Potato Waffles Recipe

Photo: Uncut Recipes

---

If you've been limiting potatoes to side dishes and salads, prepare to have your mind blown. Today, we're cooking up Potato Waffles, a delicious treat that will redefine your brunch game and even your snack time.

Yes, we're talking about waffles - but these aren't your regular syrup-drenched, dessert-like breakfast waffles. No, these are savory, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, filled with the hearty goodness of mashed potatoes. Imagine your favorite mashed potato dish turned into a mouthwatering waffle, the taste of potato, onion, and garlic perfectly combined in every bite.

Envision your kitchen, buzzing with anticipation as you melt butter in a skillet, sautéing onions and garlic till they become tender and fragrant. In another corner, the mashed potatoes wait patiently, ready to be transformed into something extraordinary. The aroma wafting from the skillet mingles with the familiar, comforting scent of potatoes, filling your kitchen with a warm, homey scent.

Now, think about the moment when the sautéed onions and garlic, mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, and seasoning meet, creating a unique batter. As you pour this batter into the heated waffle iron, the magic begins. With the close of the iron, those simple ingredients start their transformation into a golden brown, savory delight, their aroma promising a flavor explosion.

This is the Potato Waffles recipe, a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It's a testament to how versatile our everyday ingredients can be and a reminder of how a creative twist can turn something familiar into an exciting, tasty adventure.

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Mashed Potatoes: You have two choices: making mashed potatoes from scratch or using store-bought versions. Freshly made mashed potatoes from high-starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds will provide the best texture and flavor. However, if time is of the essence, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes, but avoid those with additional flavors as they might alter the end result.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Onion: Opt for a fresh medium-sized onion. When picking onions, make sure they feel heavy for their size and are firm. The skin should be tight and dry, and there should be no visible signs of mold or sprouting. Yellow onions are a good choice for this recipe as they caramelise well, adding a sweet flavor profile that complements the potatoes.

MAIN STEPS:

Onion and Garlic Sautéing: This step forms the flavor base of your waffles. Be sure to cook onions until they are fully translucent. This not only softens their texture but also sweetens them, as it allows the sugars to caramelize. The garlic should be golden but not browned, as overcooking garlic can give it a bitter taste.

Batter Mixing: When combining the ingredients, be mindful not to overmix the batter. This can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough waffles. Mix just until combined for a tender result.

Cooking Waffles: Keep an eye on your waffles as they cook. The time can vary based on your waffle iron's specific heat distribution and the thickness of your batter. Look for a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Your waffle iron may also have an indicator when the waffle is done.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Spread (United States): This classic combination often seen on bagels would also pair wonderfully with potato waffles. The smoky salmon and creamy, tangy cheese balance the earthy potato flavor.

Side Dish: Ratatouille (France): A stewed vegetable medley from the Provence region. Its blend of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes offers a colorful and flavorful contrast to the potato waffles.

Main Course: Coq au Vin (France): This classic French chicken dish cooked in red wine sauce with mushrooms and onions pairs beautifully with potato waffles, which can soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Second Course: Sausage and Peppers (Italy): Italian sausages cooked with bell peppers and onions. The savory and slightly spicy flavors of this dish would complement the mild taste of the potato waffles.

Dessert: Apple Compote (Germany): This simple dessert made from stewed apples and spices adds a sweet and tangy note that pairs surprisingly well with potato waffles for a sweet-savory dessert option.

Cake: Cheesecake (Japan): A slice of tangy, creamy cheesecake can be a delightful way to end a meal, especially when followed by the contrasting savory taste of a potato waffle.

Drink: Sekt (Germany): This German sparkling wine is a refreshing beverage choice. Its effervescence and light sweetness balance the earthy, savory qualities of the potato waffles.

ALTERNATIVES:

Starter: Potato Pancakes (Latkes) (Israel): Using a similar base of grated potatoes, these are shallow-fried until golden brown. They're typically served during Hanukkah but are enjoyable anytime.

Side Dish: Gnocchi (Italy): These small dumplings are made from potato, flour, and egg. They're a staple in Italian cuisine and can be served with a variety of sauces.

Main Course: American Shepherd’s Pie (USA / UK): This hearty pie has a savory filling of minced meat and vegetables, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes, then baked.

Second Course: Bubble and Squeak (United Kingdom): This traditional British dish is made from boiled potatoes and cabbage mixed together and pan-fried until crispy.

Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie (United States): A popular dessert in the Southern U.S., this pie uses sweet potatoes for a natural sweetness and creamy texture.

Cake: Potato Doughnuts (Spudnuts) (United States): These soft and airy doughnuts use mashed potatoes in the dough, offering a unique, moist texture.

Drink: Potato Milk (Ireland): A traditional Irish beverage made by boiling potatoes, then straining and adding sweetener. It is not commonly served these days, but it's a creative use of potatoes!

HISTORY:

Ah, the humble potato waffle - a delightful fusion of two food favorites that has carved out a niche in the culinary world.

While the exact origin of the potato waffle recipe is somewhat ambiguous, it's fair to say that it's a beautiful marriage of two food cultures: the Belgian tradition of waffles and the global recognition of potatoes as a versatile, nutritious staple.

The waffle, as we know, originated in medieval Europe, specifically in the region now known as Belgium. As for potatoes, they were first cultivated by the Inca Indians in Peru around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C., and made their way to Europe in the 16th century. By the 19th century, potatoes were a staple in the European diet, especially in Ireland, the UK, and the Low Countries, including Belgium.

This convergence likely led to the birth of potato waffles in the 20th century. The recipe could be seen as a form of using leftovers, as mashed potatoes from a previous meal could be mixed with a simple waffle batter, offering a hearty twist on the traditional waffle.

These waffles found a unique place in Ireland and the UK, where they have been mass-produced and frozen since the 1980s, becoming a beloved convenience food. Usually served as a side dish, they're particularly popular among children due to their fun shape and ease of preparation.

Meanwhile, in America, potato waffles became a trendy brunch item, often served with sour cream, chives, and even caviar for a luxurious touch. Some chefs have pushed the envelope, using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones, or even topping them with pulled pork or fried chicken to make a complete meal.

TIPS:

Use a Ricer or Food Mill: To achieve the smoothest possible mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of mashing them with a fork or masher. This will ensure there are no lumps in your potato waffles.

Caramelized Onions: Instead of just sautéing the onions until they are tender, consider caramelizing them for a deeper, sweeter flavor. This involves cooking the onions on low heat for a longer period until they turn a rich, caramel color.

Cheese Addition: Consider adding grated cheese (like sharp cheddar or Gruyere) to the batter for an extra savory twist. The cheese will melt inside the waffles during cooking, creating pockets of gooey goodness.

Herbaceous Batter: Mix in finely chopped herbs like rosemary, chives, or parsley into the batter for added freshness and flavor.

Potato Variety: Different types of potatoes have different flavors and textures. Experiment with Yukon gold, russet, or red potatoes to see which you prefer.

Egg Whites: Similar to other waffle recipes, separating the egg, beating the egg white to stiff peaks, and then folding it into the batter can result in a lighter, airier waffle.

Potato Skin: For a rustic, nutrient-rich waffle, consider leaving the skin on the potatoes when you mash them. This will add a bit of texture and a lot of flavor.

Smoky Flavor: For an unexpected twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the batter. It will impart a lovely smoky flavor to the waffles.

Waffle Iron Techniques: If your waffle iron has adjustable settings, try setting it to a higher setting for a crisper exterior, or a lower setting for a softer, more tender waffle.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (4 Waffles) Cups (8 Waffles) Cups (12 Waffles) Cups (16 Waffles) Cups (20 Waffles) Cups (24 Waffles) Cups (32 Waffles) Imperial (4 Waffles) Imperial (8 Waffles) Imperial (12 Waffles) Imperial (16 Waffles) Imperial (20 Waffles) Imperial (24 Waffles) Imperial (32 Waffles) Metric (4 Waffles) Metric (8 Waffles) Metric (12 Waffles) Metric (16 Waffles) Metric (20 Waffles) Metric (24 Waffles) Metric (32 Waffles)

Directions:

01 - In a skillet or frying pan, melt the Butter over medium heat.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

02 - Add the Onion and Garlic to the melted Butter in the skillet. Stir them around, allowing them to cook until the Onion becomes tender. This process should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

03 - While Onion and Garlic are cooking, start preheating your Waffle Iron.

04 - Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed Onion and Garlic mixture you prepared in STEP 2, along with Mashed Potatoes, Eggs, Flour, Salt, and Black Pepper.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

05 - Stir all these ingredients until they are well mixed together. You're creating the Batter for your Waffles in this step.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

06 - Now, scoop out some of your Batter (the amount will depend on the size of your waffle iron) and place it into the center of the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid carefully.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

07 - Let the Batter cook inside the waffle iron until it turns golden brown. This typically takes between 3 to 5 minutes. The waffle iron will transform your batter into a crisp, savory Waffle.

08 - Serve Hot and Enjoy: Once your waffle is perfectly cooked, remove it carefully from the iron (be careful, as it will be hot), and it's ready to serve. These Potato Waffles taste best when served hot. Enjoy your homemade savory waffle!

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Notes:

Mashed Potatoes: This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. However, if starting from scratch, make sure your potatoes are well mashed and do not contain large lumps as these could interfere with the cooking process in the waffle iron.

Onion: You can substitute white onion with red onion or shallots depending on your preference. If you have a preference for a milder onion flavor, you could use a sweet onion variety.

Serving Suggestions: Potato waffles can be served as a breakfast item or a side dish. They pair well with sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.

Storing and Reheating: These waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a toaster, oven, or an air fryer to get them crispy again.

Freezing: To freeze, let the waffles cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the waffles to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, you can reheat the waffles straight from frozen in a toaster or oven until crispy and heated through.

Make-Ahead: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give it a quick stir before cooking your waffles.

---

---

Written by: Uncut Recipes

Disclaimer

---

---