: Any kind works! Cornbread, sausage, or even vegetarian stuffing all make delicious waffles.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s forgiving. Use what you’ve got and enjoy the tasty results!
Serving Suggestions for Leftover Stuffing Waffles
Now for the best part – dressing up those crispy leftover stuffing waffles! Here’s how I love to serve them:
- Classic brunch: Top with a fried egg and drizzle of warm gravy – the runny yolk makes magic!
- Light lunch: Pair with a simple green salad for perfect sweet-savory balance.
- Breakfast feast: Serve alongside crispy bacon and maple syrup for ultimate sweet-savory bliss.
- Appetizer twist: Cut into quarters and top with cranberry sauce for holiday party bites.
- Dinner upgrade: Use instead of bread with turkey and all the Thanksgiving fixings.
My kids go wild when I make “waffle sandwiches” with leftover turkey and cranberry mayo. Honestly, these leftover stuffing waffles taste amazing with just about anything – get creative and have fun!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got extra leftover stuffing waffles? No problem! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh stuffing instead of leftovers?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely first – warm stuffing makes soggy waffles. Spread it on a baking sheet to cool faster, then proceed with the recipe. Fresh stuffing might need an extra tablespoon of flour since it’s usually moister than refrigerated leftovers.
Can I freeze leftover stuffing waffles?
You bet! These freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely, then stack with parchment paper between each waffle in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2-3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster or 375°F oven for about 8 minutes – they’ll come out crispy as ever!
My waffle iron doesn’t have deep grids – will it still work?
No worries! Any waffle iron works, though Belgian-style ones give extra crispy edges. With shallow grids, just cook 1-2 minutes less and don’t overload – they’ll still get deliciously golden and hold together perfectly.
What if my stuffing has meat in it?
That’s actually amazing! Sausage or bacon in your stuffing adds fantastic flavor. Just chop any large pieces before mixing – you want every bite to have a bit of everything. The eggs and flour will bind it all together beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about nutrition – these leftover stuffing waffles are hearty and satisfying, but exact numbers can vary depending on your stuffing recipe and any extras you add. The values I’ve included are rough estimates based on typical ingredients. Your mileage may vary depending on brands and how generous you are with the cheese (no judgment here!). As always, check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely.
Print
Leftover Stuffing Waffles: 5-Minute Breakfast Magic
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform your leftover stuffing into crispy, savory waffles for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover stuffing
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, mix leftover stuffing, eggs, flour, and melted butter until combined.
- Fold in shredded cheese and herbs if using.
- Scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture onto the waffle iron and spread evenly.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Serve warm with gravy, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use cold stuffing for best texture.
- Adjust flour if the mixture is too wet or dry.
- For a crispier waffle, cook an extra minute.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
