Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 box (6 oz) Stove Top stuffing mix (any variety)
- 1½ cups hot water or chicken broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon
- ¼ cup sautéed mushrooms or onions
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Substitution Suggestions:
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free stuffing mix
- Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil and omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip meat additions
Instructions
- Prepare the Stuffing Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Stove Top stuffing mix with steaming hot water or chicken broth. Stir thoroughly, add melted butter, then cover and let sit for about 5 minutes to hydrate the bread cubes fully, creating a cohesive stuffing mixture with a classic aroma.
- Mix in the Binding Ingredients: After the stuffing has absorbed the liquid and cooled slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs, add beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. Fold gently until well combined into a thick batter. Incorporate any optional add-ins like cooked sausage or sautéed vegetables if desired.
- Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Iron: Heat the waffle iron to medium-high and generously spray both plates with non-stick cooking spray or brush with melted butter to prevent sticking, as the stuffing mixture is thicker and stickier than traditional waffle batter. Wait until fully preheated.
- Cook the Waffles to Golden Perfection: Scoop ½ to ¾ cup of the stuffing mixture onto the center of the waffle iron, gently spreading toward the edges without overfilling. Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes without opening. Look for deep golden brown color and crispy edges. If sticking occurs, cook an additional minute before removing.
- Keep Warm and Repeat: Transfer cooked waffles to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm and maintain crispiness. Repeat greasing and cooking with remaining mixture to make 4-6 waffles depending on iron size. For extra crispness, place waffles directly on the oven rack for air circulation.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the waffles hot from the iron or oven topped with butter, gravy, sour cream, or a fried egg. Enjoy the crunchy exterior paired with a tender, flavorful interior reminiscent of classic stuffing.
Notes
- Proper hydration of the stuffing mixture is key to avoiding dry or crumbly waffles.
- Generous greasing of waffle iron plates is essential to prevent sticking due to cheese and bread texture.
- Adjust consistency with small amounts of extra water or broth if mixture seems too dry.
- Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven to preserve crispiness while finishing remaining batches.
- Substitute ingredients to accommodate dietary preferences such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American