When it comes to the world of food, there's a delightful concept that has been gaining traction in recent years: having breakfast for dinner. It's a rebellious yet utterly satisfying idea that breaks the traditional meal - time norms. And one of the most exciting ways to embrace this trend is by giving your waffles a savory makeover.
Waffles are typically associated with sweet toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruits, and whipped cream. But there's a whole other side to these crispy - on - the - outside, fluffy - on - the - inside treats. By sandwiching cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and basil between spoonfuls of batter, you can transform your waffles into a savory masterpiece fit for a dinner plate.
Let's start with the star of the show: the waffle batter. You can use a classic waffle batter recipe, which usually consists of flour, eggs, milk, butter, and a leavening agent like baking powder. However, for an extra savory kick, you can add a pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and even a bit of garlic powder to the batter. This will infuse the waffles with a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory fillings.
Next up is the cheese. There are so many options to choose from, each bringing its own unique flavor profile. Sharp cheddar is a popular choice, with its bold and tangy taste. Mozzarella, on the other hand, offers a stretchy and mild flavor that melts beautifully between the waffle layers. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a blue cheese for a more pungent and complex flavor. The key is to shred the cheese so that it melts evenly and creates a gooey, delicious center in the waffles.
Bacon is another essential ingredient in this savory waffle creation. Its crispy texture and smoky flavor add a wonderful contrast to the soft waffles. You can cook the bacon in the oven or on the stovetop until it's perfectly crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces so that it can be easily incorporated into the waffles.
Tomatoes bring a fresh and juicy element to the dish. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes and dice them into small cubes. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, creating a well - balanced flavor. You can also add a bit of basil to the mix. Fresh basil leaves have a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Tear the basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle them over the tomatoes.
Now, it's time to assemble the waffles. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour a small amount of batter onto the waffle iron, just enough to cover the bottom evenly. Then, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, followed by a handful of bacon pieces, some diced tomatoes, and a few basil leaves. Pour another layer of batter over the fillings, covering them completely. Close the waffle iron and cook the waffle until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Once the waffle is cooked, carefully remove it from the waffle iron and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve the savory waffle as is, or you can add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. The combination of the crispy waffle, the gooey cheese, the smoky bacon, the fresh tomatoes, and the fragrant basil creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
But the fun doesn't stop at waffles. You can also apply this savory concept to pancakes and French toast. For pancakes, you can follow a similar process, adding the cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and basil between the layers of batter. French toast can be given a savory twist by dipping the bread in an egg mixture that has been seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, and then topping it with the same savory fillings.
These savory breakfast - for - dinner options are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the fillings based on your personal preferences. If you don't like bacon, you could try using ham, sausage, or even grilled chicken. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and vegetables to create your own unique flavor combinations.
In conclusion, having breakfast for dinner is a fun and creative way to switch up your meal routine. By giving your waffles, pancakes, and French toast a savory twist, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that breaks away from the traditional sweet breakfast fare. So, the next time you're craving something different for dinner, don't be afraid to push your breakfast favorites to the savory side.
