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New ways to cook with your waffle iron on Waffle Day

Waffle Day is March 25.

While it’s primarily celebrated in Sweden — apparently binging on waffles marks the beginning of spring — we’re celebrating here, too. Because we can. And because we love waffles.

(In the U.S., National Waffle Day is August 24, marking the anniversary of the first patented waffle iron.)

Waffles are pretty easy to make at home with an iron — and even easier to order at brunch — so we decided to seek out alternative uses for our waffle iron.

Wanna eat “waffled” food at home all day?

Here are some ways how:

Breakfast:

Eggs

I tried this for lunch. (Breakfast should be eaten three times a day, right?)

Courtesy Nadine Kalinauskas
Courtesy Nadine Kalinauskas

The simple recipe left a lot of room for play. I beat four eggs, added one minced shallot, some grated Parmesan and seasoned the mixture with salt and pepper.

I poured the eggs onto the waffle maker at medium-high heat and waited. When I could see them get puffy, they were done. Easiest eggs ever. They tasted great, too, once I got over the expectation that they were going to taste like a waffle.

Bacon

Courtesy One Good Thing by Jillie
Courtesy One Good Thing by Jillie

This would be a great addition

 to my eggs. (Actually, I’d probably cook the bacon first, then cook the eggs in the bacon grease. Take advantage of all that bacon has to offer.)

Croissant Dough

Courtesy Will It Waffle
Courtesy Will It Waffle

As would this. A waffle breakfast sandwich! Make it with the eggs and bacon (above), or create an impressive Waffle Croque Madame.

(Want waffled hashbrowns on the side? We’ve got you covered.)

Cinnamon Rolls

Courtesy A Hen's Nest
Courtesy A Hen's Nest

For the sweet tooth

.

Of course, you could always just make waffles. This recipe, with and without the buttermilk variation, from Better Homes and Gardens is no-fail. (This is a very popular Saturday breakfast at my house. If you’re going to invite yourself over, please bring whipped cream and strawberries.)

Lunch:

Paninis

Courtesy Foodie with Family
Courtesy Foodie with Family

Turn your waffle iron into a panini press. This recipe from Foodie With Family describes the perfect ham-and-cheese-waffle-sandwich construction.

For a more sophisticated lunch, try this Oregon Summer Panino recipe from The Kitchn — and stuff your sandwich with figs, sharp cheddar, arugula and hazelnut butter.

Falafel

Courtesy Food and Whine
Courtesy Food and Whine

Make your own falafel in the waffle iron with this recipe from Food & Whine. Serve in fresh pita break with tzatziki, Greek salad and rice.

Dinner:

Burgers

Courtesy Will It Waffle
Courtesy Will It Waffle

Waffleburgers, anyone? This recipe comes from the blog-with-the-best-name Will It Waffle?

Waffle both your burger and your bun. It’s fast, easy, and looks pretty awesome.

Pizza

Courtesy One Good Thing by Jillee
Courtesy One Good Thing by Jillee

Use your own homemade dough recipe, cook for a few minutes in the waffle iron, then top with your favourite ingredients and cook with the iron open until the cheese is melted. Easy as (pizza) pie.

Or double up on the dough and make a quesadilla.

Macaroni and Cheese

Courtesy Will It Waffle
Courtesy Will It Waffle

The Will It Waffle? folks won us over with this idea: breading leftover mac and cheese and reheating it in the waffle iron. Yes, please.

Dessert:

Cookies

Courtesy The Kitchn
Courtesy The Kitchn

Need homemade cookies ASAP? In a waffle iron, they only take about a minute-and-a-half to bake.

We can’t wait to try these Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Waffle Cookies posted by Fine Cooking.

The description:

“These cookies, excerpted from the book Dessert Express, look like mini waffles, but they bake up just like oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies, with browned, toasty oats on the outside and gooey, melty chips. Once cooled, they look cute garnishing bowls of ice cream.”

Brownie Sundae

Courtesy Food Network
Courtesy Food Network

Another instant-gratification recipe. This one comes from the Food Network Kitchen. Baking time is less than 6 minutes. Cooling time is eliminated. Top with ice cream and the fixin’s and dive right in.

(Or freeze your brownie waffles in resealable plastic bags. When a craving hits, pop one in the toaster or oven until warmed through. You’re welcome.)

Other than breakfast waffles, what do you make with your waffle iron?