Stuffing Waffles: Easy Crispy Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast

Stuffing waffles are the best thing to happen to Thanksgiving leftovers. Scoop cold stuffing into a hot waffle iron and a few minutes later you have a crispy, golden waffle with a soft, savory center and lots of little pockets for gravy.

Add an egg and a splash of broth to bind it, top it with a runny fried egg and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and you have the coziest day-after breakfast imaginable.

Need stuffing first? My homemade stuffing and grandma’s Thanksgiving dressing both work perfectly. For more waffle-iron fun, try my hash brown waffles.

JUMP TO

Why You’ll Love These Stuffing Waffles

They turn a scoop of leftovers into a crispy, brand-new breakfast.

Crispy Edges

The waffle iron browns every ridge.

Uses Leftovers

No stuffing goes to waste.

Ready in 15 Minutes

Mix, press, and serve.

Endless Toppings

Eggs, gravy, cranberry, or a turkey sandwich.

Kid Friendly

Fun shapes make leftovers exciting.

What Are Stuffing Waffles?

Stuffing waffles are leftover bread stuffing or dressing mixed with an egg and a little broth, then cooked in a waffle iron until crisp and golden.

The egg binds the stuffing so it holds together, while the hot iron gives it a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the soft, herby inside.

Ingredients

Stuffing Waffles

IngredientAmountPurpose
Leftover stuffing, cold4 cupsMain ingredient
Large eggs2Binder
Chicken or turkey broth¼ cupMoisture
Shredded Parmesan¼ cupExtra crispness (optional)
Nonstick cooking sprayfor the waffle ironPrevents sticking

Toppings

IngredientAmountPurpose
Fried eggs4Runny yolk sauce
Turkey gravy, warmed1 cupClassic topping
Cranberry sauce½ cupSweet-tart contrast
Fresh sage or parsleyfor garnishFreshness

Kitchen Equipment

  • Waffle iron (standard or Belgian)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • Silicone spatula
  • Small saucepan

Ingredient Tips

Any Stuffing Works

Bread, cornbread, or sausage stuffing all make great waffles.

Adjust the Broth

Dry stuffing needs more; moist stuffing may need none.

Add Parmesan

It melts into the crust and makes the edges extra crisp.

Use Cold Stuffing

It holds its shape better when packed into the iron.

Warm the Gravy

Hot gravy keeps the waffles warm when serving.

How to Make Stuffing Waffles

Step 1: Heat the Waffle Iron

Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high and spray generously with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Stuffing

Whisk the eggs and broth in a large bowl. Add the stuffing and Parmesan and mix until evenly moistened and it holds together when squeezed.

Step 3: Fill the Iron

Scoop about 1 cup of the mixture into the center of the iron and spread it toward the edges. Close the lid and press gently.

Step 4: Cook Until Crisp

Cook 5 to 7 minutes, without opening early, until deep golden and crisp. Lift out carefully with a silicone spatula.

Step 5: Keep Warm

Hold finished waffles on a rack in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Top each waffle with a fried egg, warm gravy, and cranberry sauce. Garnish with sage or parsley.

Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffing Waffles

Grease Well

Stuffing sticks more than batter, so spray the iron every time.

Be Patient

Opening the iron early can tear the waffle in half.

Press Firmly

Packing the stuffing helps it hold together.

Cool Slightly Before Lifting

Thirty seconds lets the crust set.

Use a Rack

Stacking on a plate makes them steam and soften.

Delicious Variations

Stuffing Waffle Sandwich

Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie between two waffles.

Cheesy Waffles

Mix in ½ cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar.

Mini Waffles

Use a mini waffle maker for party-size bites.

Sweet Potato Swirl

Spread leftover sweet potato casserole on top.

Benedict Style

Top with poached eggs and hollandaise.

What to Serve with Stuffing Waffles

Serve with turkey gravy and cranberry sauce for a full Thanksgiving-in-a-bite breakfast.

They also make great buns for a leftover turkey sandwich.

Storage Instructions

Storage MethodHow LongBest Practice
Refrigerator3 daysAirtight container with parchment between waffles
Freezer1 monthFrozen flat, then bagged
Reheat5 minutesToaster, air fryer, or 375°F oven

Reheat in a toaster or air fryer for the crispiest result. The microwave softens them.

Use stuffing that is no more than 3 to 4 days old.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Mix the stuffing with the egg and broth the night before and refrigerate covered.

Cook the waffles in the morning or make a batch and re-crisp them as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Little Binder

Without egg, the waffle falls apart.

Too Much Broth

A wet mix steams instead of crisping.

Not Greasing the Iron

Stuffing sticks and tears.

Opening Early

Wait until the steam slows before lifting the lid.

Low Heat

A cool iron gives pale, soft waffles.

Estimated Nutrition

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories390
Carbohydrates36g
Protein15g
Fat21g
Saturated Fat6g
Fiber3g
Sugar9g
Sodium890mg
Cholesterol215mg

Estimate per waffle with a fried egg, gravy, and cranberry sauce, based on 4 servings. Varies with your stuffing recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add egg to stuffing waffles?

Yes. An egg helps bind the stuffing so it holds together and lifts out cleanly.

Can I use boxed stuffing?

Yes. Prepare it as directed, let it cool, and then mix with egg and broth.

Why are my stuffing waffles falling apart?

The mix may need more egg, or the iron was opened too soon. Cook a minute longer.

Can I make stuffing waffles in a mini waffle maker?

Yes. Use about ⅓ cup per waffle and cook 4 to 5 minutes.

What do you serve with stuffing waffles?

Fried eggs, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or leftover turkey are all classic.

Conclusion

Stuffing waffles take the best part of Thanksgiving dinner and make it crisp, golden, and ready for breakfast. They are easy, fun, and a delicious way to use leftovers.

Grab the waffle iron the morning after the feast and pile on the toppings.

Print

Stuffing Waffles: Easy Crispy Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Leftover stuffing pressed in a waffle iron until golden and crisp, then topped with a fried egg, warm gravy, and cranberry sauce. The ultimate day-after breakfast.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 waffles 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Waffle Iron
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Stuffing Waffles

4 cups leftover stuffing, cold

2 large eggs

¼ cup chicken or turkey broth

¼ cup shredded Parmesan

Nonstick cooking spray (for the waffle iron)

Toppings

4 fried eggs

1 cup turkey gravy, warmed

½ cup cranberry sauce

Fresh sage or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high and spray generously with nonstick spray.

Whisk the eggs and broth in a large bowl. Add the stuffing and Parmesan and mix until evenly moistened and it holds together when squeezed.

Scoop about 1 cup of the mixture into the center of the iron and spread it toward the edges. Close the lid and press gently.

Cook 5 to 7 minutes, without opening early, until deep golden and crisp. Lift out carefully with a silicone spatula.

Hold finished waffles on a rack in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.

Top each waffle with a fried egg, warm gravy, and cranberry sauce. Garnish with sage or parsley.

Notes

Spray the waffle iron well before each waffle.

Do not open the iron for at least 5 minutes.

Adjust broth to your stuffing’s moisture.

Reheat in a toaster or air fryer.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 waffle
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 215mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star