There’s something undeniably fun about thinking outside the pizza box. Recently, I found myself craving that gooey goodness, but without the usual crust that sometimes feels heavy. That’s when the idea of Pizza Waffles struck me – a brilliant blend of two favorite comfort foods that’s not only quick to whip up but also customizable for all taste buds. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown waffles packed with seasoned tomato sauce, melty cheese, and your choice of toppings, all ready in just 15 minutes!
As I explored this recipe, it became clear that Pizza Waffles aren’t just a treat for kids – they’ve turned into a delightful meal option for everyone seeking a break from fast food monotony. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni style or something tropical with ham and pineapple, these waffles are perfect for any occasion! Grab your waffle iron, and let’s dive into this tasty adventure that’s bound to become a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love Pizza Waffles
Simplicity and Speed: This recipe is incredibly easy, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable Delights: You can mix and match toppings to suit every palate—why not try a Hawaiian twist today?
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love getting involved, creating their own unique waffle pizzas for a fun family dinner.
Deliciously Crispy: Enjoy the perfect combination of a crispy exterior and a gooey cheesy center that everyone craves.
Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a snack, quick meal, or party treat, Pizza Waffles hit the mark for any occasion.
Make these delightful creations your new go-to for satisfying cravings while steering clear of fast food!
Pizza Waffles Ingredients
• Get ready for a delicious twist!
For the Waffles
- Everyday Pizza Dough – A sturdy base for your waffles; feel free to use store-bought for ease.
- Tomato Sauce – Provides moisture and a burst of flavor; consider swapping it with pesto or BBQ sauce for a twist.
- Mozzarella Cheese – The classic cheesy goodness that melts beautifully; any shredded cheese blend is a viable substitute.
For the Toppings
- Pepperoni – A classic favorite that adds a savory kick; can be replaced with veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a healthier option.
- Oil for Greasing – Prevents sticking and aids in crispiness; you can brush it on your dough for even better texture.
- Basil (optional) – Adds a fresh herbaceous note; swap it for Italian seasoning or skip if you prefer.
Embrace your creativity with these tasty Pizza Waffles and make them your own!
How to Make Pizza Waffles
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Prepare the Dough: Remove your pizza dough from the refrigerator two hours prior to cooking. This allows it to reach room temperature for easier handling and stretching.
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Preheat the Waffle Iron: While your dough warms up, preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. A hot iron will help achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
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Divide the Dough: Gently divide the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces, about 60g each. Then, stretch each piece into an 8-inch circle, ensuring an even thickness.
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Oil the Iron: Lightly oil the waffle iron’s surface or the dough itself. This step is key to preventing any sticking and ensuring a lovely crisp finish.
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Layer Your Ingredients: Place one piece of dough onto the waffle iron with the oiled side facing down. Spread 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce over the dough, followed by a generous handful of mozzarella and your preferred toppings like pepperoni.
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Seal the Waffle: Top with another piece of dough, oil the surface lightly, and close the waffle iron. This will help seal everything together while it cooks.
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Cook to Perfection: Close the lid of the waffle iron and cook for 6-8 minutes or until your Pizza Waffle is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to get your desired level of crispiness!
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Cool and Serve: Once ready, carefully remove the waffle and let it cool on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Optional: Serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh green salad.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Pizza Waffles
Fridge: Store leftover Pizza Waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat quickly in the toaster oven for a crispy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual cooked waffles by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen Pizza Waffles, simply reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Meal Prep: Prepare a double batch to enjoy throughout the week. Pizza Waffles are not only delicious but also a quick and fun option when cravings strike!
Expert Tips for Making Pizza Waffles
- Room Temperature Dough: Allow the pizza dough to sit out for at least 2 hours before cooking. This makes stretching much easier without tearing.
- Avoid Overfilling: Limit toppings to prevent overflow during cooking; otherwise, you might end up with a messy waffle iron and less than perfect Pizza Waffles!
- Monitor Cooking Time: Each waffle iron varies, so keep an eye on your waffles. Adjust cooking time for a perfectly crisp outer layer without burning the cheese.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy Pizza Waffles immediately to savor their crispy texture. If leftovers remain, reheat them in a toaster oven to restore the crunch!
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to mix flavors! Try different cheese blends or sauces for a unique spin on your Pizza Waffles.
What to Serve with Pizza Waffles?
Elevate your Pizza Waffles experience with these delightful pairings that will wow your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Marinara Sauce: Perfect for dipping, this rich, tangy sauce enhances the flavors of the waffles, creating a classic pizza experience.
- Crunchy Side Salad: A crisp salad loaded with fresh greens and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the waffles.
- Garlic Bread Sticks: The buttery, garlicky flavor of these sticks complements the pizza theme delightfully, adding extra indulgence to your meal.
- Sweet Fruit Skewers: Fresh, juicy pieces of pineapple and strawberries offer a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate after each savory bite.
- Italian Soda: A fizzy, refreshing beverage flavored with fruit syrups lightens the meal and adds a fun twist, especially for the kids.
- Chocolate Dipped Fruit: For dessert, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries or bananas, delivering a sweet finish to a deliciously savory meal.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned to perfection, these crunchy, golden wedges provide comforting, hearty contrast to the lightness of the waffles.
- Zucchini Fries: Baked to crispy perfection, they add a fun twist and a nutritious side option that complements the meal without the heaviness.
- Ice Cream Sundaes: End your meal on a high note with a scoop of ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and nuts; this indulgence makes for a perfect finish!
Pizza Waffles Variations
Customize your Pizza Waffles with these fun twists that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Hawaiian Style: Substitute pepperoni with diced ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory combination that’ll have you dreaming of the tropics.
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Vegetarian Delight: Load up on bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives for a robust, meat-free option that’s bursting with flavors and colors.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a zesty zing that elevates your waffles to a whole new level.
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BBQ Twist: Swap out traditional tomato sauce for BBQ sauce, then add grilled chicken and red onions for a smoky flavor explosion.
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Cheese Lovers: Mix in a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone cheeses for a melty masterpiece that no cheese lover can resist.
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Pesto Surprise: Replace tomato sauce with pesto and top with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese for a fresh, gourmet touch.
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Breakfast Pizza: Use scrambled eggs and cooked bacon or sausage as toppings for a delightful breakfast twist that will start your day off right.
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Sweet Treat: For a dessert option, spread Nutella and top with sliced strawberries and powdered sugar for a sweet indulgence everyone will adore.
Experiment freely with these variations and find your ideal pizza waffle combination!
Make Ahead Options
These Pizza Waffles are a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by making the full recipe, dividing it into portions, and storing each piece in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For toppings, feel free to chop and portion any vegetables or proteins you’d like to use, keeping them stored separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your Pizza Waffles, simply bring the dough to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before cooking, then layer with sauce, cheese, and toppings as per the original recipe instructions. This way, you’ll have deliciously crispy Pizza Waffles with minimal effort, ready to satisfy those cravings!
Pizza Waffles Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pizza dough for my Pizza Waffles?
Absolutely! You can use either homemade or store-bought pizza dough, depending on your preference. For best results, opt for dough that’s fresh and pliable; if using frozen dough, allow it to thaw completely and reach room temperature, which makes stretching much easier.
What’s the best way to store leftover Pizza Waffles?
Very simple! Place leftover Pizza Waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them for longer, they can be frozen and will last up to 3 months. Just remember to wait until they’re completely cool before storing them!
Can I freeze Pizza Waffles? How do I do it?
Yes, you can freezer these delightful treats! First, let the cooked Pizza Waffles cool completely. Then, individually wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crisp.
What should I do if my Pizza Waffles overflow during cooking?
If you find overflow spilling out, it’s likely that you’ve overfilled the waffles. To prevent this, keep toppings to a moderate amount—about 2 tablespoons of sauce and a generous handful of cheese should do the trick! Watching the cooking time can also help achieve that perfect crisp without mess.
Are there any dietary considerations with Pizza Waffles?
Certainly! Pizza Waffles can cater to various dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, simply replace meat toppings with chopped vegetables. Always check for allergens, especially if serving to guests. Make sure any cheese alternative is dairy-free if necessary, and keep in mind gluten-free dough options if gluten is a concern.
How can I make my Pizza Waffles extra crispy?
For a super crispy finish, brush a light layer of oil on both the waffle iron and the top dough before closing it. Cooking them until nicely browned also enhances the crispy exterior. Enjoy fresh for the best texture, as they’ll be crispiest right out of the waffle iron!
Pizza Waffles: A Crispy, Fun Twist on Your Favorite Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove your pizza dough from the refrigerator two hours prior to cooking.
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat.
- Gently divide the pizza dough into 8 equal pieces, about 60g each.
- Lightly oil the waffle iron's surface or the dough itself.
- Place one piece of dough onto the waffle iron with the oiled side facing down. Spread 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce over the dough, followed by mozzarella and your preferred toppings.
- Top with another piece of dough, oil the surface lightly, and close the waffle iron.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes or until your Pizza Waffle is golden brown and crispy.
- Once ready, carefully remove the waffle and let it cool on a wire rack.