How to Make the Perfect Waffle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
American · Easy · 11 min · 4 servings
These genius waffle grilled cheese sandwiches use frozen waffles as the bread making them the most kid friendly and surprisingly delicious lunch your children have never tried before. The crispy waffle pockets hold the melted cheese perfectly and give every bite a sweet and savory flavor kids absolutely go crazy for.
Why this recipe works
This Waffle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 11 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 370 calories with 13g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 4 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 slices frozen waffles
- 8 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional for dipping
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Waffles Lightly
Toast all 8 frozen waffles in the toaster on the lowest setting just until defrosted and barely warm. They should not be fully crispy yet as they will cook more in the pan.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place two cheese slices between two lightly toasted waffles to form a sandwich. Press gently together so the cheese sits flat inside the waffle pockets.
Step 3: Pan Fry Until Melted
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the waffle sandwiches in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side pressing down lightly with a spatula until the cheese melts and the waffles are golden and crispy.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Remove from the pan and let cool for 1 minute before cutting diagonally in half. Serve with maple syrup on the side for dipping to balance the savory cheese with a touch of sweetness.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- frozen waffles → homemade waffles or thick French toast slices
- cheddar cheese → brie or Havarti for a more grown-up flavor kids might enjoy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Toasting the waffles too fully before pan frying which makes them too hard and dry in the final sandwich
- Using high heat in the skillet which burns the waffle exterior before the cheese inside has time to melt
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 370 calories, 13g protein, 44g carbs, 15g fat, 1g fiber.
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