What can I put on my waffles?

What are some traditional waffle toppings?

The most traditional waffle toppings are typically the most simple ones.

Classic Belgian waffles (such as the caramelised Liège waffle) for example, are served with just a good dusting of powdered sugar.

Powdered sugar, which is also known as icing sugar, is granulated sugar that has been ground down into a very fine powder.

In America most waffles are served with maple syrup and/or a generous amount of butter (sometimes alongside other more extravagant toppings too).

For those people wanting a topping that is both traditional and on the healthier side, a fruit compote fits the criteria.

Allergy alert!

In addition to the major allergens amongst the main waffle ingredients (Milk, Cereals containing Gluten, Eggs), the popular topping of butter is also derived from Milk.

Are there any allergens in waffles, and what toppings should I avoid?

People with allergens should be wary when it comes to this dish - there are multiple allergen ingredients in waffles. Wheat flour (a Cereal containing Gluten), Milk, butter (also derived from Milk), and Eggs are major components in waffles, and they are all among the 14 major food allergens. Some other major ingredients in waffles are vanilla extract, sugar, baking powder, vegetable oil and salt, but none of these are major allergens.

In terms of popular toppings, butter and whipped cream come from the allergen Milk, and Nutella and chopped nuts would be classed as (Tree) Nuts (or even Peanuts). Any chocolate-based topping will contain Milk, and depending on the chocolate used, possibly a small amount of Peanuts.

What are some waffle topping ideas for breakfast?

Waffles actually go really well with most breakfast foods - fruit like berries and sliced bananas can be layered over waffles in a pool of cream, the waflfes can be spread with butter and nut butters or you can top the waffles with strips of streaky bacon and drizzled maple syrup. Waffles are spongy and absorbent like bread, so you could even butter them and even serve alongside scrambled eggs and sausages like you would toast.

Allergy alert!

Butter and nut butters such as peanut, almond and cashew are all among the 14 major food allergens.

Are there any good low-fat waffle toppings?

Fruit like blueberries, strawberries, bananas and kiwis are low in fat, and luckily they go very well with waffles - however, you’ll have to skip the cream or whipped cream, replacing it with a drizzle of honey or a small amount of plain Greek yogurt.

Still healthy, if not necessarily low fat, are chopped, unsweetened nuts (think cashews, pecans, macadamias, hazelnuts) - luckily they are the good type of fat that contributes to heart health.

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar is the classic waffle topping, and it’s also one that is low in fat, if not one that’s very good for you (or your teeth).

Allergy alert!

Greek yoghurt is made from Milk, a major allergen, (Tree) Nuts such as cashews and pecans, are also a major allergen.

What can I eat on my waffles if I have diabetes?

Because of sugar being a main ingredient in most waffles, as well as white flour and butter, waffles are not a great choice for those with (Type 2) diabetes.

There are some switches that can be made to make waffles more suitable for diabetics - such as substituting the white flour for wholemeal flour or quinoa flour, but the toppings you opt for can also make all the difference. Low GI foods, which raise your blood sugar slowly, are the best option for those with diabetes, and as it happens plenty of tasty waffle toppings are classed as low GI foods - fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, apples and pears can be chopped up and mixed with plain yoghurt, another low GI food.

Allergy alert!

Whilst switching out wheat flour for quinoa flour will remove one of the major allergens in waffles (Cereals containing Gluten), they will likely still contain Eggs and Milk, as these are among the main ingredients. Additionally, though low GI, plain yoghurt is derived from Milk (one of the 14 major food allergens).

What are the best savoury waffle toppings?

It’s hard to beat cheese when it comes to savoury waffle toppings - try melting a rich, nutty variety like gruyere, Comté or emmental over your waffle, and for extra indulgence top with crispy bacon.

Equally indulgent but a little more refined is creamy ricotta and wilted spinach cooked in butter (which will be soaked up by the waffle). Want a healthier option? Smashed avocado and tomatoes are rich in monounsaturated fats, potassium, fibre and cell-protecting lycopene.

Allergy alert!

Cheese is a derivative of Milk, one of the 14 major food allergens.

Some great dessert waffle toppings...

… Strawberries and cream, that classically English combination tastes beautiful on a waffle bed (the waffle will soak up excess cream and the juice from the fruit), ice cream and chocolate sauce turn waffles into a twist on a sundae, and chopped bananas with cinnamon and drizzled peanut butter is the perfect toasty choice for rainy days. For something a little lighter (after a big meal) a Belgian waffle with refreshing lemon curd and powdered sugar is the perfect final course.

Allergy alert!

Dairy foods such as cream and ice cream are made from Milk, a major food allergen, which is also found in most chocolate. Peanuts are also one of the 14 major food allergens.

What’s a good topping for vegan waffles?

Waffles themselves are not vegan - traditional waffle ingredients include Eggs, butter and Milk, though these things can be swapped out for plant-based alternatives such as apple sauce, margarine and almond milk (for advice on what substitutes to make visit our vegan swaps page here).

Vegan waffle toppings are a much easier prospect, the classics - maple syrup and powdered sugar, are both plant-based, and other popular toppings like peanut butter, chopped nut, berries and apples are also suitable for vegan diets. For something a little more specialised, applesauce is a versatile plant-based product that adds flavour, moisture and sweetness and also tastes great with nut butters. A sprinkle of seeds such as chia or sunflower will add crunch and visual flair.

Allergy alert!

Although swapping out Eggs and Milk for plant-based alternatives removes some of the allergen ingredients in waffles, you should remember that wheat flour is also a major allergen (a Cereal containing Gluten), though it can be swapped for non-cereal flours such as almond or quinoa, which are still vegan. Nuts are a vegan staple, and both Peanuts and Tree Nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts and pecans are among the 14 major food allergens.