This keto chaffles (cheese waffles) recipe is an easy low carb substitute for bread. Combining egg and cheese in a waffle maker, they are ready in minutes and can be adapted to be as sweet or savory as you like.
This is a favorite bread and bun alternative that fits nicely with sugar-free eating.
Low Carb Chaffles Are Easy to Make
If you follow a keto or low carb diet, chaffles (cheese and egg waffles) are a lifesaver.
I started making them when I quit eating sugar five years ago—before they got the popular nickname, chaffles. In our house they were w’omelettes (omelettes made in the waffle maker).
But now they are chaffles! Once the word spread on Facebook and Reddit, this simple food became a keto superstar.
What are Chaffles?
Chaffles are low carb waffles made from egg and shredded cheese. And that’s all!
The basic formula is 1 egg + ½ cup shredded cheese for one four-inch chaffle (see recipe below).
Chaffles can be used like bread or buns to create low carb versions of favorite savory foods.
You can also create keto desserts like strawberry shortcake, blueberry waffles, oreo cookie waffles, and more. Although these dessert recipes often require additional ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, and artificial sweeteners. I quit eating sugar to get away from craving sweets, so I am careful with them, but if you just want lower carbs, go for it.
Chaffles Instead of Bread
One big change when you eat low carb is getting used to life without bread. There are a lot of keto recipes for low carb breads but none of them are simple. And they are often not that low in carbs.
What I love about chaffles is how quick and easy they are: heat up the waffle iron, combine the egg and shredded cheese, and you have a delicious crispy waffle ready in 5 minutes.
From there, you can use the chaffle on its own, like a piece of toast, or treat it as the foundation for a whole meal.
Chaffles work great as toast for dippy eggs, bread for sandwiches, buns for burgers, pizza crust, tacos, and more.
See what I mean?
It’s a 2 carb bread substitute that lets us eat low carb versions of our old carb-heavy favorites.
Related: How to Make Keto Soft-Serve Ice Cream
and a Low-Carb Dessert Waffle
Do Chaffles Taste Eggy?
Yes, they can taste eggy when eaten on their own. If that is not your thing, but you’re fine with eating eggs in general, there are some good workarounds.
You can use egg whites instead of whole eggs. That definitely cuts down the egg flavor. Just add an extra egg white to make up for lost volume with the yolk gone.
Also, experiment with the shredded cheese. I’ve found mozzarella can neutralize the egg taste and cheddar makes them taste extra cheesy, not eggy.
When used as a bread or bun, the other flavors take over.
Can I Make Chaffles Without a Waffle Iron?
Yes, but they will not have the same slightly-crispy texture a waffle iron provides. If I did not have a waffle iron, I would cook them in a non-stick frying pan just like a pancake. A panini press could also work. Either way the recipe and instructions are the same.
Waffle Makers
Even if your waffle iron is no-stick, you will likely still need to very lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
Choosing the best waffle iron depends on how many chaffles you would like to make at a time.
1Small Waffle Maker
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker waffle iron is very popular because it’s just $15 on Amazon. It also seems to sell out.
- Makes small (4-inch) waffles that take approximately 4 minutes to cook.
2Medium Waffle Maker
Oster Belgian Waffle Maker | This is the one I have.
- Makes medium (7-inch) waffles that take approximately 5 minutes to cook.
- Has indicator lights showing when unit is heating and fully heated.
3Large Waffle Maker
Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker
- Makes four 4-inch waffles
- A large waffle maker is a huge time saver if you want to make and freeze big batches of chaffles.
How to Make Chaffles
Basic Recipe
Two 4-inch chaffles:
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Steps / Instructions
Lightly grease waffle maker and preheat to medium-high setting.
Whisk together egg and cheese.
Pour batter into waffle maker and cook until ready (approximately 5 minutes).
If you want extra crispy: add some cheese to hot waffle maker and wait 10 seconds before adding beaten egg.
No peaking—batter may stick to waffle maker until it’s cooked.
Signs your chaffle is cooked:
- Steam stops
- Indicator light may go on/off
Place on cooling rack.
Will get slightly crispier as it cools.
See the recipe notes (below) for creative chaffle variations.
Chaffle Video Instructions
Kick It Up a Notch
- Pizza Chaffles | Delish.com
- Strawberry Shortcake Chaffles | Butter Together Kitchen
If you eat low carb like I do, you will definitely want these on the menu.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt â™›
Keto Chaffles (Low Carb Waffles)
Equipment
- Silicone Basting Brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Lightly grease (or use non-stick cooking spray) no-stick waffle maker and preheat to medium-high setting.
- Whisk together eggs and cheese.2 large Eggs, 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- Pour batter into waffle maker (do not overfill) and cook until ready (approximately 5 minutes).No peaking: chaffles will stick to iron until cooked.Leave longer for extra crispy chaffles.
- Place on cooling rack. Will become crispier after a few minutes.
- Serve as a bread, toast, or bun substitute.
- Store in airtight container in fridge up to 7 days. Reheat in toaster or frying pan.
Freeze up to 3 months.
