Description
Craving a breakfast that’s both indulgent and nutritious? Cottage Cheese Waffles are a delicious twist on classic waffles, offering a crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and a protein boost from cottage cheese. Perfect for weekend brunches, family breakfasts, or a cozy morning treat, these waffles are easy to make and pair beautifully with maple syrup or your favorite toppings
Ingredients
Cottage Cheese Waffles use simple ingredients to create crispy, fluffy waffles. Here’s what you’ll need for ~4-6 waffles:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat): Adds protein, moisture, and a subtle tang.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a warm note.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more for serving): Provides natural sweetness.
- 1 ¼ cups flour (all-purpose or whole wheat): Forms the waffle’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted and cooled): Contributes crispness and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons milk of choice (or up to ¼ cup for thinner batter): Adjusts batter consistency.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cottage Cheese: Boosts protein and keeps waffles moist and tender.
- Eggs: Add structure and richness for a fluffy interior.
- Coconut Oil: Helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Baking Powder: Creates a light, airy rise for perfect waffles.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cottage Cheese: Substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt or ricotta for similar moisture and protein.
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or oat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Milk: Use dairy (whole, skim, or 2%) or non-dairy (almond, oat, soy) milk; adjust quantity for desired batter thickness.
- Coconut Oil: Swap with melted butter, vegetable oil, or vegan butter.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese or yogurt, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), non-dairy milk, and vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- Fruit Waffles: Fold in ¼ cup blueberries or diced strawberries before cooking.
- Spiced Waffles: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warmth.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 ¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted and cooled), and 3 tablespoons milk.
- Ensure coconut oil is melted and cooled to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions.
Tip: Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture; drain if watery to avoid a runny batter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
Tip: Whisk well to evenly distribute the baking powder for a consistent rise.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
- In a blender, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons milk.
- Blend until smooth, about 30-60 seconds, ensuring no cottage cheese curds remain.
Tip: Blend thoroughly for a smooth batter; add up to 1 tablespoon more milk if the batter seems too thick.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Batter
- Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons melted and cooled coconut oil until well incorporated. The batter will be thick but pourable.
Tip: Mix until no dry flour remains to keep waffles tender; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Cook Waffles
- Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with oil or non-stick spray.
- Scoop about ⅓ cup batter into each waffle cavity (adjust based on your waffle iron’s size).
- Cook for 3-6 minutes, or until golden and crisp (cooking time varies by waffle iron; check for a golden-brown color and steam subsiding).
- Carefully remove waffles and keep warm on a plate or in a low oven (200°F/93°C).
Tip: Avoid opening the waffle iron too early to ensure crisp waffles; cook in batches if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve waffles hot with a drizzle of maple syrup and optional toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt.
Tip: Stack waffles loosely to maintain crispness; serve immediately for the best texture