Easy Keto Chaffle Recipe – Crispy Low-Carb Waffles
Keto Chaffles – the recipe that took social media by storm! To make this basic savory keto chaffle recipe, you need only two ingredients: freshly shredded cheese and an egg white. Crisp and delicious without tasting eggy, this base recipe is so versatile that you can make many kinds of chaffles, both sweet and savory.
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It seems Chaffles popped into the keto world overnight. I literally remember the day they started showing up all over social media back in 2021. They didn’t sound good to me at all; I mean, who wants to eat cheese and eggs in waffle form? I’ll eat scrambled eggs all day, but a chaffle? It sounded weird.
After seeing so many posts and videos, I finally made them for myself and was hooked. While I did not create the original chaffle recipe, all I could think about was how I could create all kinds of different recipes with such an easy base.
I’ve included tons of details in this post, along with variations, substitutions, step-by-step pictures, and a video tutorial of how to enjoy them in four different ways. This traditional Chaffle recipe really is a fantastic low-carb alternative to bread.
Ingredients To Make Basic Chaffle Batter (Makes 2 Four-Inch Chaffles)
*Egg – The egg is the binder that holds the chaffle together.
Freshly Grated Cheese – In the basic chaffle, I use cheddar cheese, but you can use any variety or combination of cheeses.
*Note: The photos and video for this recipe use a whole egg; I have since discovered that I prefer an egg white.
Step-By-Step Instructions For Making Perfect Crispy Chaffles
1. Preheat your waffle iron. If you are using the Dash Waffle Maker, the light will turn off when it is preheated. Grease the plates with cooking spray or butter.
2. Crack 1 large egg into a small mixing bowl. For a lighter texture, I prefer to use just the egg white.
3. Add 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety) and mix with a fork or whisk until the batter is combined.
Tip: Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on the waffle maker before pouring the batter, then a little more on top for added crispness.
4. Spoon half of the batter on the bottom grate and use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly before closing it.
5. Cook the chaffles for 3-4 minutes until deeply golden. Carefully remove the hot chaffles using a fork and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Repeat the process with the remaining batter for the second chaffle.
Tips for Making Crispy Chaffles
No one wants a soggy chaffle! Here are a few helpful tips that I have found that work!
Use Egg Whites
I’ve made this recipe with the whole egg and just the egg white, and there is a difference! I have found that egg white makes the chaffle crisper and tastes less eggy.
Let Them Cool
Let them cool for a minute or two to let the steam escape, which means less moisture. I know it’s tempting to eat right away but trust me, it’s worth waiting for.
Double Cook
If you’ve got patience, which I don’t, you can also double-cook the chaffle. Once it has cooled, pop it back in the mini maker for another minute or two to further dehydrate it. You can also pop it in the oven or air fryer.
Customize Your Chaffles
Oh, goodness, there are SO MANY OPTIONS!!! From savory to sweet, chaffles work as a keto bread substitute for many of your favorite traditional recipes. I’ve included some of my favorites!
General Variations:
- Experiment with different kinds of cheese, such as Monterrey Jack, Colby, and mozzarella cheese. You can combine various types of cheese for added flavor.
- Add spices such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Everything But the Bagel seasoning, or red pepper flakes to turn it up a notch. Everything but the bagel is one of my favorite seasonings!
- If you want a hearty chaffle, add a teaspoon of coconut flour (or a tablespoon of almond flour), 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Savory Chaffle Ideas
Bacon Chaffle – Add crispy crumbled bacon and cheddar for a hearty breakfast chaffle.
Pizza Chaffle – Top with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella, then bake for a handheld pizza.
Jalapeño Popper Chaffle – Mix diced jalapeños into batter, then stuff with cream cheese for a spicy appetizer.
Taco Chaffles – Crispy taco shell chaffles stuffed with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and veggie toppings.
Open-Faced French Dip Chaffles: I add leftover roast and provolone cheese to the top of a chaffle and bake until the cheese is hot and bubbly! SO GOOD!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Chaffles – Crisp, buttery wedges baked with garlicky herb butter and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese.
Reuben Sandwich Chaffle – Layer corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing between two chaffles.
Club Chaffle Sandwich – The traditional low-carb chaffle recipe makes delicious chaffle sandwiches. Add your favorite lunchmeats, lettuce, cheese, tomato, and condiments for a fantastic keto club sandwich. Pepperoni would be a yummy addition as well.
Grilled Cheese Chaffle – Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? My mom always made them for me growing up! Add cheese between two chaffles and throw them in the skillet with some butter to make a mean keto-friendly grilled cheese sandwich!
Sweet Chaffle Ideas
Chocolate Chaffles – My husband loves all things chocolate, so these rich, fudgy chaffles are his favorite!
Keto Chocolate Chip Chaffles – Crisp, vanilla chaffles filled with mouthwatering Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips are yummy for breakfast or dessert!
Maple Pumpkin Keto Waffles – Fall-flavored chaffles bursting with pumpkin pie spice flavor, sweetened naturally with sugar-free maple syrup. I love these for dessert with keto vanilla ice cream and roasted pecans! You’ve got to try it if you like pumpkin spice! You’ll thank me, promise.
Blueberry Chaffles—My little girls love blueberry waffles! As I mentioned above, they are so good for breakfast with syrup or low-carb ice cream for dessert.
Sweet Waffle Chaffle – Add butter and sugar-free syrup for a delicious keto waffle.
Frequently Asked Chaffle Questions:
Do chaffles taste eggy?
They could, especially if you are sensitive to egg tastes. But, using egg whites, as I mentioned, instead of whole eggs yields chaffles with minimal egg flavor or dense texture from the egg yolk fat.
How long do chaffles last?
Properly stored, chaffles will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, place cooled chaffles in a freezer bag or airtight container with parchment paper between each one. Frozen chaffles will keep for 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer.
What is the best cheese for making chaffles?
I mostly use cheddar and mozzarella cheese, but virtually any cheese works, from Swiss to provolone to pepper jack.
Where can I buy the Dash mini waffle maker?
I found mine at TJMaxx a few years ago. Since then, I’ve seen it everywhere, including Target, Walmart, HomeGoods, and Amazon.
What can I use if I don’t have a mini waffle maker?
While a mini waffle maker like the Dash gives the best results, you can make chaffles in a regular-sized Belgian iron. Use the same batter, but you likely won’t fill the whole surface area of a bigger waffle maker. Chaffles baked in larger makers may spread thinner and not be as uniformly crispy.
I use this Dash Waffle maker. It’s the perfect size for most Chaffle recipes, which make two four-inch chaffles.
If you have a big family or want to make several at once, the Dash multi mini waffle maker is a huge time saver, making four 4-inch chaffles simultaneously.
Basic Keto Chaffle Recipe
Ingredients
Basic Chaffle Ingredients
- 1 egg or just an egg white for a crispier chaffle
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Basic Chaffle Instructions
- Preheat the dash mini waffle maker for 3-4 minutes until hot - brush plates with melted butter or oil. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on each plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg white until foamy, then mix in 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar. Let batter sit for 1-2 minutes.
- When the waffle maker is ready, ladle half of the batter onto the bottom plate and spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Close the top plate gently.
- Cook 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown. Carefully remove crisp chaffle with fork.
- Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make a second chaffle. Allow to cool 1-2 minutes before serving.
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Video
Nutrition
I have made chaffles with cheddar and mozzarella. Today I made your recipe with cheddar, egg white and cheese sprinkled on the waffle maker. Holy cow!!! Game changer!! Such a simple change makes such a big difference. Thank you for these tidbits of information!
Awesome! I am so glad you enjoyed it and the recipe made such a difference.
This was the best chaffle I ever made!!! It was so nice and crispy and my kids love it as well! Thank you.
So glad you loved it!
Any suggestions on an egg replacement for this recipe?
Hey Heather, this is one where there really is no replacement. Sorry!
I just found your site, and made these last night. I used mozzarella cheese and jalapenos, and a pick of pink salt and black pepper. Awesome YUM! So easy to make!
Fantastic. So glad you loved it.
Saw your chaffle post on Instagram and ran in the kitchen to make it. Most delicious, it is the same combo I use for my pizza crust (no waffle) but I use 2 cups cheese and 2 eggs and 2 whites spill onto pizza pan and bake, let cool then top like a pizza you like and just a sprinkle of cheese and broil until melted, awesome! Anyway this chaffle got crispy (used whites) but was very greasy and thin. I’ll be experimenting though😁
Hey Peter, glad you gave it a try. Pizza crust sounds wonderful. Let me know how your experiments turn out!
I’ll have to try that pizza crust!
Hi Peter. I too want to try your pizza crust. How do you bake…temp and time? Thank you!
Is a serving just one or 2 ??
One serving is 2 chaffles.
Are the nutrition facts per serving as 1 chaffle is = to 1 serving or is it 2 chaffles = to 1 serving…..
Hi! 2 chaffles per serving
Low carb but high calorie if used as sandwich.
Yes, often keto foods are higher in calories because fat has higher calories, but you get and stay full faster. That means you eat less in the long run.
I usually use egg whites for my chaffles so that would reduce the calories somewhat. Very high in protein and Chaffles will keep you full longer too.
I have made with cheddar, mozzarella, pepperjack, added various herbs, seasoning used for breakfast, lunch and as a pizza. It is our new favorite. Thank you
Chaffles are fantastic! Love to hear how you’ve changed up the recipe.
Can you use egg whites from a carton? When would you use Coconut flour?
I haven’t used egg white from a carton so I can;t speak to the texture or flavor since the recipe would be different. That said, I don’t see why you couldn’t try it. This recipe does not sue flour.
Do you know how many points for weight watchers?
Hey Sharon, I am not familiar with how the point system with Weight Watchers works. Sorry I can’t help on this one.
Thanks for the great recipe. In the nutrition portion, I didn’t see any amount for fiber.
Do you possibly have that number? Thanks again!
Hey, Donna, traditional chaffles do not have any fiber. They typically just have eggs and cheese. However, some have almond or coconut flour along with additional ingredients which can change the nutritional info. THanks!
This keto chaffle recipe looks delicious and easy to make! I can’t wait to try it out for myself. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Kasey!
Hope you love it! Let me know how it turns out.
Frothing up the egg whites is a game changer! Thanks for the tip!
Glad to help! Thank you so much.
I, too, stopped what I was doing and ran to the kitchen to try this recipe. Couldnt have been easier. Very cheesy and crisp! Even though I didn’t quite under stand the cheese on the plate direction (didn’t do that) they still came out great! Thanks for the recipe.
Hey, Patti, so glad you loved this recipe!