​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Stove Top Stuffing Waffles Recipe for Easy Holiday Sides

Remember those moments when your waffle iron sat gathering dust while you reached for the same boring breakfast options? I discovered something magical one Thanksgiving morning when I had leftover stuffing and a rebellious spirit in the kitchen. Turning classic Stove Top Stuffing Waffles into crispy, golden breakfast creations changed everything I thought I knew about comfort food. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a delicious hack that transforms humble boxed stuffing into restaurant-worthy waffles with crispy exteriors and fluffy, savory interiors. Whether you’re dealing with holiday leftovers or starting fresh, these savory waffles bring nostalgic flavors into an entirely new format that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Ingredients List

Base Ingredients:

• 1 box (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing mix (any variety)
• 1½ cups hot water or chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon
• ¼ cup sautéed mushrooms or onions
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Substitution Suggestions:

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix
• Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil and omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip meat additions

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 waffles (depending on waffle iron size)

Time Management Tip: While your stuffing mixture rests for 5 minutes, preheat your waffle iron and prepare any toppings or sides. This streamlines the process and ensures your waffles cook immediately when ready.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Stuffing Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix with hot water or chicken broth. The liquid should be steaming to properly hydrate the breadcrumbs. Stir thoroughly, then add the melted butter and cover the bowl with a plate or kitchen towel. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes—this resting period allows the bread cubes to absorb all the moisture and seasonings, creating that familiar stuffing texture we love. You’ll notice the mixture transforms from dry crumbs to a cohesive, aromatic blend. The kitchen will start smelling like Thanksgiving, which is exactly what you want.

Why this matters: Properly hydrated stuffing creates the right foundation for waffles that hold together without becoming mushy. Under-hydrated stuffing will create dry, crumbly waffles that fall apart.

2. Mix in the Binding Ingredients

Once your stuffing has absorbed the liquid and cooled slightly (you don’t want to scramble the eggs), add the beaten eggs, shredded cheese, and fresh parsley. Fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until completely combined. The mixture should look similar to a thick waffle or pancake batter, though obviously with visible stuffing texture. The eggs act as the binding agent that transforms stuffing into waffle-able batter, while the cheese adds richness and helps create those irresistible crispy edges. At this stage, you can fold in any optional add-ins like cooked sausage or sautéed vegetables.

What to look for: The consistency should be thick enough to scoop but moist enough to spread slightly when placed in the waffle iron. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time.

3. Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Iron

Set your waffle iron to medium-high heat and spray both plates generously with non-stick cooking spray—this step is crucial for stove top stuffing waffles because the mixture is stickier than traditional waffle batter. You might even want to brush a thin layer of melted butter or oil on the plates for extra insurance against sticking. Wait until the indicator light shows the iron is fully preheated; rushing this step leads to waffles that stick and tear when you try to remove them.

Pro tip: Even if you have a non-stick waffle iron, the stuffing mixture benefits from extra greasing. The cheese and bread can create sticky spots, so being generous with your spray pays off.

4. Cook the Waffles to Golden Perfection

Scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the stuffing mixture (depending on your waffle iron size) onto the center of the preheated waffle iron. Use a spatula to gently spread it toward the edges, but don’t overfill—the mixture won’t expand like traditional waffle batter. Close the lid gently and cook for 5-7 minutes without opening. You’ll hear an initial sizzle, which is the moisture meeting the hot plates. As it cooks, the sizzling will quiet down and you might notice steam escaping less frequently—these are signs your waffle is setting up nicely.

Visual cues: When you carefully peek (after at least 5 minutes), your stove top stuffing waffles should be deep golden brown with crispy edges. The waffle should release easily from the iron when ready. If it resists, close the lid and give it another minute.

5. Keep Warm and Repeat

Transfer your finished waffle to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. This prevents the first waffles from getting soggy while maintaining that coveted crispy texture. Repeat the greasing and cooking process with the remaining stuffing mixture. Depending on your waffle iron size, you should get 4-6 beautifully crispy waffles.

Chef’s secret: Placing waffles directly on the oven rack (instead of a baking sheet) allows air circulation underneath, keeping both sides crispy while they wait.

6. Serve Immediately

Serve your stove top stuffing waffles hot from the iron or warming oven. Top them with a pat of butter, a drizzle of gravy, a dollop of sour cream, or even a fried egg for breakfast. The exterior should shatter with a satisfying crunch when you cut into it, while the interior remains tender and flavorful with all those classic stuffing seasonings.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 waffle, without toppings):

• Calories: Approximately 220-250
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

These savory waffles provide a decent amount of protein from the eggs and cheese, along with energy-sustaining carbohydrates. The herbs in stuffing mix typically include sage and thyme, which contain antioxidants. Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on stuffing brand, add-ins, and toppings you choose.

Serving Suggestions

Stove top stuffing waffles shine as the centerpiece of a hearty brunch spread. Serve them topped with turkey gravy and cranberry sauce for a deconstructed Thanksgiving breakfast, or go the benedict route with poached eggs and hollandaise. For dinner, pair them with roasted chicken, green beans, and a simple salad. They’re also phenomenal as a base for pulled pork or as a side to replace traditional dinner rolls. A typical serving is one large waffle, though heartier appetites might enjoy two. Consider setting up a topping bar with gravy, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, and hot sauce for a fun, interactive meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not greasing the waffle iron enough: Stuffing mixture is stickier than regular waffle batter. Generous application of cooking spray prevents frustrating stuck-on messes and ensures your waffles release cleanly.

Opening the waffle iron too early: Patience is essential. Opening before the waffle has properly set causes it to tear apart. Wait at least 5 minutes before checking, and look for reduced steam as your indicator.

Using stuffing that’s too wet: If you’re using leftover prepared stuffing, it might be too moist. Let it cool and if it seems soupy, mix in a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture before adding eggs.

Skipping the resting period: Those 5 minutes after mixing the stuffing with liquid aren’t optional—they ensure even hydration, which creates waffles with consistent texture rather than dry spots and soggy spots.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled stove top stuffing waffles in an airtight container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers for up to 4 days. The parchment prevents them from sticking together.

Freezer Storage: These waffles freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Arrange cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from freezing together.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a toaster or toaster oven to restore crispiness. You can also use a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but will sacrifice the crispy texture that makes these recipe so appealing.

Conclusion

Stove Top stuffing waffles prove that the best recipes often come from thinking outside the box—or in this case, outside the casserole dish. This creative twist on comfort food delivers all the nostalgic flavors you crave with an irresistible crispy-tender texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers or creating these savory waffles from scratch, you’re in for a treat that works any time of day. Give this recipe a try this weekend and discover your new favorite way to enjoy stuffing. Share your creations and any delicious variations you discover—the possibilities are truly endless!

FAQs

Can I make stove top stuffing waffles with leftover stuffing?
Absolutely! If you have prepared stuffing from a holiday meal, simply mix in beaten eggs (about 1 egg per cup of stuffing) and proceed with the waffle iron cooking method. If the mixture seems too wet, add breadcrumbs to reach the right consistency.

What’s the best waffle iron setting for these?
Medium-high heat works best for stove top stuffing waffles. Too low and they won’t crisp properly; too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks through. Most waffle irons with a browning dial should be set between 3-4.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Cook all the waffles, let them cool completely, then store in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat in a toaster or oven when ready to eat. They make excellent grab-and-go breakfast options when you’re short on time.

Do I have to use Stove Top brand stuffing?
Not at all. Any boxed stuffing mix works wonderfully—try cornbread stuffing for a Southern twist, or herb-seasoned varieties for different flavor profiles. Homemade stuffing also works if you have a favorite recipe.

Why are my waffles falling apart?
This usually means there aren’t enough eggs to bind the mixture, or the stuffing wasn’t hydrated properly before adding eggs. Make sure your stuffing has absorbed all the liquid and cooled slightly, then ensure you’re using the full amount of beaten eggs called for in the recipe.

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