Theseham and cheese wafflesturn a breakfast classic into an irresistible savory treat. Golden and crispy on the outside with pockets of melted cheese and smoky ham throughout, they’re everything you could dream of in savory waffles, and then some.

A stack of golden brown, square ham and cheese waffles sits on a white plate, resting on a blue and white checkered cloth. Shredded cheese is scattered around, hinting at the delicious ham and cheese tucked inside these savory waffles.

There are a handful of classic culinary combinations you just can’t beat:peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, meatballs and spaghetti,and let’s not forget the motherlode…ham and cheese.It’s a tried-and-true combination of a sharp bite of cheese with the salty slice of rich ham, and I can never get enough.Enter: these insane crispy ham and cheese waffles!

Thecheese forms a melty interiorbut cooks into a satisfactory crunch on the outside. Just be sure to cook them a little longer to really get a nice bite! I like to cook mine for1.5 cycles, and then we treat them like a savory biscuitand serve them with eggs or on the side of a big bowl of tomato soup.You’ll be oh-so glad you made these!

If traditional waffles are more your style, check out thisClassic Fluffy Buttermilk Waffle Recipeand theseExtra Light and Fluffy Homemade Wafflesfor your next family breakfast.

Golden, crisp square waffles stacked randomly on a cooling rack, with a crumpled blue and white checkered cloth beside them. A few crumbs are scattered on the rack, inviting the thought of creamy ice cream melting over their warm surfaces.

Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Waffles Recipe

Quick and Easy: They are such an easy addition to any meal and takeway less timethan other “bread” recipes.Such a quick way to add to a meal to round it out!
Kid Friendly:Little ones canhelp mix the batterand will be excited to watch the waffle iron transform their creation into agolden masterpiece. It’s also a clever way to sneak in protein and keep little ones excited about their meal. Plus, they’re easy to eat with hands,making them a hit for picky eaters.
Crispy Texture: The combination of thecrispy exterior and the chewinessfrom the cheese is hard to beat. It’s so satisfying.
Versatile Base:Once you master this recipe, you can experiment withdifferent cheeses and meats, or add herbs and spicesto create your own signature version.

🧇 Nothing beats comfort food, and that’s the perfect time to enjoyfried chicken & waffles— crispy, golden chicken and fluffy waffles topped with syrup make for the ultimate homemade treat!

Recipe Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Salt
Sugar
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Eggs
Light oil—something with a neutral taste such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil
Milk
Ham Lunch Meat—You can substitute a different style of ham if that is what you have on hand; the important thing is that it is in very small pieces so that it fits in the spaces in the waffle iron.
Shredded Cheese—such as sharp cheddar or Swiss
Green Onions—optional

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

A hand holds a partially eaten waffle, laden with cheese and bacon chunks. Crumbs scatter below, while the background blurs into a black-and-white checkered cloth. Imagine adding a scoop of creamy ice cream for an indulgent twist on this savory delight.

Popular Substitutions and Variations

Meat Swaps:Replace ham with another cooked meat, such as crumbled bacon, diced turkey, or chicken sausage for a different savory twist. The bacon version is especially popular at weekend brunches and adds an irresistible smoky crunch to every bite.

Cheese Options:Switch up the cheese with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to create new flavor profiles. Sharp cheddar is particularly amazing in this recipe as it creates those coveted crispy cheese edges on the waffle.

Veggie Add-ins:Fold in diced bell peppers, green onions, or spinach for added nutrition and color. The green onions add a subtle bite that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.

How to Make Crispy Ham and Cheese Waffles

Step 1:Mix the dry waffle ingredients together in a medium bowl.

Step 2:Make a well in the dry ingredients, add the wet waffle ingredients, and stir well to combine. Fold in the ham, cheese, and green onions, if using.

Step 3:Cook the waffles in your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. I have found that cooking them through one full cycle in my waffle maker and then repeating it for half of the cycle again cooks my waffles up perfectly. Repeat until all batter is gone.

Step 4:Serve waffles hot.

Recipe FAQs

What do you put on top of ham and cheese waffles?

Have FUN with these guys and dress them up however you’d like! We like to put an egg on top, sort of like a savory biscuit or piece of toast. You could also treat them like a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and pair them up next to some tomato or chicken noodle soup. Or, just keep them plain! They’re so filling and flavorful that it’s totally up to you.

Which waffle maker is the best?

I love all types of waffles irons! This heart-shaped one is a steal (and adorable, too), while this classic Belgian waffle maker has impeccable reviews.

Is waffle batter supposed to be thin?

Waffle batter should be runnier than it is thick, but not so runny that it’s a water-like consistency (this will make a mess if you put it in a waffle maker). It should also be lumpy because lumps lend to a fluffier, more tender waffle — and because of all the additions in this recipe, it’ll be thicker and lumpier than a normal batter, which is just fine!

Why did my cheese leak everywhere?

If your cheese is oozing out, you’re likely using too much or placing it too close to the edges. Stick to about ¼ cup per waffle and keep the cheese towards the center of the batter for perfect pockets of melty goodness.

Golden-brown waffles stacked on a cooling rack, with a scoop of creamy ice cream perfectly melting beside them on a blue and white checkered cloth.

Expert Tips

Patience is Key:Make sure your waffle iron is really hotbefore adding the batter for each waffle. The crispiness and beautiful brown color is worth the extra time it might take.
Prevent Sticking:Grease your waffle iron with a little oil or nonstick spray in between each waffle.It helps them with the crispiness but also keeps you from waffles pulling apart when you open the waffle iron.
Shred Your Own:Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the best gooey, melty texture, shred your cheese from a block.
Season to Taste:Since these are savory,you might need to tinker with adding a little salt and pepperor even add some herbs and spices.
Let the Waffles Rest on a Rack:After cooking,place the waffles on a wire rack instead of a plate.This prevents steam from building up underneath, keeping them crispy instead of soggy.

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers

For busy mornings and meal prep, these waffles store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the fridge forup to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat and maintain that irresistible crunch, pop them in the toaster on medium-low or in a 350°Foven for 5-7 minutesuntil heated through and crispy. If frozen, no need to thaw first – just add an extra minute to the heating time.