Pizza night just got a delicious makeover! These Pizza Stuffed Waffles combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible handheld treat. Imagine biting through a crispy, golden waffle exterior to discover a gooey, cheesy pizza filling inside – it’s the ultimate fusion food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights, fun weekend brunches, or even as an appetizer for game day gatherings, these savory waffles deliver all the flavors of pizza in a fun, dippable format. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite pizza toppings, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This
- No pizza delivery needed – these waffles come together in just 45 minutes
- Crispy exterior with a melty, cheesy interior creates the perfect texture contrast
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together as a family activity
- Easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and fillings
- Portable and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 50g sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay.
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly coat with cooking spray. Ladle batter into the waffle iron and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove waffles from iron and let cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each waffle in half horizontally to create top and bottom pieces.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly on the bottom half of each waffle. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Place the topped waffle halves under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from broiler and carefully place the waffle top halves over the melted cheese and pepperoni. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni and adding more veggies like mushrooms, olives, or spinach.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the batter or use spicy pepperoni.
- Prepare the batter up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; just give it a quick stir before using.
- Try different cheese combinations like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
- Make mini versions in a smaller waffle maker for perfect appetizer portions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Pizza Stuffed Waffles with a side of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. They also make excellent partners to a cup of tomato soup for a comforting lunch combo.
For a fun pizza party, set up a waffle bar with various toppings and let everyone create their own custom pizza waffle creations!
Notes
- Waffles are done when they’re golden brown and release easily from the waffle iron.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze cooled waffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
FAQs
Can I make these without a waffle iron?
While a waffle iron gives the best results, you can adapt this recipe to make pizza pancakes in a skillet instead.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of the waffles?
Make sure to keep the fillings in the center of the batter and don’t overfill. Using a slightly thicker batter also helps contain the fillings.
Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of waffle batter?
Yes, though the texture will be different. Roll the dough thin, add toppings, fold over, seal edges, and cook in the waffle iron until crispy.
Are these suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in freezer bags. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
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