Turkey Bacon and Cheese Loaded Hashbrown Waffles are a savory, crispy, and cheesy breakfast or brunch dish that’s bursting with flavor. Imagine golden, crispy hashbrowns packed with smoky turkey bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of seasoning, all cooked to perfection in a waffle iron. These waffles are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or even as a fun dinner option. Easy to make and packed with comforting flavors, these waffles are guaranteed to become a favorite for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines crispy hashbrowns, cheesy goodness, and smoky turkey bacon in every bite.
- A fun and creative way to enjoy hashbrowns—perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Quick to prepare and customizable with a variety of toppings and add-ins.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, offering flexibility for any meal of the day.
- Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep—make a big batch and reheat whenever needed.
- Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens.
- Perfect for entertaining or adding a twist to your breakfast table.
Preparation Time and Servings:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk (or any non-dairy alternative)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for the waffle iron
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Sliced avocado
- Hot sauce or sriracha
- Additional shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Plug in your waffle iron and let it preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly coat it with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the waffle batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hashbrowns, shredded cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, eggs, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the waffles: Scoop about ¾ cup of the mixture (or the amount recommended for your waffle iron) into the center of the preheated waffle iron. Spread the mixture out evenly and close the lid.
- Cook the waffles: Cook the hashbrown waffles for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron, so check for doneness.
- Remove and repeat: Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and place it on a wire rack to keep it crisp. Repeat with the remaining mixture, reapplying cooking spray as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the waffles warm with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or hot sauce. Enjoy!
Ingredient Background
- Turkey bacon: A leaner alternative to traditional bacon, turkey bacon brings a smoky and savory flavor without the extra fat.
- Shredded hashbrowns: The star of the dish, hashbrowns provide a crispy, potato-based foundation for the waffles. Using thawed, frozen hashbrowns ensures even cooking.
- Cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture inside the waffles. Feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the hashbrown mixture together and helping it set in the waffle iron.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika enhance the savory profile of the dish, while salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors.
Technique Tips
- Use thawed hashbrowns and squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy.
- Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly to ensure the waffles cook evenly and crisp up properly.
- Avoid overfilling the waffle iron; spreading the mixture evenly ensures the waffles cook through without spilling over.
- Allow the waffles to cool slightly on a wire rack instead of stacking them. This keeps them crispy by preventing steam buildup.
- For extra crispy edges, lightly grease the waffle iron between each batch.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Mini Waffles: Use a mini waffle iron to create bite-sized hashbrown waffles, perfect for appetizers or snacks.
- Stacked Waffles: Layer the waffles with toppings like avocado slices, poached eggs, or additional cheese for a hearty brunch presentation.
- Loaded Platter: Serve the waffles alongside a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sautéed vegetables, allowing guests to customize their own plates.
Additional Tips for Success
- If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can cook the mixture as hashbrown patties in a nonstick skillet.
- For meal prep, make a double batch and freeze the waffles for quick reheating during busy mornings.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier version or fresh herbs for a fresher flavor.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian option: Omit the turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for a plant-based version.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the hashbrown mixture for a kick of heat.
- Breakfast sandwich: Use two smaller hashbrown waffles as “bread” and fill with eggs, cheese, and avocado for a handheld breakfast.
- Cheese lover’s edition: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Protein boost: Add cooked and crumbled chicken sausage or diced turkey for an extra punch of protein.
Freezing and Storage
- To freeze: Let the waffles cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster oven, air fryer, or conventional oven at 375°F until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to retain crispness.
- To store leftovers: Place any leftover waffles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Use reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie and fat content.
- Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli to the waffle batter for extra vitamins and flavor.
- Use cooking spray instead of oil to reduce the overall fat content.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Brunch parties: Serve with a variety of toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauce so guests can customize their waffles.
- Game day snacks: Cut the waffles into smaller squares and serve with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or sriracha mayo.
- Breakfast buffet: Pair the waffles with scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast spread.
- Family dinners: Serve the waffles alongside a hearty soup or salad for a unique twist on a comfort food meal.
Special Equipment
- Waffle iron (standard or mini-sized)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for combining ingredients
- Skillet for cooking turkey bacon
- Cooking spray or brush for greasing the waffle iron
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes! Grate fresh potatoes, rinse them in cold water, and squeeze out excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
2. What’s the best way to ensure crispy waffles?
Make sure the hashbrowns are well-drained and the waffle iron is preheated. Cooking the waffles slightly longer can also help achieve maximum crispiness.
3. Can I make these waffles without cheese?
While the cheese adds flavor and helps bind the mixture, you can omit it or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
4. How can I keep the waffles warm while cooking in batches?
Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep them warm and crispy while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
5. Can I use other types of bacon?
Turkey bacon works wonderfully, but you can also use beef bacon or chicken bacon depending on your preference.
6. Are these waffles freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze well. Cool completely, store in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer for best results.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the milk with a plant-based option like almond or oat milk.
8. How do I prevent sticking in the waffle iron?
Make sure the waffle iron is well-greased with cooking spray or oil, and allow the waffles to cook fully before opening the lid to prevent tearing.
Conclusion
Turkey Bacon and Cheese Loaded Hashbrown Waffles are the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy textures, cheesy goodness, and smoky flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these waffles are versatile, customizable, and loved by everyone. With their hearty ingredients and simple preparation, they’re perfect for busy mornings, weekend indulgences, or sharing with friends and family. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a new take on classic hashbrowns that’s sure to impress!
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Turkey Bacon and Cheese Loaded Hashbrown Waffles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk (or any non-dairy alternative)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for the waffle iron
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Sliced avocado
- Hot sauce or sriracha
- Additional shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Plug in your waffle iron and let it preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly coat it with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the waffle batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hashbrowns, shredded cheese, crumbled turkey bacon, eggs, flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the waffles: Scoop about ¾ cup of the mixture (or the amount recommended for your waffle iron) into the center of the preheated waffle iron. Spread the mixture out evenly and close the lid.
- Cook the waffles: Cook the hashbrown waffles for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron, so check for doneness.
- Remove and repeat: Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and place it on a wire rack to keep it crisp. Repeat with the remaining mixture, reapplying cooking spray as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the waffles warm with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or hot sauce. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g