Chaffles (cheese + waffle) are super fun. Even better? Making them...super easy. In their truest form, they literally take two ingredients and about ten minutes of total time (and only take seconds to eat). On top of all of that simplicity is the fact that chaffles are super low in carbs which makes them the PERFECT low carb snack. But they’re more than snacks. A whole LOT more! There are hundreds of variations you can do with chaffles. Chaffles are a favorite amongst individuals on the low carb and keto diets. So if you’re experimenting with keto or low carb, you’re going to want to keep reading.
The purpose of this beginner’s guide on how to make chaffles is to dive into the basic premise of the chaffle, share the recipe, instructions, explain how to make the best chaffles, give you a plethora of different ways to eat a chaffle (we have close to 20 listed below!), and then dish our secret chaffle tips and tricks. We also have a tasty twist on how to use Xyngular products on your next chaffle adventure. So buckle up, get those eyeballs and taste buds ready, and prepare to learn everything you need to know on how to make the best chaffles.
Basic Chaffle Recipe
The basic chaffle recipe is quite possibly the easiest recipe you’ll ever try. The recipe below makes about 2 small chaffles (if using a mini waffle maker), but it can easily be doubled for the same results. All you need is two ingredients: eggs and cheese.
Chaffle Ingredients
½ cup of your favorite cheese
1 large egg
Cheese Note: Mozzarella, Colby, Colby Jack, or Monterrey Jack work the best. But by all means, experiment with different cheeses and different recipe variations to find out what you like. For example, jalapeno cheddar might be a good twist if you want to use your chaffle as a taco wrap.
Egg Note: If you are not a fan of egg yolks, use two egg whites instead of one whole egg. Also, using egg whites instead of the yolk can cut back on the chaffle’s egginess texture which some don’t like as much as others.
Chaffle Cooking Instructions
Perhaps the hardest part about making chaffles is the cooking process. And calling it anything but easy is somewhat laughable. It’s almost the same exact steps as making regular ‘ol waffles. The basic chaffle recipe instructions are about 4 steps:
- First, prior to mixing all the ingredients, plug in the waffle maker to make sure it is fully pre-heated. You’ll most likely finish mixing ingredients before then. Having a properly heated waffle iron is essential.
- Second, whisk the egg (or egg whites) until the egg whites are incorporated with the yolk as one consistent texture.
- Next, stir in the finely shredded (or diced) cheese until all the cheese bits have been fully incorporated into the egg mixture. This next little nuanced sub-step is key to the perfect chaffle: Let the batter rest for a few minutes so it thickens up. Once again, let the batter rest. Now you have your basic chaffle batter ready for the iron. At this point, if you want to add any variations to the batter...this is when you want to add them.
- Next, if using a mini waffle maker place ¼ cup of the batter directly on the mini waffle maker iron. Use a ¼ cup measuring cup for the precise amount. Close the iron. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes (or until the steam stops escaping from the outside of the close waffle iron). If using a normal-sized waffle maker, use ½ cup of batter.
Once they’re finished cooking and you remove them from the waffle iron, let them sit for 1-2 minutes after taking the chaffle off the waffle maker.
Chaffle Nutritional Info
220 Calories
2g of net carbs
18g of fat
12g of protein
These are the nutritional facts for just one regular mini chaffle. You can easily see why the chaffle is a go-to option for those on a low carb or keto diet.
What Are Chaffles Made Of?
Chaffle = Cheese + Waffle. Those are the base ingredients. You can add layers and layers of various ingredients (all low carb and/or keto-friendly ingredients, of course) to fit your needs. Here are some popular chaffle variations: coconut flour, almond flour, flax meal, low carb almond meal, and psyllium husk. Adding these variations will make your chaffle more breadlike in texture. We have more ideas below in the section “What Do You Use Chaffles For” which is sure to spike your taste buds and appetite. If you’re wondering if the basic chaffle tastes like burned eggs and cheese...think again! They truly taste like a waffle.
Can You Use A Waffle Maker To Make Chaffles?
Yes! This is the best way to make a chaffle. Now, you can use a normal-sized waffle maker to make chaffles OR you can use a mini waffle maker (which is the best cooking vehicle in our opinion). If you want to use a chaffle for the bun on an open-faced sandwich or a bun for a Southwest turkey burger, using the mini waffle maker is ideal. If you don’t have one, you can find a mini waffle maker for around $15 at most supermarkets.
If you don’t have a waffle maker, don’t let that deter you from making these! It’s still possible to make a chaffle without the waffle maker. Mix all of your chaffle ingredients together like you normally would and scoop (or pour) the batter on a high-heat nonstick pan (use a ¼ cup measuring cup for precise pours) and heat until one side is golden brown. Then, strategically flip with a spatula. If you’ve made keto or low carb pancakes, it’s the same process. Another thing to note is the thicker the batter, the crispier the chaffle will be. If crispiness is key, add a little cheese directly to the waffle iron prior to adding the batter then top the batter with another little dab of cheese. We have more useful tips and tricks below in the section “Chaffle Tips and Tricks To Ensure The Best Chaffle Experience”.
How Do You Make Chaffles Taste Less Eggy?
One of the gripes we see from time to time about chaffles is they taste too eggy. And that’s okay. Some individuals don’t like the taste of eggs. Don’t worry...you’re in luck. There are a handful of ways to take the eggy taste out of the chaffle.
One of the easiest ways is to use just the egg white instead of the entire egg. That eggy flavor mostly comes from egg yolks so you’ll just want to omit them. Simply use 2 egg whites for 1 entire egg. The next clever way is to add 1-2 tablespoons of either almond flour, coconut flour, flaxseed meal, or psyllium husk powder.
Can You Freeze Chaffles?
Another beautiful thing about chaffles is you can freeze them. Simply place a cooked chaffle in a freezer bag with parchment paper in between each one, vacuum out as much air from the bag as possible (this usually means putting your mouth to a mostly-zipped Ziploc bag and sucking the air out of it), and they’re ready for the freezer. To reheat chaffles, you can defrost them in the microwave for about a minute or throw them in the toaster for one full cycle medium heat (time depends on the wattage of your microwaves and toasters).
What Do You Use Chaffles For?
Most chaffle-connoisseurs will use them as a substitute for low carb bread, wraps, or buns. They are very popular to use as a bun for sandwiches and hamburgers as well. But just recently, the chaffle as the main ingredient, the featured food in a recipe, is becoming more popular. In keto and low carb communities all over the web, we see the chaffle frequently popping up. It’s almost as if every day we see a new way to feature this low carb vessel.
Here are some delicious chaffle variations we’ve tried: Walnut Pumpkin Puree Chaffles, Chocolate Chip (yes there are low carb chocolate chips), Peanut Butter Chaffles, Chocolate Chaffles, Brownie Chaffles, the Strawberry and Whipped Cream Chaffle, Zucchini Bread Chaffle, Cauliflower Chaffle, Buffalo Cauliflower Chaffle, Bacon and Jalapeno Pepper Chaffles, the Chaffle BLT, Chaffle Bacon, and Egg Sandwich, Chaffle Bacon Burger, Chicken and Chaffles, Taco Chaffles, Southwest Turkey Burger on Chaffle Bun, Cheesy Garlic Chaffle Breadsticks, Pizza Chaffles, and the Garlic Parmesan Chaffle. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully, by now you have a good idea of how you can use chaffles in your meal plans for the low carb or keto diet. Bookmark this post in your browser because we will be updating it each time we come across a new rendition worth sharing. And while you’re at it, check out our Foods We Love list to uncover new ways to incorporate chaffles into your meal plan.
Chaffle Tips And Tricks To Ensure The Best Chaffle Experience
Whether you are an experienced chaffle-maker or a first-timer, there is always a new tip or trick you could learn to experience the best chaffles. It seems like every day there is a new twist or variation on these low carb miracles. Here are 5 incredibly useful tips you need to know when making chaffles.
#1: Use Finely Shredded Cheese
This will allow the batter to be more uniform in texture and allows for even cooking of all the ingredients. You’ll notice consistency in the texture of the chaffle. Some people like the crispy cheesy ends of a chaffle and if that’s the case, just add a little more directly to the waffle iron right before adding your batter. We actually like to dice all the ingredients (shredded cheese especially) before we mix them with the eggs.
#2: Don’t Overflow The Waffle Maker
This is a common mistake we see over and over again. If you’ve ever made waffles, then just follow the same process. If you’re using a mini waffle maker, you won’t want to go more than ¼ cup of batter (all ingredients if adding bacon bits, jalapenos, etc) at the same time. For a normal-sized waffle maker, use ½ cup of batter. A good rule of thumb is to underfill the waffle iron.
#3: Let The Waffle Maker Do The Work
Just be patient when these are cooking. If you are tempted to peek, just exercise a little patience and don’t. Every time you open the waffle maker to check it slows down the cooking process. Follow the recipe. When the steam stops escaping from the sides of the waffle maker, it’s most likely finished. Most recipes take about 3-4 minutes.
#4: Allow Chaffles To Cool
We get it. You’ve just made these mouth-watering delectables and you want to eat them! Trust us...they are so good! And that means the temptation to jump right in and eat right away is pretty high. Just exercise a little bit of patience again and allow the chaffles to cool a bit. They’ll actually increase in crispiness if you do.
#5: Keep A Clean Waffle Iron
You’ll most likely leave cheese crumbs or quite possibly have waffle crumbs or oil from the time before, so make sure you have a clean waffle iron at all times. Those leftover bits from the time before in your freshly cooked chaffle can taste rancid and are probably not good for you. Use a scrub brush, toothbrush, or wet paper towel when the waffle iron is warm to the touch for the best method of cleaning. Do not attempt to clean the waffle iron when it is hot.
Our Favorite Xyngular Additions To The Chaffle
We’ve been paying close attention to our Xyngular community and have seen a lot of our members talking about chaffles. This is exciting! A lot of you from our community post about chaffles and how they’ve quickly become your favorite. Sharing is caring and we love the enthusiasm from our Xyngular family. Even more thrilling is how you’ve incorporated Xyngular’s Lean into the chaffle repertoire. We’d love to say we came up with these chaffle additions with a Xyngular twist, but we’d be lying. These ideas came from you, but we figured we’d try them and share them so everyone could have the opportunity to try a Xyngular-inspired chaffle. Here is how you can easily add Xyngular Lean Vanilla and Chocolate to your chaffle recipes.
Lean Vanilla Chaffles Recipe
½ cup of your favorite cheese
1 large egg
1 Scoop of Lean Vanilla
¼ tsp of gluten-free baking powder
Lean Chocolate Chaffle Recipe
½ cup of your favorite cheese
1 large egg
1 scoop of Lean Chocolate
¼ tsp of gluten-free baking powder
Both of these Xyngular versions of the chaffle taste amazing by themselves. But just in case you want to add a little low carb flair to your chaffle dish, try adding whipped heavy cream (with no sugar added) and a low carb fruit like blueberries, peaches, blackberries, or strawberries. Don’t forget to bookmark this page in your browser and come back often to see all the chaffle updates we find. And if you have any chaffle recommendations, don’t hesitate to share them with us and our Xyngular community on Instagram and Facebook!
Xyngular Lean Protein Powders are absolute favorites when it comes to high-quality nutrition. Not only do they build lean muscle, but they curb hunger so that you stay fuller longer. You’re sure to love the ease and benefits of using Lean as an integral part of your healthy weight loss journey and in your chaffles! Contact your Xyngular Distributor or login to your Xyngular account and stock up on your favorite flavor of Xyngular Lean today!*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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