Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly made waffles, golden and crispy, filling your kitchen with warmth. I remember the first time I made chaffles; it was a rainy day, and I needed something warm and satisfying. As I took my first bite, the fluffy texture and cheesy flavor made me realize that this easy recipe could be a staple in my home. Cottage cheese chaffles are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a smart choice for breakfast or a snack. What makes this recipe special is how you can easily customize it to fit both savory and sweet preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy!
why make this recipe
Making cottage cheese chaffles at home is a delightful way to indulge in a comforting, hearty dish while still keeping it nutritious. They are quick to prepare, meaning you can whip them up on a busy morning or when unexpected guests arrive. Plus, using cottage cheese adds a lovely richness without overwhelming calories. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that satisfies your cravings and impresses your family and friends.
how to make The Ultimate Cottage Cheese Chaffle
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs (room temperature recommended)
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for milder taste)
- 2 tbsp almond flour (optional — improves structure; omit for very low-carb)
- 1 tsp baking powder (for lift)
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional — for savory chaffles)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional — for savory chaffles)
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for extra crispiness; optional)
- 1–2 tsp sweetener (erythritol/stevia) or 1 tsp vanilla extract — only if making sweet chaffles
- Non-stick spray or additional melted butter (for greasing the waffle iron)
Directions
- Preheat your waffle maker or chaffle iron. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or brush with melted butter. Preheating ensures a crispy exterior.
- Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend for 15–30 seconds until relatively smooth — small curds are fine, but a smoother base produces a more uniform chaffle.
- Crack in 2 large eggs and blend again until completely combined. If you don’t have a blender, whisk vigorously in a bowl to combine cottage cheese and eggs, but a blender gives the best texture.
- Transfer the wet mix to a mixing bowl (or keep in the blender). Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp almond flour (if using), 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and optional spices (garlic powder and onion powder). Stir until evenly distributed. If making sweet chaffles, add sweetener and 1 tsp vanilla instead.
- Let the batter rest for 1–2 minutes — this allows almond flour (if used) to hydrate and baking powder to start activating. Meanwhile, ensure the waffle iron is hot.
- Pour or spoon the batter into the preheated waffle maker. Depending on your iron size, use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter per chaffle. Spread gently with the back of a spoon but don’t overfill — the mixture will expand slightly.
- Close the lid and cook for 3–5 minutes. Cooking time varies by iron — aim for golden brown edges and a set center. If your iron has a low/high setting, use medium-high for a crisp exterior.
- Use a fork to lift the chaffle out carefully. Transfer to a wire rack to avoid sogginess (air circulation keeps the crust crisp). Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing as needed.
- If finishing in the oven for extra crispiness, place cooked chaffles on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings. For savory: butter, avocado, eggs, bacon, or shredded chicken. For sweet: butter, sugar-free syrup, berries, or whipped cream.
how to serve The Ultimate Cottage Cheese Chaffle
Serve these chaffles warm for the best texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings, allowing you to tailor your meal to your taste. Enjoy them topped with avocado and poached eggs for a filling breakfast or drizzle with syrup and berries for a sweet treat.
how to store The Ultimate Cottage Cheese Chaffle
If you have leftovers, store your chaffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy later, reheat them in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.
tips to make The Ultimate Cottage Cheese Chaffle
- Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated for the best results. This helps achieve that crispy exterior.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Mozzarella makes for a milder chaffle, while sharper cheeses add a kick.
- If you want extra crispiness, consider adding melted butter to the batter or brushing the insides of the waffle maker with a bit of oil.
variation
If you want a different flavor profile, try adding ingredients such as chopped spinach for a veggie boost or spices like paprika for a hint of warmth. You can even create dessert versions with cocoa powder for a Swiss-chocolate chaffle!
FAQs
Can I freeze these chaffles? Yes! You can freeze the cooked chaffles. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make these without a waffle maker? Absolutely! You can cook the batter in a frying pan like pancakes, but cooking time may vary, and you won’t get that signature chaffle texture.
How can I make these chaffles sweeter? For a sweeter version, add a little more sweetener to the batter or top them with fruit, whipped cream, or sugar-free syrup after cooking.
Cottage Cheese Chaffles
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese 226g
- 2 large eggs Room temperature recommended
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Or mozzarella for milder taste (50g)
- 2 tbsp almond flour Optional — improves structure; omit for very low-carb
- 1 tsp baking powder For lift
- 1/4 tsp salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Optional — for savory chaffles
- 1/4 tsp onion powder Optional — for savory chaffles
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil For extra crispiness; optional
- 1-2 tsp sweetener Erythritol/stevia or 1 tsp vanilla extract — only if making sweet chaffles
- as needed Non-stick spray or additional melted butter For greasing the waffle iron
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your waffle maker or chaffle iron. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or brush with melted butter.
- Add cottage cheese to a blender and blend for 15-30 seconds until relatively smooth.
- Crack in the eggs and blend again until completely combined.
- Transfer the wet mix to a bowl. Add shredded cheddar, almond flour (if using), baking powder, salt, and optional spices. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Let the batter rest for 1-2 minutes while ensuring the waffle iron is hot.
Cooking
- Pour or spoon the batter into the preheated waffle maker, using about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of batter per chaffle.
- Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown edges and a set center.
- Use a fork to carefully lift the chaffle out and transfer to a wire rack.
- For extra crispiness, place cooked chaffles on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes.
Serving
- Serve warm with toppings of your choice.