Everything Bagel Cheddar Waffles: The Ultimate Savory Breakfast Stack with Crispy Bacon & Sunny Eggs
Imagine the perfect breakfast: a symphony of flavors and textures, a meal so satisfying it redefines your morning. Welcome to the world of our Cheddar-Infused Everything Bagel Waffles, crowned with luscious sunny-side up eggs and perfectly crispy bacon. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a culinary masterpiece, a true “breakfast of champions” designed to elevate your palate and fuel your day.
For those who adore the distinctive crunch and savory burst of an everything bagel, prepare to have your breakfast world transformed. Remember when I teased you about having more exciting everything bagel recipes in the pipeline? Well, the wait is over! These incredible everything bagel waffles – waffles lovingly infused with that irresistible, iconic seasoning blend – were precisely what I had in mind. The concept first sparked in my imagination weeks ago, and as soon as it did, I knew I had to bring it to life. The idea of combining the best of savory breakfast into a waffle format was simply too good to let go.
Today marks a significant milestone on the blog. Not only is this my very first waffle recipe to ever grace these pages (a huge shout-out to our thoughtful family friend who gifted us the waffle maker we registered for!), but it’s not just any waffle. Oh no, it’s an everything bagel waffle. And as you know, I rarely stop at “just good.” So, I took it a few steps further. These remarkable waffles are studded with generous amounts of grated sharp cheddar cheese, and they are unapologetically piled high with perfectly cooked sunny-side up eggs and generous strips of crispy, thick-cut bacon. This isn’t merely a breakfast; it’s an experience.
The Genesis of a Breakfast Legend: Why Everything Bagel Waffles?
The “everything bagel” has captivated taste buds worldwide with its unique blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a hint of salt. It’s a flavor profile that speaks to the soul, offering a delightful crunch and savory depth that few other toppings can match. But why confine this magic to bagels alone? The versatility of the seasoning inspired me to explore new culinary horizons. What if we could infuse that beloved taste directly into a fluffy, golden waffle? The answer, as it turns out, is a resounding yes! The moment I envisioned everything bagel seasoning mingling with rich buttermilk and sharp cheddar cheese in a warm waffle, I knew this combination was destined for greatness. It promised a hearty, flavorful foundation that could stand up to an array of savory toppings, moving breakfast waffles beyond the realm of mere sweet treats.
Navigating the Waffle-Making Journey: From Anticipation to Perfection
I’ve come to discover that developing waffle recipes can be a thrilling, albeit a bit nerve-wracking, endeavor. There’s an element of suspense involved when you ladle that carefully crafted batter into a preheated, greased waffle iron and patiently close the lid. The question always looms: Will it stick? Will it create a giant, sticky disaster that is truly impossible to clean? I couldn’t help but worry about opening the lid only to find a complete mess, facing the daunting task of spending the rest of my morning scrubbing my new, potentially-destroyed machine. The fear of a batter-laden catastrophe is real for any home cook venturing into new waffle territory.
But alas, my fears were unfounded, at least for this recipe. After a few initial test runs – which are always part of the creative process – my trusty waffle maker beeped affectionately, signaling that the waffles were ‘ready.’ With a mix of nervousness and eager anticipation, I gently lifted the lid to reveal the results of my culinary experiment. What I saw was nothing short of perfection: crisp, golden-brown waffles, each pocket perfectly formed and smelling absolutely spectacular. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cheddar cheese and everything bagel seasoning wafting through your kitchen for a good ten minutes or so, filling every corner with its savory goodness. That, my friends, gives you a pretty accurate idea of what it felt like to be me in that glorious moment. It was a true triumph, confirming that this unique flavor combination was not only feasible but incredibly delicious.
The Holy Grail of Waffles: A Flavor Explosion
I usually shy away from strong language, but if I’m being completely honest, the first bite of these waffles elicited an involuntary, “Holy sh*t!” Yes, they are *that* good. The waffles themselves are a masterpiece of flavor and texture – crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with pockets of melted sharp cheddar and the unmistakable crunch of everything bagel seasoning. They are undeniably delicious enough to enjoy on their own, perhaps with a dollop of cream cheese or a sprinkle of fresh chives. However, the true magic unfolds when you add the toppings.
Pairing these savory waffles with perfectly crispy bacon and silky, runny sunny-side up eggs takes them to an entirely different level. And here’s a crucial detail that makes all the difference: the eggs are cooked in the glorious, rendered bacon fat! This simple step infuses the eggs with an incredible depth of savory flavor that complements the waffles beautifully. This is, without a doubt, the holy grail of all waffles. It’s a decadent, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that truly embodies the spirit of a “breakfast of champions.” While these breakfast waffles aren’t exactly health food, they are absolutely worth every indulgent bite. And let’s be honest, we all deserve a treat like this, especially on a Monday, or any day you need a serious pick-me-up!
Mastering the Crispy Bacon: Your Guide to Perfection
Let’s take a moment to discuss bacon, because no “breakfast of champions” is complete without it. My absolute favorite method for achieving perfectly crispy bacon every single time involves the oven. Here’s how I do it: I preheat my oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204°C) and line a sturdy baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Then, I lay the strips of thick-cut bacon evenly across the foil, making sure there’s a little space between each strip to allow for even crisping. I bake the bacon for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method ensures that the bacon cooks perfectly and evenly, resulting in strips that are wonderfully crispy without being burnt. Plus, it completely eliminates the messy splattering of bacon fat all over your stovetop, saving you time and effort on cleanup.
Another fantastic benefit of oven-baked bacon? Once it’s cooked, you can easily turn down the oven to a lower temperature (around 200°F or 93°C is ideal) and keep your cooked waffles warm on a separate baking sheet while you finish preparing the rest of your breakfast. This is particularly handy if you’re making a large batch for a crowd or preparing several rounds of waffles. The ability to coordinate cooking times and keep everything warm ensures that every element of your magnificent breakfast is served at its absolute best.
The Genius of Make-Ahead Breakfast: Freezing Waffles for Future Enjoyment
One of the absolute best things about making homemade waffles, especially these delightful Everything Bagel Breakfast Waffles, is their incredible freezer-friendliness! This makes them an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast even on your busiest mornings. I always make an extra batch of these waffles specifically for freezing. For example, I recently prepared an additional quantity so that Connor could have a quick and easy, yet incredibly delicious, breakfast option throughout the week. The trick to freezing waffles successfully is to slightly undercook them during their initial run in the waffle maker. You want them cooked through, but still a tad softer than you’d serve immediately. This ensures that when you later toast them in your toaster or toaster oven, they will achieve that perfect crispy exterior and warm, fluffy interior, rather than becoming dry or overcooked.
To freeze them, first, cook the waffles as directed but aiming for that slightly softer texture. Once cooked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully prevents ice crystals from forming and keeps them from sticking together when frozen. Once cooled, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for about 30-60 minutes, or until they are firm. This step, known as flash freezing, prevents them from clumping together. After they are flash-frozen, transfer the solid waffles into a large freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, making sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing. Properly stored, these waffles can last for several weeks in the freezer. When you’re ready for a quick breakfast, simply grab a frozen waffle and toast it directly from the freezer until it’s golden brown and heated through. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a homemade, savory breakfast even on the busiest of days!
For even more detailed instructions on freezing and reheating, please refer to the recipe notes below. Prepare to revolutionize your breakfast routine!
Everything Bagel Breakfast Waffles
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Equipment
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All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker
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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 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 everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Everything bagel waffles can be cooked and frozen ahead of time. Cook the waffles, place them on a wire-rack lined baking sheet until cooled. Place in the freezer until frozen, then place the frozen waffles in a large freezer-safe bag for storing (squeeze out any excess air). Freeze and toast/defrost in a toaster or toaster oven.
