These crispy, cheesy Savory Gluten-Free Waffles make a fabulous snack or meal on their own or with a wide variety of savory toppings. Tapioca flour (starch) is the star of the show here in these GF waffles reminiscent of cheese bread.
This is another one of those recipes, not unlike my favorite Gluten-Free Pizza Crust, that I've been making for years but am just now getting around to sharing! My family adores having these waffles for dinner. And, my kids ask for these rather frequently—which I always count as a win! They can be served a myriad of ways and have the most wonderful texture and flavor. I hope you and yours enjoy them just as well!
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Ingredients
Tapioca Flour:
I adore this versatile starch. It is the star of the show in my popular Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Recipe. It imparts a chewiness that is reminiscent of gluten-filled flours and has a really lovely flavor as well.
Cheese:
This provides some delightful cheesy flavor, and also some extra binding power and texture.
Olive Oil:
This helps get those delightful, flavorful crispy bits as well as provides some non-stick power.
Eggs:
This is an optional ingredient. I like adding it to the batter for some added protein for my kiddos, and it also provides some structure and binding power. But we've found that omitting it and/or adding flaxseed in its place to still provide tasty waffles, just with a slightly different texture.
Salt:
You gotta have salt to bring the flavors to the forefront!
Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning:
This seasoning combo really creates such a stunningly delicious savory waffle that is hard to beat! You can certainly play around with your own spice combos but this is by far our favorite.
How-to Make Savory Gluten-Free Waffles
Step 1: Combine tapioca flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt. 
Step 2: Add cheese. 
Step 3: Stir well. 
Step 4: Add olive oil. 
Step 5: Add an egg or ground flaxseed. 
Step 6: Add water (or milk). 
Step 7: Pour batter into waffle maker. 
Step 8: Like so. 
Step 9: Cook in your waffle maker (according to manufacturer’s directions). 
Step 10: Gently lift up. 
Step 11: Enjoy!
Waffle Toppings and Serving Suggestions
We enjoy serving these waffles a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments!
Sauerkraut:
Don't knock it until you try it! This is truly a match made in heaven. Our favorite way to eat these savory waffles is topped off with my Golden Sauerkraut.
Avocado:
This is my favorite way to have "avocado toast". Some mashed avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce and you're set.
Marinara Sauce:
These waffles make great dipping waffles and are a bit reminiscent of pizza when dipped in marinara sauce.
Salsa:
My Fresh Salsa recipe is definitely on regular rotation come waffle night.
Tips and Tricks
Can't eat eggs?
Simply omit the egg or replace it with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed.
Tapioca Starch
I do not recommend replacing tapioca flour with any other gluten-free flour or starch. Tapioca is truly what makes this recipe so wonderful.
Cheese
I think cheddar cheese provides the most flavorful results, but vegetarian parmesan and mozzarella cheeses work well, too!
Storage
This recipe tastes best when enjoyed straight away, but will keep at room temperature, covered, for up to 24 hours. You can pop in a 350°F oven to warm and crisp up if need be.
Freezing Waffles
You can store these waffles in a freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 4 months. To re-heat, place in a 350°F oven or a toaster until warmed throughout.
More Cheesy Recipes
If you try this recipe please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, share this post, use Pinterest’s “tried it” feature, or take a photo, & tag me on Instagram and I’ll share it! Thank you so much! <3
📖 Recipe
Savory Gluten-Free Waffles
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups tapioca starch
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups water or milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker as per manufacturer's instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl combine tapioca starch, cheese, salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Add egg, olive oil and water. Mix until all is combined well (the batter will be on the wet side).
- Using a ladle pour the waffle batter into the waffle maker until all sections are covered, then cook according to manufacturer's instructions (about 5 minutes). Repeat with remaining waffle batter.
- These waffles taste best when served right away. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
Stephanie says
These looks absolutely amazing I’m wondering if you’ve tried making them with vegan cheeses? Definitely want to try them!
Kristen Wood says
Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much. 🙂 I haven't tried it, but I do think a good melty vegan cheese such as Chao or Violife would work well!
Daniela Modesto says
I love the savory take on this. A nice change from the sweetness. Beautifully done!
Kristen Wood says
Thank you so much, my friend! 🙂