Imagine biting into a golden, crispy waffle that’s not swimming in maple syrup, but instead bursting with savory cheese, aromatic herbs, and topped with delicate folds of prosciutto. These Savory Cheesy Herb Waffles are the sophisticated upgrade your brunch table has been begging for. Forget everything you thought you knew about waffles – we’re leaving the sweet territory behind and venturing into a culinary landscape where breakfast meets gourmet appetizer.
Perfect for those weekends when cereal just won’t cut it, or when you’re hosting friends who think they’ve seen it all when it comes to brunch innovations. These savory waffles strike the perfect balance between impressive and approachable – yes, they look like something from a fancy restaurant’s menu, but they’re surprisingly simple to whip up in your kitchen. The combination of sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and crispy prosciutto creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds (and your recipe).
The beauty of these savory waffles lies in their versatility. Serve them as a showstopping brunch centerpiece, cut them into quarters for elegant appetizers, or pack them for a gourmet picnic that will put everyone else’s sandwiches to shame. I’ve even been known to freeze extras (if there ever are any) and pop them in the toaster for a quick weekday breakfast that makes Monday morning slightly less painful.
What truly elevates these waffles is the careful balance of ingredients. The sharpness of aged cheddar plays against the delicate chives and aromatic thyme, while the prosciutto adds a salty punch that transforms these from merely good to absolutely memorable. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new signature dish – the one friends request when they come over, or the recipe everyone begs you to share at the next potluck.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/3 cup olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 8 slices prosciutto
- Crème fraîche or sour cream, for serving
- Extra herbs for garnish
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I recommend using the medium-high setting for that perfect golden exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then whisk in the buttermilk and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine – overmixing is the enemy of tender waffles.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, chives, thyme, and rosemary. The batter should be thick but still pourable.
- Lightly coat your preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
- Pour approximately 1/2 cup of batter into the center of the waffle iron (amount may vary depending on your waffle maker), then close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-5 minutes.
- While the waffles are cooking, crisp up your prosciutto by placing the slices on a baking sheet and broiling for 1-2 minutes until they just start to crisp around the edges. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly! Alternatively, you can serve the prosciutto as is for a softer texture.
- When each waffle is done, carefully remove it from the iron and place on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Resist the temptation to stack them!
- To serve, place a waffle on each plate, top with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream, drape the prosciutto artfully over the top, and garnish with additional fresh herbs and a crack of black pepper.
Chef’s Tips
The secret to truly exceptional savory waffles is in the details. For the crispiest exterior, make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated before adding any batter. If you’re serving a crowd, keep your finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet – this maintains their crispness while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the cheese varieties. While sharp cheddar provides that classic flavor punch, smoked Gouda adds an intriguing depth, and Gruyère brings a sophisticated nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the herbs. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or some finely diced jalapeños to the batter creates a wonderful contrast to the rich cheese.
If buttermilk isn’t in your fridge (when is it ever, really?), you can easily create a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. The resulting slightly curdled mixture works perfectly in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These savory waffles shine as the star of a sophisticated brunch spread, but they’re incredibly versatile. Try topping them with a perfectly poached egg and a drizzle of hollandaise for a creative twist on eggs Benedict. For a lighter option, serve with arugula tossed in lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.
If you’re entertaining, set up a waffle bar with various toppings so guests can customize their plates. Some excellent options include caramelized onions, roasted cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and different herb-infused crème fraîche varieties. A small bowl of high-quality olive oil for drizzling adds an elegant finishing touch that will have everyone thinking they’re dining at a five-star restaurant rather than your dining room.
For wine enthusiasts, these waffles pair beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. If you’re serving them for brunch, a classic mimosa works wonderfully, or try a savory Bloody Mary garnished with – what else? – a mini savory waffle on top. Now that’s Instagram-worthy brunch goals!
Whether you’re looking to impress weekend guests or simply elevate your own breakfast experience, these Savory Cheesy Herb Waffles with Prosciutto deliver on all fronts – impressive presentation, complex flavors, and the satisfaction of creating something truly special from simple ingredients. So dust off that waffle iron that’s been hiding in your cabinet, and prepare to fall in love with waffles all over again – this time, without a drop of maple syrup in sight.