Forget everything you thought you knew about waffles. These aren’t your typical sweet breakfast treats drowning in maple syrup. My Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Waffles are about to transform your brunch game forever. With a perfect balance of tangy goat cheese and aromatic fresh herbs folded into a light, crispy batter, these waffles deliver a sophisticated flavor profile that will make you wonder why you ever limited waffles to the breakfast category.
I developed this recipe after a life-changing meal at a small bistro in Provence, where the chef served a savory waffle topped with roasted vegetables that completely altered my perception of what a waffle could be. The beauty of these savory waffles is their versatility – they can be the star of your brunch table, an elegant appetizer base, or even a creative replacement for bread alongside your favorite soup or salad. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, herb-infused interior studded with pockets of creamy goat cheese that melts in your mouth.
What sets these waffles apart is the careful balance of herbs. I’ve experimented with countless combinations, but the blend of thyme, chives, and a touch of rosemary creates a fragrant foundation that complements the tangy goat cheese perfectly. The addition of black pepper and a hint of garlic takes these waffles firmly into savory territory, making them an excellent canvas for toppings ranging from smoked salmon and crème fraîche to roasted cherry tomatoes and prosciutto.
The batter comes together in minutes, but the flavor complexity will make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen. I recommend using a high-quality goat cheese – the creamier the better – as it creates little pockets of tangy goodness throughout each waffle. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese (though this recipe might convert you), you can substitute with feta or even a soft cream cheese, though you’ll lose some of that distinctive tanginess that makes these waffles special.
Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Waffles
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (8 waffles)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 6 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cooking spray for waffle iron
For Serving (Optional):
- Crème fraîche or sour cream
- Smoked salmon
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Microgreens or arugula
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk and olive oil, whisking until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are fine – avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the crumbled goat cheese, chives, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Lightly coat the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of batter (or the amount recommended for your waffle iron) onto the center of the iron.
- Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
- Carefully remove the waffle and place on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Avoid stacking the waffles as they cool.
- Repeat with remaining batter, spraying the waffle iron before each new waffle.
- Serve immediately with your choice of toppings.
These waffles are at their absolute best when served immediately after cooking, when the exterior is still crispy and the interior is warm and tender. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can keep them warm in a 200°F oven, but try not to stack them, as this will cause them to lose their crispiness. The waffle batter can be prepared up to an hour in advance and left to rest at room temperature, which actually improves the texture of the final product.
While I’ve suggested several serving options, don’t be afraid to get creative. These waffles are remarkably versatile and can be paired with almost any savory topping you might use on a piece of artisanal bread or crostini. For a simple yet elegant presentation, I often top them with a dollop of crème fraîche, a few slices of smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of capers and dill. For a more substantial meal, try topping with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce for a creative take on Eggs Benedict.
If you’re serving these at a brunch gathering, consider setting up a waffle bar with various toppings so guests can customize their own creations. The waffles themselves have enough flavor to stand alone, but they really shine as a sophisticated base for complementary ingredients. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is sometimes all you need to highlight their herby goodness.
For those who prefer to plan ahead, these waffles freeze beautifully. Simply cool them completely, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between each waffle to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop them directly into a toaster or 350°F oven until heated through and crispy again. This makes them perfect for quick weekday breakfasts or impromptu entertaining.
The beauty of this recipe is that it opens the door to countless variations. Try swapping the herbs based on what’s fresh and available, or experiment with different cheeses. A combination of Gruyère and caramelized onions creates a French onion soup-inspired waffle that’s absolutely divine. For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta. The fundamental technique remains the same, allowing you to customize these savory waffles to suit your taste preferences or complement your meal.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your weekend brunch, impress dinner guests with an unexpected starter, or simply break out of a meal planning rut, these Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Waffles deliver extraordinary flavor with minimal effort. Once you’ve tried them, I guarantee your waffle iron will become a much more frequent tool in your culinary arsenal. Enjoy the crispy, herb-infused, cheese-studded deliciousness!
Nutrition Information (per waffle):
Calories: 280
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 520mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 9g
