These savory waffles are made with hummus and filled with sweet Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. They’re perfect for breakfast for dinner nights or when you’re craving waffles but want still want savory flavors in the morning.
If savory oatmeal and savory pancakes can be a thing, I see no reason why waffles can’t hop on that same train. Awhile back ago, I made hash brown waffles and while those are filled with savory Southwest flavors, they’re still basically just potatoes in waffle form. These savory waffles give you the classic waffle texture with savory add-ins so when you’re craving the doughy chew of a waffle, that’s exactly what you get.
I love the versatility of this recipe. Sometimes I eat it in pull apart sections and dip it in hummus. Other times, I top it with dressed greens (kind of like salad pizza) and call it dinner. They’re also great with a fried or poached egg on top for a hearty breakfast like these avocado pancakes.
Why You’ll Love These Savory Waffles
- Skip the maple syrup, butter and berries and satisfy a savory craving with these easy to make waffles thanks to the use of your favorite boxed waffle or pancake mix.
- With egg whites and sausage in the mixture, each waffle contains a respectable amount (8g) of protein.
- They store great so prepping a big batch and keeping some cooked on hand in the freezer is a smart idea for easy future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These savory waffles use a short list of flavorful ingredients that pack in richness, texture and herby balance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet Italian sausage: Adds savory, spiced depth and a satisfying bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring tangy, concentrated flavor that pops in every bite. I like to use the dried kind so it doesn’t affect the batter consistency as much as the ones packed in oil.
- Fresh basil: Adds bright, herbaceous notes that balance the richness of the savory flavors. You can use other herbs if you prefer.
- Pancake/waffle mix: Forms the base. Trader Joe’s multi-grain mix is a favorite but I’ve used others such as Birch Benders and Kodiak too with good results.
- Egg whites: Bind the batter while keeping the waffles airy and light.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps the batter come together smoothly.
- Hummus: Adds protein, creaminess and adds to the savory flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the waffles tender.
- Salt and pepper: To make all the flavors pop.
How to Make Savory Waffles
These savory waffles come together quickly with a one-bowl batter and a few flavorful mix-ins. The full recipe card and details can be found in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick run-down.
Preheat the Waffle Maker
Start by preheating the waffle iron so it’s hot and ready when the batter is prepped. You can use a regular or Belgian waffle maker. I prefer a Belgian waffle for it’s thick and chewy texture.
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine and whisk the pancake/waffle mix, egg whites, milk, hummus and olive oil. Fold in the cooked sausage, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The batter will be thick.
Cook the Waffles
Lightly grease the waffle maker with cooking spray and spoon the batter onto the iron cooking according to your waffle maker’s settings until it’s golden brown around the edges and easily releases from the waffle maker.
My Pro Tips
How to Make The Best Waffles
- Preheat the waffle maker fully before cooking to prevent sticking. I like to cook waffles on a medium-high heat.
- Use Belgian waffle plates if you like deep pockets for toppings. It’s great for runny eggs to seep into!
- Rest the batter for 5 minutes before cooking for better rise on the waffles.
- For big batches of waffles, heat your oven to the lowest setting and keep cooked waffles warm on a baking sheet in the oven while cooking the remaining batter.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Cheddar Waffles – Replace the Italian sausage with crumbled bacon and use grated cheddar cheese. Swapping chives for the basil goes well with this variation.
- Cheese Waffles – Boost the umami flavor with cheese, garlic powder and a touch of hot sauce. Cheesy waffles will crisp up nicely in the waffle maker. Don’t overdo the cheese though as things can get messy.
- While these savory waffles are more of a Mediterranean flavor combination, you can make the base waffle recipe by omitting the sausage, basil and sun-dried tomatoes and then top the cooked waffles with other savory options like avocado, smoked salmon and a dollop of sour cream for a killer brunch plate.
Storage and Prepping Ahead
Toaster: Reheat directly in the toaster for the best texture.
Fridge: Store cooled leftover waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or airtight container. The waffles will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Savory Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 link sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing and cooked, breaking into small pieces (or 1/4 pound bulk ground sausage)
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 cups pancake/waffle mix
- 1/3 cup egg whites
- 1 cup milk, any kind
- 1/2 cup plain hummus
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat waffle iron to a medium-high heat.
- Combine the waffle mix, egg whites, milk, hummus and olive oil in a large bowl and stir until combined and smooth.
- Add the cooked sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and basil and stir until incorporated into the batter.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. The batter will be pretty thick.
- Grease the waffle iron with baking spray then spoon the batter onto the waffle iron. Cook according to your waffle iron’s settings.
- Serve with additional hummus for dipping or spreading or, top with a fried egg.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Very good images. I love waffles
These waffles look absolutely delicious…with so many tasty possibilities. Adding hummus to waffles is such a genius idea.
Oh my, very nice!
I’ve been meaning to try adding hummus/tahini to unconventional things. Love these savorywaffles!
Wow, I never thought to put hummus in waffle batter. Genius!!
I love the way that you pumped these up with hummus. Its really very cool and innovative. Love the idea of these savory waffles. I’ve never made savory waffles before. First time I tried it but failed. Next week I again try and succeed. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
I’ve never made savoury waffles before! But they sure look delicious and I definitely need to try the recipe.
I really don’t understand people who don’t love hummus. It’s a separate food group in my house! So fun you got to go to Richmond- that’s my hometown but I didn’t know Sabra was there. Love the idea of these savory waffles! Such an interesting concept- looks awesome.