These Bacon and Cheese Loaded Hash Brown Waffles are a crispy, cheesy delight! Packed with bacon and gooey cheese, they make breakfast feel like a special treat.
Who knew hash browns could get even better? I love serving these with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions. Double yum! 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns make this recipe easy and quick. If you prefer fresh, you can shred your own potatoes. Just remember to soak them to remove starch and ensure crispiness.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds that melty, cheesy goodness. If you’re looking for something different, try mozzarella for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a kick!
Bacon: While crispy bacon is fantastic, you can replace it with turkey bacon for a lighter option or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can add a nice, smoky flavor here instead!
Green Onions/Chives: These add freshness! If you don’t have them on hand, you could use finely chopped regular onions, but use less as they have a stronger flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Waffles Are Perfectly Crispy?
The key to crispy waffles lies in the moisture level of the mix. Make sure to thoroughly drain your thawed hash browns; excess water will lead to soggy waffles. Here’s how to achieve the ideal crispiness:
- Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out leftover moisture from the hash browns.
- Don’t overfill the waffle iron; a scoop of 1/3 to 1/2 cup helps even cooking.
- Let the waffles cook until they’re golden brown—don’t rush to open the waffle maker too soon!
Following these tips will help you get light and crispy hash brown waffles every time!
Bacon And Cheese Loaded Hash Brown Waffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (plus extra for garnish)
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or oil for waffle iron
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup or hot sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, depending on your waffle iron. In total, you can enjoy these delicious waffles in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron. Once it’s hot, spray it lightly with cooking spray or brush it with oil to help prevent the waffles from sticking.
2. Mix the Hash Brown Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained hash browns with the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (make sure you save some for the toppings!), and the chopped green onions or chives. Stir to mix everything well.
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. This will act as the binding agent for your waffles.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown mixture. Gently fold it all together, making sure everything is evenly coated and combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Cook the Waffles:
Spoon a portion of the mixture into the preheated waffle iron (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per waffle, depending on the size of your iron). Close the lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the hash brown waffles from the iron and place them on a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining mixture until all waffles are cooked. Top each waffle with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh chives. For an extra treat, drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce, and serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy bacon-loaded hash brown waffles—perfect for a savory breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, peel and shred them, then soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to reduce starch. Make sure to drain and squeeze out any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt per egg. For a vegan option, try using a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and letting it sit until it thickens.
How Should I Store Leftover Waffles?
Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the toaster until crisp or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mixture ahead of time! Just combine the ingredients and refrigerate them for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat your waffle iron and follow the cooking steps as usual!
