Crispy & Fluffy Sweet Potato Waffles: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Holiday Leftover Breakfasts
Discover a truly delightful and incredibly delicious way to transform your leftover holiday sweet potatoes into something spectacular: these Sweet Potato Waffles. Imagine waffles that are perfectly crisp on the outside, wonderfully fluffy on the inside, and surprisingly easy to whip up! Each bite is a symphony of flavors, perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon, aromatic nutmeg, comforting allspice, a hint of cloves, and a touch of zesty ginger. Their natural sweetness is beautifully enhanced by rich brown sugar, creating a breakfast or brunch item that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a post-holiday treat or just a unique twist on your morning meal, these sweet potato waffles are guaranteed to impress, making them a fantastic fall and winter breakfast staple.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Sweet Potato Waffle Recipe
- These sweet potato waffles offer a truly fabulous and creative solution to utilize leftover mashed sweet potatoes from your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal. Instead of letting those perfectly good sweet potatoes go to waste, you can transform them into a brand-new, exciting dish that feels completely fresh and intentional. It’s an ingenious way to reduce food waste while extending the delicious flavors of the holidays into your breakfast routine. This recipe makes repurposing leftovers a joy, not a chore, offering a healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Prepare for a taste experience that is both buttery and incredibly fluffy, delivering a texture that makes these waffles stand out from ordinary breakfast options. What truly elevates them is the impeccable balance between warming spices and natural sweetness. The carefully selected blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and ginger creates a comforting aroma and flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the subtle earthiness of sweet potatoes. Top them generously with a drizzle of rich maple syrup, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a pat of our homemade copycat Texas Roadhouse cinnamon honey butter for an unforgettable breakfast indulgence.
- You’ll be amazed at how straightforward it is to make these sweet potato waffles. The recipe is designed for ease, meaning you likely have all the necessary ingredients already in your pantry or fridge right now. This accessibility makes it a perfect spontaneous breakfast or brunch idea, eliminating the need for a special grocery trip. The steps are simple and intuitive, making this a rewarding cooking experience for beginners and seasoned chefs alike, ensuring crispy, golden waffles every time.
Expert Chef’s Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Waffles
- If you’re not using pre-made leftover mashed sweet potatoes and are instead cooking sweet potatoes specifically for this recipe, meticulous preparation is key. First, you’ll want to peel them thoroughly, then chop them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking. Next, boil them until fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes. Once the boiled sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, they’re perfectly ready to mash. For an even richer flavor, consider roasting or baking your sweet potatoes instead of boiling. This method often concentrates their natural sugars, resulting in a deeper, more caramelized taste. Ensure they are mashed until completely smooth for the best waffle batter consistency.
- Achieving a truly smooth batter is essential for light and evenly cooked waffles. Try to eliminate as many lumps from your batter as possible, especially any flour pockets or unmashed sweet potato chunks. If you find yourself short on time or prefer a smoother consistency without much effort, consider using a blender or food processor to combine all the wet and dry ingredients (excluding the egg whites) together. This quickly creates a homogeneous mixture. Once blended, remember to gently fold in the whipped egg whites as instructed below; this step is crucial for adding airiness and achieving that desired fluffy texture without overmixing.
- The key to perfectly crispy waffles that don’t stick to the iron is proper preheating. Make absolutely sure your waffle iron is 100% preheated before you add any batter. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that signals when it’s ready. A hot iron immediately begins to crisp the batter upon contact, creating a golden-brown exterior and preventing the batter from seeping into cool crevices and sticking. That way, you know your sweet potato waffles will cook evenly on both sides and achieve that desirable crispness we all love. Don’t forget to lightly grease the iron with neutral-tasting cooking spray, even if it’s non-stick, to guarantee a flawless release.
Why Sweet Potatoes are Perfect for Waffles
Sweet potatoes aren’t just for holiday casseroles and side dishes; they are an extraordinary ingredient for breakfast items, especially waffles! Their natural sweetness, vibrant color, and creamy texture integrate beautifully into waffle batter, lending a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and slightly exotic. Beyond taste, sweet potatoes are packed with nutritional benefits, including high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber. This means you’re not just enjoying a delicious breakfast, but one that also offers a healthy start to your day. The moisture from the mashed sweet potatoes also contributes to the waffles’ tender interior, while allowing the exterior to crisp up beautifully in the waffle iron.
Creative Topping and Serving Suggestions for Your Waffles
While these sweet potato waffles are incredibly flavorful and satisfying on their own, they truly shine with the right toppings. Beyond the traditional maple syrup, consider elevating your waffle experience with these creative and delicious ideas, catering to both sweet and savory preferences:
- Classic Sweet Indulgence: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream paired with a medley of vibrant fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or thinly sliced strawberries.
- Decadent & Nutty Crunch: A rich drizzle of warm maple syrup complemented by crunchy chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of our homemade Glazed Pecans for an extra special touch of sweetness and texture.
- Spiced & Buttery Bliss: Melted butter combined with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and brown sugar, allowing the warming spices to truly sing and enhance the sweet potato flavor.
- Fruity & Fresh Combinations: Sliced bananas, a swirl of creamy peanut butter, or even a spoonful of spiced apple butter for added fruity notes and a comforting taste.
- A Surprising Savory Twist: For those who enjoy a savory breakfast, top your sweet potato waffles with a perfectly fried egg, crispy bacon, or a sprinkle of fresh chives and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. The combination of sweet and savory is unexpectedly delicious and hearty!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Sweet Potato Waffles
These sweet potato waffles are so good, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, or if you’re planning to make a larger batch for convenient meal prep throughout the week, proper storage is simple and ensures they stay delicious. Allow any leftover waffles to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy from trapped steam. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They will keep perfectly fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2-3 months. To reheat and bring back their delightful crispness, simply pop them into a toaster, a toaster oven, or even back into your waffle iron until crispy and warmed through. This method makes them taste almost as fresh and delicious as when they were first made, providing a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Waffles
- Can I use canned sweet potato puree? Yes, absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree (make sure it’s plain, not pie filling or sweetened) is a fantastic shortcut if you don’t have fresh mashed sweet potatoes or leftover holiday mash readily available. Ensure it’s well-drained if it seems too watery, as excess moisture can affect the consistency of your waffle batter.
- Can I make these waffles gluten-free or dairy-free? Yes, this sweet potato waffle recipe is quite adaptable to dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a dairy-free option, use a neutral-tasting oil (like avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or vegetable oil) instead of melted butter, and opt for your preferred plant-based milk (almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work wonderfully).
- How do I ensure my waffles are extra crispy? Several factors contribute to achieving that coveted extra crispy waffle. Firstly, always ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding any batter. Secondly, avoid overfilling the iron; leaving a little room allows steam to escape efficiently, promoting crispness. Thirdly, resist the urge to open the waffle iron too early; let it cook until the steam subsides significantly. Lastly, ensuring your melted butter or oil is well distributed in the batter can help. Serving immediately after cooking is also key, as waffles tend to soften as they cool.
- What if I don’t have all the individual spices for pumpkin pie spice? No problem at all! Pumpkin pie spice is essentially a convenient blend of warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. If you have these individual spices in your pantry, you can easily make your own blend. A common homemade ratio is 2 parts cinnamon, 1 part ginger, 1 part nutmeg, 1/2 part allspice, and 1/4 part cloves. Alternatively, if you’re missing a few, simply using extra ground cinnamon and nutmeg will still yield a wonderfully aromatic and delicious, slightly simpler flavor profile for your sweet potato waffles.
More Incredible Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Healthy Lemon Muffins
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
- Instant Pot Oatmeal
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Country Omelette
- Tonga Toast French Toast Casserole
- Peanut Butter Pancakes
- Air Fryer Frozen Hash Brown Patties
- Smoked Salmon Omelette
- Keto French Toast
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Paleo Pancakes
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Sweet Potato Waffles
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh baking soda
- 2 teaspoons fresh baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice store-bought or make your own
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large egg yolks yolks from 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites whites from 2 large eggs
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup melted butter or neutral-tasting oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar dark or light
Equipment
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Large mixing bowl
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2 medium mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Hand mixer
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Large wooden spoon or silicone spatula
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Waffle iron
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Neutral-tasting cooking spray
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Cookie scoop with release handle or ladle, or measuring cup
Instructions
To Make the Sweet Potato Waffle Batter
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon fresh baking soda, 2 teaspoons fresh baking powder, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and no clumps remain. Set this bowl aside for later.
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Carefully crack two large eggs and separate the 2 large egg yolks from the 2 large egg whites. Place the egg yolks into one medium mixing bowl and the egg whites into a separate medium mixing bowl. Set the bowl of egg whites aside for later use in creating a fluffy texture.
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Into the mixing bowl with the egg yolks, add 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, ¼ cup melted butter (or neutral-tasting oil), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and ¾ cup milk of choice. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
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Now, transfer the wet ingredient mixture from the egg yolk bowl into the large bowl containing the dry ingredient mixture. Stir the mixtures together gently, just until all the ingredients are combined into a cohesive batter. Be sure to break up any small clumps of flour as needed, but avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough waffles. Set the batter aside.
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Retrieve the bowl of egg whites. Using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment (or a stand mixer), beat the egg whites on medium-high speed just until they become soft peaks. This means they will hold a gentle shape but still curl over at the tip.
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Add ¼ cup packed brown sugar to the bowl with the soft-peaked egg whites. Resume mixing with the hand mixer on high speed until the sugar is fully incorporated into the egg whites and they form stiff, glossy peaks. The peaks should stand straight up when the whisk is removed.
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Once the desired stiff peak texture for the egg whites is achieved, gently transfer the whipped egg white mixture to the bowl of waffle batter. Using a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula, delicately fold the egg white mixture into the waffle batter until it is just incorporated. Be extremely careful not to overmix, as this will deflate the egg whites and result in less fluffy waffles. The goal is to keep as much air in the batter as possible.
To Make the Sweet Potato Waffles
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Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is a crucial step for crispy waffles! Once the waffle iron is hot and ready (typically indicated by a light), lightly spray both sides of the waffle iron with a neutral-tasting cooking spray. Ensure you spray all sides and crevices thoroughly to prevent any sticking and ensure easy removal of your delicious waffles.
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Carefully portion the prepared sweet potato waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron mold. You can use a cookie scoop with a release handle, a ladle, or a measuring cup for this step, depending on your preference and the size of your waffle iron. Be mindful not to overfill the mold, as the batter will expand during cooking.
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Once the mold is adequately filled, gently close the waffle iron. Cook the waffles for approximately 5 minutes, or until your waffle iron is no longer steaming and the waffles have achieved a beautiful golden-brown color and are crispy on both sides. Cooking times can vary based on your specific waffle iron, so keep an eye on them!
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Using a fork or heat-proof spatula, carefully remove the cooked waffles from the waffle iron and transfer them to a large plate or a wire rack to keep them warm and prevent them from becoming soggy. Repeat this process until all the delicious sweet potato waffle batter has been cooked, making sure to spray the waffle iron with cooking spray as needed between batches to prevent sticking.
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When all the batter has been transformed into golden, crispy waffles, divide them into your preferred portions. Serve these delightful sweet potato waffles warm, immediately after cooking, with your desired toppings for the best experience. Enjoy every spiced, sweet, and fluffy bite!
Notes
- Yield: The total number of waffles made will naturally depend on the size and type of your waffle iron, as well as the amount of batter you use for each individual waffle.
- Make it Gluten Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour with an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Inspiring Toppings Suggestions
- Classic whipped cream and a burst of fresh berries or other seasonal fruit.
- A generous pour of pure maple syrup and a dollop of creamy butter for traditionalists.
- Melted butter combined with a delightful sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Crunchy chopped walnuts or pecans, beautifully paired with golden maple syrup.
- For an elevated touch, try our special Glazed Pecans to add an irresistible sweetness and crunch.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.