Unexpected Ways to Use Your Waffle Maker

Chances are you own a waffle maker — maybe you received it as a wedding gift and have barely used it since. Drag that small appliance out of the basement and into your kitchen. Here are four unexpected ways to put it to use this weekend.

Hashbrowns

Make a quick hashbrown patty using the waffle iron. Just use your typical hashbrown recipe and press a mound onto the iron (make sure you can fully close the waffle maker). If using store-bought hashbrowns, just make sure they’re not frozen and put the iron on the top heat setting.

Hot sandwich press

Your waffle maker can double as a panini press.  Instead of straight lines you’ll get that classic waffled pattern. This works with any type of hot sandwich. Try Sourdough bread spread with pesto, then top with mozzarella, basil and tomato. Smash your sandwich in the waffle iron for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crisp.

Cornbread

You can make cornbread “waffles” by following the same steps you use for regular waffle batter. Just like when you make breakfast waffles, this might take a while to make everyone in your family their own piece of cornbread. Just scoop the cornbread batter into the waffle maker and wait until fully cooked. Top with chili and cheese for a savory waffle dinner.

Cinnamon rolls

Create a funky waffle-cinnamon roll hybrid. Wafflmon? Cinnle? Either way, this is easy. Pop the tube of store-bought cinnamon rolls and roll up each one. Place one roll in each quadrant of the waffle maker. Push the top down until both sides are browned. Top with the icing and enjoy.

As always, spray with a nonstick oil so your food doesn’t stick to the iron. Unplug and clean according to the manufacturer’s directions. You can get creative in the kitchen and discover all the ways to enjoy that unused waffle maker.