Bacon, Cheese, and Scallion Waffles: The Perfect Savory Breakfast

These savory brunch treats bring balanced umami, crunch, and creaminess to every bite.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 19, 2025

These savory brunch treats bring balanced umami, crunch, and creaminess to every bite.

Bacon, Cheese, and Scallion Waffles: Savory Brunch Elevation

If you’re searching for a savory breakfast that redefines the classic waffle experience, look no further than bacon, cheese, and scallion waffles. Loaded with crisp bacon bits, sharp cheddar, and fresh scallions, these waffles balance salt, fat, and crunch for a deeply satisfying meal. Read on for a breakdown of what makes these waffles remarkable, a step-by-step recipe, key flavor and texture tips, serving suggestions, customization ideas, and answers to frequently asked waffle questions.

Why Savory Waffles?

The well-known waffle is usually a vessel for sweetness—but swapping out sugar for cheese and scallions, you unlock a new breakfast dimension. The smoky bacon delivers protein and umami, sharp cheese melts into gooey pockets, and scallions add a bright herbal note. All together, these ingredients transform a simple waffle from bland to crave-worthy.

Core Benefits of Savory Waffles

Versatility: Pairs with eggs, fried chicken, or salads for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Balanced flavors: Satisfying salty crunch with creamy cheese and zesty scallion.
Meal prep: Waffles reheat well, making them ideal for batch cooking.

Recipe Overview: Bacon, Cheese, and Scallion Waffles

This recipe starts with a classic buttermilk-based waffle batter, optimized for crisp edges and soft interiors. The batter is studded with bacon, cheese, and scallions for maximum savory delivery. Cooking in a well-heated waffle iron ensures the cheese melts and the bacon crisps, producing waffles with deep flavor and stellar texture.

Ingredients

2 cups (254g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (20g) cornstarch – for crispness
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional for balance)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups (475ml) buttermilk – for tenderness and tang
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
6 ounces (about 170g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 cup (45g) scallions, sliced thin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain and chop into small pieces.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
Make Batter: Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined (do not overmix).
Add Flavorings: Fold in bacon, cheese, and scallions gently with a spatula.
Preheat Waffle Iron: Heat iron according to manufacturer’s instructions until very hot.
Cook Waffles: Ladle batter into iron, spread evenly, and cook until deeply golden and crisp (typically 5-7 minutes—steam should have subsided).
Serve: Transfer waffles to a rack if holding. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Pro Tips for Perfect Waffles

Crisp Texture: Resting the batter (10-30 minutes) allows the flour to hydrate fully and starches to develop.
Hot Iron: Start with a fully preheated waffle iron for best rise and golden crust.
Don’t Overmix: Minimal mixing keeps waffles light and tender.
Keep Warm: Finished waffles can be held in a low oven (200°F) on a wire rack for serving a crowd.
Storage: Let leftovers cool before refrigerating. Re-crisp in toaster or oven before serving.

Ingredient Breakdown: Why They Matter

Ingredient	Purpose	Substitutions
Buttermilk	Adds tang & promotes tenderness. Its acidity activates baking soda.	Plain yogurt thinned with milk, or milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon
Bacon	Salty, smoky crunch and fat	Cooked sausage, pancetta, veggie bacon
Cheddar Cheese	Melts for pockets of gooey flavor	Any melting cheese: mozzarella, Swiss, provolone
Scallions	Add fresh, oniony brightness	Chives, shallots, red onion
Cornstarch	Boosts crispness	Rice flour, potato starch

Customizing Your Savory Waffle

One of the signature features of this recipe is its flexibility. Swap in different meats, cheeses, or herbs to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Vegetarian: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers; use vegetarian cheese.
Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the batter.
Greens: Mix in chopped spinach, arugula, or kale for color and nutrition.
Different Cheeses: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, smoked Gouda for varied flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 blend or use oat flour and cornstarch.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon, cheese, and scallion waffles are impressive on their own but pair well with a range of accompaniments for a true brunch spread:

Fried or poached eggs for extra richness
Avocado slices or guacamole
Fresh greens or a light salad for contrast
Hot sauce, salsa, or herbed yogurt sauce for tang
Grilled or roasted tomatoes

For a dinner twist, use the waffle as a base for fried chicken, pulled pork, or grilled vegetables, making it an all-purpose savory canvas.

Waffle Science: How To Get Them Just Right

The magic of waffles lies in the interplay between batter composition, cooking process, and mix-ins. Understanding the science behind the crisp exterior and soft center can help you perfect your technique.

Leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda work with buttermilk to produce rise and airy crumb.
Eggs: Provide structure and aid browning; separating and whipping them can yield fluffier waffles.
Cornstarch: Absorbs moisture for crunchier edges.
Fat: Butter adds tenderness; bacon’s fat distributes throughout the batter for flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Cool waffles on rack; store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezing: Lay flat on parchment-lined sheet; freeze, then transfer to bags—keeps for 2 months.
Reheating: Use toaster or hot oven (400°F) for best crispness; avoid microwaving which softens texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A: Yes, buttermilk adds tang and tenderness. For a substitute, mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.

Q: How can I keep waffles warm while serving a crowd?

A: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F). This prevents sogginess and maintains crispness.

Q: What’s the difference between Belgian and regular waffles?

A: Belgian waffles are thicker, fluffier, and have deeper pockets—perfect for holding chunky fillings like bacon and cheese. Regular waffles are thinner with a denser crumb.

Q: Can I omit bacon or use alternatives?

A: Absolutely. Try cooked sausage, smoked salmon, or roasted vegetables for other flavor profiles.

Q: What’s the secret to crispy waffles?

A: Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly, rest the batter, and avoid stacking hot waffles, which creates steam and softens them.

Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead?

A: Most waffle batters (especially those with baking soda) are best cooked right away, but you can prep dry and wet ingredients separately in advance and combine just before cooking.

Q: Are these waffles freezer-friendly?

A: Yes. Freeze cooled waffles in a single layer, then stack; reheat in oven or toaster for crispness.

Nutrition & Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch.
Low-Lactose: Substitute cheeses and buttermilk with lactose-free or plant-based versions.
Vegetarian: Use plant proteins (beans, tofu) or extra veggies for meatiness.
Keto-Friendly: Swap flour for almond or coconut flour and reduce overall carbohydrates.

Expert Variations for the Adventurous Cook

Herbed waffles: Add finely minced rosemary, thyme, or dill for garden-fresh aroma.
International twists: Substitute cheese with Gruyère and add a touch of Dijon for French flair; swap bacon for Spanish chorizo and add smoked paprika.
Brunch board: Serve mini waffles with dipping sauces, seasoned crema, or pickled onions for a fun party platter.
Sandwich: Use two waffles as sandwich bread for egg, ham, avocado, or finely sliced steak.

Common Waffle Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Dense waffles: Overmixing the batter develops gluten; stir gently until just combined.
Soggy waffles: Too much moisture, insufficient heat, or stacking; use a rack and hot iron.
Nonstick issues: Grease the waffle iron lightly if batter sticks, and allow sufficient preheat.
Burnt cheese: Sprinkle cheese inside the waffle batter, not directly on the hot iron to prevent burning.

Recommended Tools & Equipment

Reliable waffle iron: Nonstick models are easiest to use and clean; size depends on desired thickness.
Wire rack: Essential for cooling and crisping finished waffles.
Large bowls: For mixing batter and folding in fillings.
Rubber spatula: Allows gentle mixing and folding of sensitive batter/prevents deflation.

Savory Waffles: The Ultimate Breakfast Upgrade

Bacon, cheese, and scallion waffles aren’t just a recipe—they’re a strategy for bringing excitement back to breakfast and brunch. Their adaptability, meal-prepping convenience, and crave-inducing flavors make them instant classics for anyone seeking a break from the sweet and plain. Experiment with fillings, toppings, and accompaniments to tailor these golden waffles to your tastes and dietary needs.

Bacon, Cheese, and Scallion Waffles: The Perfect Savory Breakfast

Bacon, Cheese, and Scallion Waffles: Savory Brunch Elevation