Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Waffles

This golden, cheesy pizza stuffed waffle recipe transforms breakfast into an exciting savory adventure. The crispy exterior gives way to melty mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, creating the perfect handheld meal that bridges breakfast and dinner in the most delicious way possible.

I created these pizza waffles during a rainy weekend when my nephew was visiting and we were craving both breakfast and pizza. Now these cheesy stuffed waffles have become our Saturday morning tradition whenever the family gets together.

Ingredients

• Whole milk creates a rich waffle batter that stands up to the hearty fillings
• Vanilla extract adds subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements
• All purpose flour provides the perfect structure for a crisp exterior
• Baking powder ensures fluffy waffles with plenty of nooks for sauce
• Vegetable oil keeps the waffles moist and helps achieve golden edges
• Pizza sauce brings authentic pizza flavor look for one with Italian herbs
• Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that signature cheese pull
• Pepperoni adds smoky flavor and a pop of color choose thinly sliced for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dry ingredients

Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent. This prevents any bitter baking powder pockets in your finished waffles.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, vanilla, oil, and milk until completely smooth and well incorporated. The oil should be fully emulsified into the mixture, creating a uniform consistency.

Combine batters

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Small lumps are perfectly fine, as overmixing develops gluten and results in tough waffles. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Preheat the waffle iron

Spray your waffle iron thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray and heat to medium high setting. A properly preheated iron is crucial for achieving that perfect golden exterior while cooking the interior properly.

Cook the waffles

Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the center of the hot waffle iron and close the lid. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. The waffle is done when steam is no longer escaping from the iron.

Slice the waffles

Allow the cooked waffles to cool for about 2 minutes on a wire rack, then carefully slice them horizontally with a serrated knife, creating two thin waffle rounds. Keep your knife parallel to the cutting board for even halves.

Add the pizza filling

Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet, spread each with pizza sauce, sprinkle generously with mozzarella, and arrange pepperoni slices on top. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.

Assemble and serve

Place the top waffle half over the melted cheese filling and serve immediately while hot. The crispy waffle with the melty interior creates the perfect textural contrast in every bite.

Save Pin

The pizza sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that warming it slightly before spreading makes assembly easier and ensures the finished waffle has that authentic pizzeria flavor. My daughter now insists we keep a jar of pizza sauce in the fridge specifically for weekend waffle making.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare the waffle batter the night before and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before using, and you might need to add a tablespoon of milk if it has thickened overnight. This makes morning assembly incredibly quick and perfect for busy weekend mornings when you want something special without the work.

Creative Variations

The beauty of these pizza waffles lies in their versatility. Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. For vegetarians, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers and spinach make a delicious filling. My personal favorite is a Hawaiian version with diced ham and pineapple tidbits that caramelize slightly under the broiler. Just be sure not to overstuff the waffles or they may become difficult to eat.

Serving Suggestions

These pizza stuffed waffles shine on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides elevates the meal. Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For dipping, warm marinara sauce or ranch dressing adds another flavor dimension. When serving for brunch, a simple fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, cheesy waffles.

Storage Tips

Leftover assembled waffles can be wrapped individually in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. For longer storage, freeze the cooked plain waffles before adding fillings, then thaw and assemble when ready to eat. This prevents the waffles from becoming soggy during storage and reheating.

Save Pin

Common Questions

→ Can I use pre-made waffle mix instead of making batter from scratch?

Yes! Store-bought waffle mix works perfectly for this. Just prepare according to package directions, possibly omitting any sweeteners if the mix already contains sugar. The key is achieving that crispy exterior to hold your pizza fillings.

→ What other pizza toppings can I use in these waffles?

Almost any traditional pizza topping works well! Try cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple. Just ensure any meat is pre-cooked and vegetables are thinly sliced or pre-sautéed for best results.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Yes, with some modifications. Make and cool the waffles completely, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the plain waffles in a toaster, add fillings, broil briefly, and serve. For best texture, it's recommended to add the fillings just before serving.

→ Are these suitable for freezing?

You can freeze the plain cooked waffles tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw completely, then continue with the filling and broiling steps. For convenience, you can also assemble and freeze them fully prepared, then reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.

→ How can I make these vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, onions, or meat alternatives. You could also try plant-based pepperoni substitutes or increase the cheese for extra richness.

→ What's the best way to serve these pizza waffles?

Serve immediately while hot and melty with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping. They make great finger food when cut into quarters. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette.