Savory Pizza Waffles | Dippable Pizza in 20 Minutes
on Mar 03, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Transform breakfast into dinner with these irresistible Pizza Waffles – the perfect solution for busy weeknights when your kids want pizza but you don’t have time for pizza from scratch or even delivery! These savory, cheesy waffles cook in minutes and pack all the flavors of their favorite pizza into a fun, dippable format.
I’m always looking for dinner shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or fun. These Pizza Waffles have become my secret weapon on those chaotic weeknights when the kids are hungry, we have activities, and I’m running on empty. They deliver all the cheesy, pepperoni goodness of pizza but cook in a fraction of the time!
These quick waffle iron pizzas work as an after-school snack, quick dinner, or even packed cold in lunch boxes the next day. My kids actually cheer when they see the waffle maker come out for dinner – a reaction I never thought I’d get from a 20-minute meal made with pantry staples!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Waffles Recipe
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: From start to finish, you’ll have hot, crispy pizza waffles ready in just 20 minutes – faster than delivery or even frozen pizza!
- Kid-Approved Flavor: The combination of melty mozzarella and crispy pepperoni delivers that classic pizza taste in every bite. My picky eaters clean their plates every time!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry ingredients, these waffles cost a fraction of takeout pizza while still satisfying those pizza cravings.
- Customizable for Everyone: Just like regular pizza, these waffles become a blank canvas for your family’s favorite toppings – whether that’s plain cheese for the little ones or loaded with veggies for the adults.
- Perfectly Portable: Unlike floppy pizza slices, these sturdy waffles make the perfect on-the-go meal or lunchbox addition without creating a mess.
🧇 Quick savories made in the waffle iron can be snacks or even super easy and filling lunch box additions!
Recipe Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Pizza Waffles
Step 1: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I used a small 4 inch Eggo-sized waffle maker.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and beaten eggs, stirring until just combined.
Step 3: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and chopped pepperoni.
Step 4: The batter will be thick!
Step 5: Lightly grease the waffle maker if needed. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter into the waffle maker. When you close the waffle maker press the top down do fully smash the batter out in the waffle maker.
Step 6: Cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes, depending on your waffle maker. I cooked these longer than I would normal breakfast waffles. Err on the side of crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! These pizza waffles reheat beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Pop them in the toaster or oven for a quick after-school snack or emergency dinner.
The batter should be thicker than traditional breakfast waffle batter because of the cheese. However, if it’s too thick to work with, add a few tablespoons of milk until it reaches a consistency that will spread when you close the waffle maker lid.
While the waffle maker creates those perfect crispy edges and pockets for sauce, you can adapt this recipe for a pancake pan! Just make smaller, thicker pancakes and cook them a bit longer on each side to ensure they’re cooked through.
For vegetarian pizza waffles, try adding diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms that have been quickly sautéed to remove excess moisture. Sun-dried tomatoes also add wonderful flavor without making the batter too wet.
Expert Tips
- Double-Crisp Method: For extra-crispy waffles that hold up perfectly to dipping, cook them until golden in the waffle maker, then transfer to a 350°F oven for 5 minutes on a wire rack. This step isn’t necessary but creates restaurant-quality results!
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add Italian seasoning or garlic powder addition – these simple spices transform the waffles from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
- Perfect Dipping Sauce: While marinara is classic, try offering a selection of dipping options like pesto, ranch dressing, or garlic butter to discover new family favorites.
- Portion Control: When using a 4-inch waffle maker, use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the batter for perfectly consistent waffles every time. This ensures they’ll all cook at the same rate.
- Cheese Selection: While pre-shredded mozzarella works fine, shredding your own from a block results in better melting and flavor. A blend of mozzarella and provolone creates an even more authentic pizza flavor profile!
Savory Waffles We Love For Dinner
Waffles are such a quick and easy breakfast, but they’re also so perfect for dinner when you need something filling without spending an hour in the kitchen. Here are some savory waffle recipes we eat for dinner!
- Cornbread Waffles with Chili: The sweet, fluffy cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory chili and can be dressed up with a variety of toppings.
- Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles: Crispy, buttermilk-fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles for the ultimate comfort food mashup.
- Ham and Cheese Waffles: Golden and crispy on the outside with pockets of melted cheese and smoky ham throughout.
More Waffles For Breakfast or Dinner
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Pizza Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni, about 3 ounces
- marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I used a small 4-inch Eggo-sized waffle maker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk and beaten eggs, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded mozzarella and chopped pepperoni. The batter will be thick.
- Lightly grease the waffle maker if needed. Scoop about ¼ cup of batter into the waffle maker. When you close the waffle maker press the top down do fully smash the batter out in the waffle maker.
- Cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes, depending on your waffle maker. I cooked these longer than I would normal breakfast waffles. Err on the side of crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- The batter should be fairly thick (thicker than traditional waffle batter because of the cheese), but if it’s very thick add another few tablespoons of milk. It should spread out when you press the lid of the waffle maker down on it.
- Try adding ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
- These waffles freeze well — just reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick snack.
- My kids liked these dipped in ranch as much as they liked the marinara sauce.
- You can omit the pepperoni if you just want a cheese pizza waffle.
These were delicious and fun! Perfect for kids!