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
- What Are Stuffing Waffles?
- Ingredients
- Kitchen Equipment
- Ingredient Tips
- How to Make Stuffing Waffles
- Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffing Waffles
- Delicious Variations
- What to Serve with Stuffing Waffles
- Storage Instructions
- Can You Make It Ahead?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Estimated Nutrition
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
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
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover stuffing, cold | 4 cups | Main ingredient |
| Large eggs | 2 | Binder |
| Chicken or turkey broth | ¼ cup | Moisture |
| Shredded Parmesan | ¼ cup | Extra crispness (optional) |
| Nonstick cooking spray | for the waffle iron | Prevents sticking |
Toppings
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Fried eggs | 4 | Runny yolk sauce |
| Turkey gravy, warmed | 1 cup | Classic topping |
| Cranberry sauce | ½ cup | Sweet-tart contrast |
| Fresh sage or parsley | for garnish | Freshness |
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 Method | How Long | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 days | Airtight container with parchment between waffles |
| Freezer | 1 month | Frozen flat, then bagged |
| Reheat | 5 minutes | Toaster, 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
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Cholesterol | 215mg |
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.
PrintStuffing Waffles: Easy Crispy Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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





