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.

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.