Transform Your Holiday Meal With Stove Top Stuffing Waffles

Ever stare at that leftover box of stuffing mix after the holidays and think, “There has to be more to life than this?” Well friend, you’ve just stumbled upon the answer. Stove Top Stuffing Waffles are the ingenious, crispy, and incredibly fun way to give that pantry staple a brilliant second act. This isn’t your average waffle. It’s a savory, herby, and downright magical side dish that comes together in minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or for giving your Thanksgiving leftovers a major glow-up. Let’s get that waffle iron warmed up.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is an absolute game-changer for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy. If you can make a box of stuffing, you can absolutely make these crispy waffles. They’re a fantastic way to create unique side dishes without a ton of extra work or a sink full of dishes. They also transform that classic stuffing flavor into something entirely new with a wonderful textural contrast—soft and fluffy on the inside with a delightfully crispy waffle crust. And honestly, they’re just so, so fun to make. It feels a little bit like kitchen magic when that waffle iron does its thing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (6 oz) box Stove Top Stuffing Mix (I use the classic Sage flavor, but any variety works!)
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Non-stick cooking spray or extra butter for greasing

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Start by preheating your waffle iron. I like to set mine to a medium-high setting for the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a cooked-through interior.
2. In a large heatproof mixing bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix (including the seasoning packet) with the boiling water and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and the butter is melted.
3. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes. This allows the bread crumbs to soften and absorb all that liquid and flavor. It should look like traditional, prepared stuffing.
4. After the 5 minutes are up, stir in the two lightly beaten eggs. This is our binding agent that will hold everything together and help create those fluffy waffles we’re after. Mix until the eggs are fully incorporated.
5. Generously coat your preheated waffle iron with non-stick spray or brush it with a little melted butter. This is a *crucial* step to prevent any sticking and to ensure you get that perfect, crispy waffle release.
6. Scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the stuffing mixture onto the center of the bottom waffle plate. Use a spoon to gently spread it out towards the edges, but don’t worry about it being perfect.
7. Close the lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the waffle is deeply golden brown and feels firm to the touch. Steam will stop pouring out aggressively when they’re done. Don’t be tempted to peek too early!
8. Carefully remove the finished Stove Top Stuffing Waffle with a fork. It should release easily if your iron was well-greased. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Crispy Waffle Techniques

Achieving that ideal crispiness is easier than you think. First, make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated. A hot iron sears the outside quickly, creating that signature crunch. Don’t skimp on the fat—that butter or cooking spray is non-negotiable for a non-stick, crispy result. Resist the urge to open the lid too soon! Let the steam and heat work its magic; breaking the seal lets all the heat escape and can lead to a soggy situation. And finally, for the crispiest waffle of all, place finished waffles in a single layer on a wire cooling rack instead of a plate. This prevents the bottom from getting soft from its own steam.

Unique Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it. For a cheesy twist, fold in a half cup of shredded sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese into the batter before cooking. So good. To mimic potato stacks, add a quarter cup of very finely diced and pre-cooked potatoes or even frozen shredded hash browns (thawed and squeezed dry). For a little kick, a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. If you need an egg-free version, you can try using a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg, left to thicken for 5 minutes). And feel free to play with the stuffing mix flavors—the Cornbread variety makes for a wonderfully sweet and savory base.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These savory waffles are the ultimate supporting actor for so many main dishes. Of course, they’re a genius way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers—top one with a slice of turkey and a drizzle of gravy for the ultimate open-faced sandwich. Serve them alongside a bowl of creamy potato soup or a simple roast chicken for a comforting weeknight dinner. For a brunch worth celebrating, top a waffle with a perfectly fried egg and a dash of hot sauce. They also make a fantastic base for a unique eggs Benedict. The possibilities are pretty much endless.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? They reheat like a dream. Let the waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just separate each waffle with a piece of parchment paper in a freezer bag. To reheat and bring back that wonderful crispiness, the oven or a toaster oven is your best friend. Pop them in at 375°F for about 5-8 minutes (10-12 if frozen) until they’re hot and crispy again. You can use the microwave for a quick 30-second warm-up, but they will lose some of their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use homemade stuffing instead of a mix? Absolutely! You’ll need about 3 cups of prepared, cooled homemade stuffing. Just make sure to mix in the two eggs as directed to help bind it all together for the waffle iron.
• My waffle stuck to the iron! What did I do wrong? The number one culprit is usually not enough grease on the iron. Be generous with that cooking spray or butter between each waffle. Also, ensure your iron is fully preheated before adding the batter.
• Are these cooking for beginners friendly? 100% yes. This is one of the easiest recipes to start with if you’re new to savory waffles or just want a no-fuss side dish. The instructions on the box do most of the work for you.
• Can I make the batter ahead of time? I don’t recommend it. The stuffing mixture will continue to absorb the liquid and can become too dry and thick, making it hard to spread in the iron. It’s best mixed and cooked right away.

And that’s it! You’re now officially armed with the secret to turning a simple box of stuffing into the most talked-about side dish on the table. These Stove Top Stuffing Waffles are proof that the best kitchen creations are often the simplest, and the most delicious ideas are usually born from a little bit of curiosity and a well-stocked pantry. Happy cooking!