Waffles come in more styles than most people think. From crisp and buttery diner-style versions to thick stuffed waffles with bold fillings, there’s more to explore than just basic batter and syrup. Some go sweet with fruit or chocolate, others go savory with cheese, herbs, or even potatoes. Texture plays a huge role too, some bake soft and cake-like, while others snap at the edges and hold their crunch. These waffles use grains, mix-ins, and unexpected ingredients to push the idea past breakfast. Whether you’re using a standard press or shaping them with fillings, each one offers something solid, structured, and full of flavor.

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These waffles use buttermilk in the batter for a crisp exterior and soft center. The texture holds up under butter or syrup without getting soggy. A little sugar adds flavor without turning them sweet. They bake golden and come out with clean edges.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles – Just like the Diner!

Apple Pie Cheesecake Stuffed Waffles with Salted Caramel

Apple Pie Cheesecake Stuffed Waffles with Salted Caramel. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These are filled before cooking with a mix of apple pie filling and cheesecake cream, then finished with caramel drizzle. The outside bakes crisp while the center stays soft and rich. The contrast between crust and filling gives it structure. Every bite blends spice, fruit, and smoothness.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cheesecake Stuffed Waffles with Salted Caramel

Chestnut Waffles

Chestnut Waffles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chestnut flour adds richness and a nutty base to this batter, keeping the texture soft but sturdy. The flavor is mellow and slightly earthy. These waffles bake evenly and work well with either sweet or savory toppings. They slice clean and stack well.
Get the Recipe: Chestnut Waffles

Blueberry Oatmeal Waffles

Blueberry Oatmeal Waffles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Oats give the batter a heartier bite while fresh or frozen blueberries add pockets of juice. The outside stays crisp while the inside holds moisture. They don’t need much syrup thanks to the fruit. The batter holds shape and doesn’t run.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Oatmeal Waffles

Pumpkin Pecan Waffles

A plate of three pumpkin waffles topped with a pat of butter, syrup, and pecans.
Pumpkin Pecan Waffles. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Pumpkin puree and chopped pecans mix into the batter for waffles that are dense and full of texture. The edges brown well, and the center stays soft. The nuts add crunch without overpowering. Each bite balances richness and spice.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Waffles

Cheesy Bread Waffles

Cheesy Bread Waffles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This savory take mixes shredded cheese and herbs into a thick batter that bakes into bread-like waffles. The cheese melts inside and browns at the edges. The result is sturdy, chewy, and full of flavor. These hold shape and don’t need extras.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bread Waffles

Sweet Potato Waffles

An image of a stack of sweet potato waffles with cashews and dried fruits on top.
Sweet Potato Waffles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mashed sweet potato gives the batter color and structure, while keeping it soft inside. The outside browns well and holds its crispness. These waffles don’t need a lot of sugar to carry flavor. They freeze well and reheat cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Waffles

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A simple waffle batter that cooks into golden rounds or squares with a light, crisp crust. The texture is balanced between soft and firm. No strong flavorsm, just a clean base that works with anything. These bake fast and release easily from the iron.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Savory Hummus Waffles

Savory Hummus Waffles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hummus is blended into the batter for a thick, protein-rich version that bakes into soft savory waffles. The flavor is earthy and lightly seasoned. These work well topped with vegetables or served as a sandwich base. Each one holds shape without crumbling.
Get the Recipe: Savory Hummus Waffles

Easy Coconut Pandan Waffles Recipe

Crispy and fragrant waffles with a blend of coconut and pandan flavors on a white plate.
Easy Coconut Pandan Waffles Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Pandan paste and coconut milk give these waffles a bold green color and rich flavor. The crust crisps quickly while the inside stays soft and chewy. Coconut adds sweetness without needing sugar on top. These stand out without needing extras.
Get the Recipe: Easy Coconut Pandan Waffles Recipe

Gingerbread Waffles

Gingerbread Waffles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Molasses and spices mix into the batter for a waffle with strong flavor and deep color. The texture is slightly chewy with a firm edge. They hold up to butter or whipped cream. The flavor stays bold even without toppings.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Waffles

Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles

Close-up of golden brown waffles topped with blueberries, butter cubes, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a small mint leaf. A fork is partially visible in the foreground.
Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Cornmeal adds crunch and bite to a soft, buttery base. These waffles crisp at the edges and break clean. The flavor is subtle but rich. They work with syrup or stand alone.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles

Belgium Waffle For One

Belgium waffle for one with butter and blueberries.
Belgium Waffle For One. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A single-serve waffle with a thick batter that bakes into a soft interior and a crisp shell. The texture is dense but not heavy. It holds up well under fruit or toppings. Simple to mix and fast to cook.
Get the Recipe: Belgium Waffle For One

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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