The Ultimate Savory Breakfast: Crispy Everything Bagel Cheddar Waffles with Bacon & Eggs
Imagine starting your day with a breakfast so glorious, so utterly satisfying, that it redefines your entire morning experience. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s the breakfast of champions, a masterpiece designed to delight every savory craving. We’re talking about golden, crisp waffles, deeply infused with the irresistible flavor of everything bagel seasoning and pockets of melted sharp cheddar cheese. But we don’t stop there. These magnificent waffles are then crowned with perfectly cooked sunny-side up eggs, their yolks ready to burst, and generous slices of crispy, thick-cut bacon. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that will transform your morning routine.
The Inspiration: A Love Affair with Everything Bagel Flavor
My journey into the world of everything bagel seasoning has been a passionate one, a true culinary obsession. I’ve always been captivated by its unique blend of savory flavors – the toasted sesame, nutty poppy seeds, pungent dried garlic and onion, all brought together with a hint of salt. It’s a flavor profile that instantly elevates anything it touches. Several weeks ago, a spark ignited: why confine this incredible seasoning to just bagels? What if we could infuse its magic into waffles? The idea took root, and as any true food enthusiast knows, some ideas are simply too good to let go.
This innovative recipe marks a significant milestone. Not only is it the first waffle creation to ever grace this blog – a joyous occasion made possible by a thoughtful family friend who gifted us a waffle maker – but it’s also an everything bagel waffle, a concept so bold and delicious it demanded to be brought to life. And, of course, I couldn’t resist taking it a few steps further. These aren’t just plain everything bagel waffles; they’re studded with rich, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and magnificently topped with those golden-yolked sunny-side eggs and irresistibly crispy, thick-cut bacon. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every single bite.
Crafting the Perfect Savory Waffle: A Journey of Experimentation
Developing a waffle recipe can be surprisingly nerve-wracking. There’s always that moment of anticipation, a slight trepidation as you ladle the batter into the hot, greased waffle iron and close the lid. Will it stick? Will it create a catastrophic mess that requires a deep clean of my beloved new appliance? These thoughts definitely crossed my mind during the initial test runs. The fear of opening the lid to a ruined batch and a daunting cleanup was very real, especially with a brand-new waffle maker at stake.
However, perseverance (and a little bit of faith) paid off. After a couple of adjustments, the waffle maker’s cheerful beep signaled that the first batch was ‘ready’. With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I lifted the lid. And what I saw was pure perfection.
The waffles were beautifully crisp, uniformly golden brown, and the aroma filling my kitchen was nothing short of spectacular. Imagine the rich, savory scent of sharp cheddar cheese mingling with the distinctive, aromatic notes of an everything bagel – the toasted sesame, the garlic, the onion – wafting through your home for a solid ten minutes. That unforgettable fragrance alone was a promise of the deliciousness to come. It was a moment of pure culinary triumph, confirming that this daring experiment was a resounding success.
The Flavor Explosion: Savory Delight in Every Bite
Honestly, when I took that first bite, my reaction was an involuntary “Holy cow!” (to keep it family-friendly). These waffles are incredibly tasty on their own, a harmonious blend of the fluffy, slightly tangy buttermilk waffle base, the sharp, salty cheddar, and the bold, aromatic punch of the everything bagel seasoning. The texture is divine – crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
But when you elevate them with the right toppings, they transcend mere deliciousness. The addition of perfectly crispy bacon, offering that salty, smoky crunch, and sunny-side eggs with their gloriously runny yolks, creates a magical combination. And here’s a pro tip for maximum flavor: fry those eggs in the very same rendered bacon fat! It infuses them with an unparalleled depth of savory goodness that ties the entire dish together. While these everything bagel breakfast waffles might not be your typical “health food” (and we’re perfectly okay with that), they are an indulgence we absolutely deserve, especially to kick off a brand new week.
Mastering the Bacon and Eggs: Perfect Pairings
Let’s take a moment to discuss the art of cooking bacon, because truly crispy bacon is non-negotiable for this recipe. My absolute favorite method for achieving consistently perfect, crispy bacon without the mess is baking it in the oven. Here’s how: preheat your oven to a robust 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204°C). Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then lay your strips of thick-cut bacon in a single layer, ensuring there’s a little space between each piece for optimal crisping. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method ensures even cooking and leaves you with beautifully crispy bacon every single time, without the grease splatters all over your stovetop.
An added bonus of oven-baked bacon? You can easily control the temperature. If you’re making a larger batch of waffles, you can turn the oven down to a low 200 degrees F (93°C) and keep your cooked waffles warm on a baking sheet while you prepare the rest of your breakfast components. And remember to reserve that precious bacon fat! It’s liquid gold for frying your eggs, imparting an incredible depth of flavor that butter simply can’t replicate. The slightly smoky, salty fat is the secret to achieving those incredibly flavorful sunny-side up eggs that perfectly complement the savory waffles.
Make-Ahead Magic: Freezing Everything Bagel Waffles
One of the most wonderful aspects of making waffles from scratch is their freezer-friendliness, turning them into an ideal make-ahead breakfast solution for busy mornings. I frequently make an extra batch of these everything bagel cheddar waffles specifically for freezing. This ensures that a delicious, homemade breakfast is always just a toaster away. For example, my partner Connor often enjoys these as a quick and easy morning meal on hectic weekdays.
The key to perfectly frozen and reheated waffles lies in how you cook them initially. For waffles intended for freezing, I recommend cooking them slightly less than you normally would – aim for a lighter golden brown rather than fully crisp. This slight undercooking ensures that when you pop them into your toaster or toaster oven later, they will achieve that ideal crispy exterior and fluffy interior without becoming overcooked or dry. Once cooled, place them on a wire rack until completely cool, then transfer them to the freezer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a large freezer-safe bag, pressing out any excess air, and store them for future enjoyment. They reheat beautifully in a toaster or toaster oven, regaining their perfect texture and savory flavor.
Everything Bagel Breakfast Waffles Recipe
Everything Bagel Breakfast Waffles
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Buttermilk waffles infused with everything bagel seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese, and topped with sunny side up eggs and crispy bacon.
Equipment
- All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker
- Cooling Rack, Fits Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon (roughly 10 strips)
- 1¼ cups (150 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1¼ cups (300 mL) buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ounces freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
Toppings:
- 5 large eggs, for topping
- reserved bacon fat, for frying
Instructions
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Cook the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil. Lay the bacon strips on the foil-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15 minutes, flip each strip carefully with tongs or a fork, and continue to bake the bacon for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and most of the fat has rendered.
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Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate, and carefully pour the rendered bacon fat from the baking sheet into a small bowl. Set aside for later. You will be using the rendered bacon fat to fry the eggs later.
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Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried onion, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the two eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, and gently stir until mostly incorporated. Fold the grated cheddar cheese into the batter with a spatula. Allow the waffle batter to sit for 10 minutes as you preheat your waffle maker.
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Grease your waffle maker lightly with baking spray. Pour the waffle batter into your waffle maker (depending on the size and brand of your waffle maker, this amount will vary) and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions or desired texture.
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Prepare the Sunny Side Eggs: As your waffles cook, heat a large non-stick skillet over low to medium heat. Pour in a tablespoon or so of the reserved bacon fat and cook the eggs as desired – over easy or sunny side up. Be sure to keep the yolk runny and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Assembly: Top each everything bagel waffle with a sunny-side egg and a few strips of crispy bacon. Optional: Sprinkle with additional everything bagel seasoning for an extra flavor boost. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Everything bagel waffles can be cooked and frozen ahead of time. Cook the waffles slightly less for freezing. Once cooled, place them on a wire-rack lined baking sheet until completely frozen. Then, transfer the frozen waffles to a large freezer-safe bag for storing (squeeze out any excess air). Freeze and toast/defrost in a toaster or toaster oven until heated through and crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd your waffle iron. For best results, fill it just enough to cover the grid, but not so much that batter overflows.
- Adjust the amount of everything bagel seasoning to your preference. If you like a bolder flavor, feel free to add a bit more to the batter or sprinkle some on top as a garnish.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 618kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 284mg
- Sodium: 928mg
- Potassium: 366mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 636IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 276mg
- Iron: 5mg
Why These Everything Bagel Waffles Are a Must-Try
These isn’t just another waffle recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to kickstart your day with unparalleled flavor and satisfaction. If you’re tired of the same old sweet breakfast and crave something bold, savory, and truly unique, then these Everything Bagel Cheddar Waffles are for you.
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic of everything bagel seasoning combined with tangy buttermilk and sharp cheddar creates a savory base that’s addictive.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, these waffles hold up beautifully to their rich toppings.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy waffles paired with salty bacon and a runny egg yolk – it’s the epitome of breakfast comfort.
- Versatile & Customizable: While the suggested toppings are incredible, you can also experiment with other cheeses, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh chives.
- Weekend Brunch Star: Impress your friends and family with a creative and incredibly delicious brunch option that’s far from ordinary.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The ability to freeze and quickly reheat these waffles means you can enjoy this gourmet breakfast even on your busiest mornings.
Elevate Your Brunch Game
Whether you’re hosting a leisurely weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a truly exceptional breakfast, these Everything Bagel Breakfast Waffles are guaranteed to be a showstopper. They offer a delightful departure from traditional sweet waffles, opening up a world of savory possibilities. The combination of textures – the crunch of bacon, the chewiness of the waffle, the creaminess of the egg yolk – and the explosion of flavors makes every bite an adventure.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up your waffle maker, and prepare to embark on a breakfast journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling gloriously satisfied. Don’t just make breakfast; create an experience. Dive into the world of savory waffles and let these Everything Bagel Cheddar Waffles become your new favorite morning indulgence. Happy cooking!