Delicious savory Italian waffles recipe

Posted: June 22, 2025 Last modified: June 24, 2025
Delicious savory Italian waffles recipe

If you love waffles, you’re going to really love these Italian savory waffles. I’ve been taking my waffle iron out of the cupboard surprisingly often lately. I’ve made whole wheat waffles several times.

Last time, I decided to try giving the waffles a savory twist. Since I love Italian cuisine, I made Italian-style savory waffles. I added Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the batter. They’re delicious, especially when they’re still warm.

I eat these waffles on their own because I don’t think they need anything extra. This also makes them a great snack to take with you.

Why this recipe works

  • Surprising waffle recipe – if you’ve made waffles before this is a really different version due to the Italian herbs and the Parmesan cheese that is added
  • Easy to adjust – apart from being a really simple easy recipe, you can also adjust it very easily to your own taste

Recipe ingredients

The main ingredients are listed below with possible additions and substitutions. For the full details and quantities make sure to check the recipe card below. You will also need a waffle maker to make the waffles.

  • all purpose flour – I like using plain flour for this but you could substitute for spelt flour if you prefer. If you do the end result will be firmer and possibly a bit drier.
  • Parmesan cheese – I love the flavor of parmesan cheese but you could easily substitute for another kind of cheese. I love it with pecorino as well, but grated cheddar would work too.
  • Italian herbs – you can choose any kind you like. I use dried herbs but fresh would work as well. Think oregano, basil, thyme or even rosemary.
  • milk – I use regular whole milk but you can also use plant-based milk if you prefer
  • sun-dried tomatoes – this is a great addition. If you don’t like sun-dried tomatoes changing it for roasted bell peppers is also a good twist

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How to make the savory Italian waffles

Step 1: Make the batter

Making the batter for the waffles is super easy to do. You first mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. I count the tomatoes and the cheese also as dry which they technically are not, but they are added into the batter with the first step. Next add the vegetable oil, the egg and the milk. Mix it all together until you have a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Heat your waffle maker

This might seem like a simple step, but you’d be surprised at how many people get impatient and start to bake their waffles in a waffle iron that is not hot enough. Wait for the signal (depending on the machine) so that the machine is hot enough. Now brush your iron properly with either melted butter, oil or use a cooking spray.

Step 3: Add the batter to the machine

Now it is time to bake those delicious savory Italian waffles. I use an ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop to get evenly sized waffles. Place the batter in the middle of the iron and gently close it.

Don’t worry if your batter is in the middle. It doesn’t make a difference as it will spread to the edges. How long your waffles need to become golden brown depends on your machine, so keep an eye on things.

Step 4: Let them cool

One thing that always surprises people is the fact that waffles, straight out of the machine are limp and not crunchy. Just like cookies they need a bit of time to firm up. Place them on a cooling rack and give it a few minutes and they will firm up.

Make sure to let them rest in a single layer. And that’s it! They’re delicious as they are but you can also serve them with a fried egg for instance.

Storing Italian savory waffles

Storing outside of the fridge

You can store the waffles in an airtight container outside of the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheating is easy to do in a toaster or in the oven.

Storing in the freezer

If you want to keep them longer, it helps to store them in the freezer. Make sure to wrap them individually for easier defrosting. That will make for a perfect easy snack or savory breakfast.

Want to try real Dutch waffles? Try these stroopwafels!

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Italian savory waffles FAQ

What ingredients are typically used for making savory Italian waffles?

Savory Italian waffles often include a base of flour, eggs, and milk, combined with flavorful add-ins like Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, Italian herbs (basil, oregano), garlic, and sometimes vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.

Can I use a regular waffle batter for savory waffles?

Yes, but you’ll want to modify it by reducing or removing sugar and adding salt, herbs, and savory mix-ins like cheese or meats. The batter should be thick enough to hold up but still pourable.

How do I keep the waffles from sticking to the waffle iron?

Be sure to preheat your waffle iron and coat it with non-stick spray or brush it with oil before each batch. Cheese can cause sticking, so avoid overloading the batter.

What should I serve with savory Italian waffles?

They’re great topped with poached eggs, pesto, marinara sauce, or a balsamic glaze. You can also serve them with salad, roasted veggies, or even soup for a light meal.

 

Savory Italian waffles

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Savory Italian Waffles

Try a savory waffle instead of a sweet one. These waffles have an Italian twist.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 8 waffles

Ingredients 

  • 200 grams all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
  • 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
  • 45 grams finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 200 ml milk
  • 3 tablespoons sunflower oil

Equipment

  • Waffle maker

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, cheese, and tomatoes together. Add the egg, milk, and sunflower oil. Whisk until smooth.
  • Heat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Use an ice cream scoop to fill the waffle iron with batter, using one scoop per waffle. Close the iron and bake the waffles until golden brown. The time it takes varies depending on the waffle iron, so keep an eye on them.
  • Place the waffles on a wire rack to cool, or eat them right away while they’re still warm.
Tips

Freezing the waffles? Freeze them individually so they're easy to grab as a snack on the go.
How to store

Well-packaged waffles will keep for three to four days outside the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

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