Homemade Wise Cheese Waffles Recipe

28

This Wise Cheese Waffles recipe is a labor of love and a toast to those simpler times when the crackle of a snack bag opening was music to our ears. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s whisk our way into a world of comfort with this heartwarming and taste-bud-tingling reinterpretation of a classic.

How to make Wise Cheese Waffles

Wise Cheese Waffles are a crispy cheese sandwich snack produced by Wise Foods. Each serving contains 2 grams of protein and a small amount of iron.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of a kick)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (feel free to experiment with other cheese blends for variety)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Spray oil (for waffle iron)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, and onion powder. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, and egg until they’re well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the Cheese: Fold in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The chunkier, the better – you want those pockets of cheese in every bite!
3. Preheat Your Waffle Iron: Spray your waffle iron with a liberal amount of oil to prevent sticking. Heat it to a medium-high setting. If it has temperature control, aim for a setting between ‘Medium’ and ‘High.’
4. Cook the Waffles: Pour enough batter just to cover the waffle iron plates (usually about 1/4 cup, but this can vary based on your waffle iron size and style). Close the lid and cook until the waffles are crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, but it can vary, so keep an eye on them.
5. Serving: Serve warm for the crispiest texture. These waffles are fabulous on their own or with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Cheese Waffles

• Cheese Matters: The quality and type of cheese you use can dramatically affect the flavor. Sharp cheddar is recommended for its strong, tangy flavor that mimics the original Wise Cheese Waffles, but feel free to experiment with different types.
• Waffle Iron Temperature: Finding the perfect temperature on your waffle iron may take some trial and error. If you notice that your waffles are browning too quickly or not getting crispy enough, adjust the temperature accordingly.

What to serve with

Serving the right accompaniments with your homemade Wise Cheese Waffles can elevate this snack to new culinary heights, turning a simple delight into a versatile treat fit for various occasions. Here are several ideas, ranging from casual gatherings to elegant appetizer settings, ensuring your cheese waffles are the talk of the table:

1. Dipping Sauces

A selection of dipping sauces can enhance the flavor profile of your Wise Cheese Waffles:

• Marinara Sauce: For a classic, savory dip, marinara sauce adds a tangy and herby dimension that complements the cheese waffles wonderfully.
• Ranch Dressing: The calm, creamy nature perfectly counterbalances the crispy, cheesy waffles.
• Honey Mustard: For a touch of sweetness with a kick, honey mustard makes an exciting dip that pairs well with the savory notes of the cheese waffles.

2. Soup Pairing

• Tomato Basil Soup: A cup of warm tomato basil soup served with cheese waffles on the side makes for a comforting meal, especially on colder days—the acidity and sweetness of the tomato contrast beautifully with the rich waffles.
• Cream of Broccoli Soup: A creamy, vegetable-based soup like cream of broccoli offers a delightful texture contrast and a dose of green to your cheesy treat.

3. Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crispiness of romaine lettuce, the creaminess of Caesar dressing, and the crunch of croutons complement the texture and taste of cheese waffles. Adding crumbled waffles as a topping can add an innovative twist.
• Arugula and Pear Salad: A light, fruity arugula and pear salad with a balsamic glaze brings a refreshing and slightly sweet contrast to the rich, savory waffles.

4. Beverage Pairings

• Craft Beer: A refreshing craft beer, particularly a pale ale or a lager, can cut through the richness of the cheese waffles, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, an ice-cold apple cider offers a sweet tanginess that complements the savory cheese flavors.

5. For Dessert

Transform your wise cheese waffles into a dessert by serving:

• Fruit Compote: A warm berry compote over a slightly cooled cheese waffle marries the savory with the sweet and acidic, creating a balanced dessert option.
• Whipped Cream and Honey: For a straightforward sweet treat, top cheese waffles with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of honey.

6. As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Eggs and Bacon: Serve your cheese waffles as a larger brunch platter. Scrambled or poached eggs and crispy bacon alongside your waffles make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Avocado Smash: Top your waffles with a generous layer of avocado smash, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a modern, brunch-worthy dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Wise Cheese Waffles, you can encounter situations where you don’t have certain ingredients on hand or need to adapt the recipe for dietary restrictions or flavor preferences. Below are various substitutes for common ingredients found in a typical cheese waffle recipe.

Flour

• All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour: If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option with added fiber, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly and make the waffles denser.

Milk

• Plant-Based Milk: To accommodate dairy-free needs, almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk can replace cow’s milk. However, these milks will slightly affect the flavor, so choose one that pairs well with cheese.
• Lactose-Free Milk: For lactose intolerant people, lactose-free milk is a direct substitute that doesn’t change the flavor.

Cheese

• Different Cheeses: Depending on what’s available, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a combination of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a cheese-like flavor without dairy, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy, nutty flavor to your waffles.

Eggs

• Flax or Chia Eggs: To make the recipe vegan, replace each egg with a ‘flax egg’ (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit until thickened) or a ‘chia egg’ (same ratio).
• Applesauce: A quarter cup of applesauce can substitute for one egg and may add mild sweetness to the waffles.

Butter

• Vegetable Oil: If you’re out of butter or prefer a lighter option, vegetable oil can work, though it won’t give the same rich flavor.
• Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free option, vegan butter can replace the dairy butter on a one-to-one basis.

Baking Powder

• Baking Soda and Acid: If you don’t have baking powder, use a third of the amount of baking soda required for the baking powder and add an acid like cream of tartar or lemon juice to activate it.

7. Sugar

• Honey or Maple Syrup: If the recipe calls for sugar and you prefer a natural sweetener or have run out of sugar, honey or maple syrup can be used. They will add a distinctive flavor and are sweeter, so you may need to adjust the quantities.

Salt

• Different types of Salt: If the recipe calls for table salt and you only have sea salt or kosher salt, you can use them, but you’ll need to adjust the quantities because the grain sizes and saltiness can differ.

Add-ins

• Herbs and Spices: Depending on what you have and the flavor profile you’re aiming for, you can substitute or add additional flavors to the waffles with dried or fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or chives or spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.

Toppings

• Alternative Toppings: If you are looking for something other than the usual syrup, you can opt for salsa, sour cream, chutney, or a savory spread to match the cheese flavor in your waffles.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Wise Cheese Waffles recipe promises the nostalgia of the original snack with the satisfaction of a DIY endeavor. Whether it’s a special treat for your family movie night or a savory snack for a gathering, these cheese waffles will surely bring joy and a touch of nostalgia to any occasion.

More Waffle Recipes:

• Copycat Kodiak Chocolate Chip Waffles Recipe
• Copycat Krusteaz Cinnamon Churro Belgian Waffle Mix Recipe
• Kodiak Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix Recipe
• Hungry Jack Waffle Recipe