Cottage Cheese Waffles
Cottage Cheese Waffles are a fun twist on your regular waffle, bringing a light and fluffy texture with a little bit of tang from the cottage cheese. They’re crispy on…
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Cottage Cheese Waffles are a fun twist on your regular waffle, bringing a light and fluffy texture with a little bit of tang from the cottage cheese. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or brunch when you want something a bit different but still super tasty.
I love how easy these waffles come together and how the cottage cheese adds extra protein without changing the flavor too much. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition, especially if you’re looking for a filling start to the day. I usually whip up a batch on weekends when I have a little extra time and end up eating them all myself because they’re just that good!
My favorite way to serve these waffles is with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. They also taste amazing with a dollop of yogurt or even some savory toppings like avocado and smoked salmon if I’m feeling adventurous. Either way, they’re always a hit at my breakfast table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This adds moisture and a subtle tang to the waffles. If you don’t have cottage cheese, Greek yogurt works well, but it may make the batter a bit thinner.
Buttermilk: It reacts with baking soda for fluffiness and flavor. If you don’t have it, mix ¾ cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Eggs: Separating egg whites and yolks keeps waffles light and airy. If you want a simpler method, you can skip this, but expect less fluffiness.
Fresh Berries & Bananas: These fresh fruits add natural sweetness and brightness. Feel free to use any berries or fruit you like or have on hand.
How Do You Fold in Egg Whites Without Losing Air?
Folding egg whites gently is key to keeping your waffles fluffy. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a large spatula or spoon and add about a third of the egg whites to your batter first to lighten it.
- Gently cut through the middle of the batter, scrape along the bottom, and fold over the top.
- Turn the bowl slowly as you fold, mixing just enough until no big white streaks remain.
- Avoid stirring or beating, which knocks out the air you worked to build.
This gentle folding keeps the batter light so your waffles come out crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Waffle iron – essential for shaping and cooking the waffles evenly with a nice crisp outside.
- Mixing bowls – two are handy: one for dry ingredients and one for wet to keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – perfect for beating egg whites to stiff peaks easily.
- Rubber spatula – great for gently folding egg whites into the batter without losing air.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps you get the right amounts for consistent results.
- Non-stick spray or a brush for butter – so your waffles don’t stick to the iron.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier texture and mild flavor that works well with sweet toppings.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic touch especially nice in cooler months.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
- Top with different fruits like raspberries or peaches to vary the sweetness and freshness depending on the season.
Cottage Cheese Waffles with Fresh Berries and Syrup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for the waffle iron
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh banana slices
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook the waffles, depending on your waffle iron. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes making these delicious waffles from start to finish, getting fresh berries and syrup ready as a perfect topping!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Waffle Iron:
Start by preheating your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter so the waffles don’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure the waffles rise well and have just the right texture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, buttermilk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is blended nicely.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. It’s okay if the batter looks a little lumpy because of the cottage cheese—that’s exactly how it should be!
5. Beat Egg Whites:
Take a clean bowl and beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This step helps make your waffles light and airy.
6. Fold in Egg Whites:
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. Use a gentle folding motion to keep the mixture fluffy and avoid knocking out the air.
7. Cook the Waffles:
Spoon the batter onto your preheated waffle iron. Spread it evenly but don’t overfill. Close the lid and cook for about 4–5 minutes, or until waffles are golden brown and crisp.
8. Serve with Toppings:
Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a serving plate. Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices. Drizzle with maple syrup and, if you like, dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your waffles warm and enjoy this tasty and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cottage Cheese for the Waffles?
It’s best to use fresh cottage cheese for the right texture. If using frozen, thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid soggy batter.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How Do I Store Leftover Waffles?
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to help them stay crispy.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
It’s best to fold in the egg whites just before cooking to keep waffles fluffy. You can prepare the rest of the batter a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then gently fold in beaten egg whites when ready.
