What to Serve with Waffles: 50+ Ideas (Toppings, Sides)
I love waffles, and I bet you do too! When thinking about what to serve with waffles, the options are endless.
These golden, crispy treats make me happy any time of day. You can dress them up with sweet toppings or pair them with savory sides. Some folks only think of maple syrup, but there’s so much more to try!
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite waffle companions. From fruity toppings to easy sides, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your waffle meal extra special.
Why You’ll Love Waffles?
Waffles are amazing! The crispy outside gives way to the soft, fluffiest inside—it’s pure magic. I make them for breakfast, but they’re just as good for dinner or dessert. You can top them with anything you like, and they always make family members smile at my gatherings.
Toppings for Waffles
Want to make your waffles extra special? Let’s find some amazing toppings that’ll take your waffles from good to fantastic! These options work for any time of day.
Classic Syrup
Nothing beats the classic sweetness of syrup on waffles. Here are some syrupy options that I’ve tried and loved.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is my favorite! The rich, natural sweetness soaks into every waffle pocket. I love warming it up first for extra yumminess.
- Butter Pecan Syrup: This reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen. The nutty, buttery taste makes waffles taste like a special treat. You’ll love how it melts into warm waffles.
- Honey Butter Syrup: Mix warm honey with melted butter for this easy topping. It’s cheaper than maple syrup but tastes amazing! Your kids will ask for seconds.
- Brown Sugar Butter Syrup: Cook brown sugar with butter until it gets thick and gooey. Pour it hot over waffles for a caramel-like treat.
Fruity Toppings
Fresh fruits add color and natural sweetness to your waffles. Here are some fruity ideas you don’t skip.
- Cranberry Sauce: Don’t save it just for turkey! The tangy-sweet taste works great on waffles. I use leftover holiday cranberry sauce year-round.
- Apple Butter/Applesauce: Spread warm apple butter on your waffle for fall flavors. It’s like apple pie for breakfast! My homemade applesauce disappears fast.
- Mixed Berry Jam: Any berry jam works well. I like mixing different jams together for new flavors. Strawberry-raspberry is my family’s favorite combo.
- Fruit Compote: Cook any fresh or frozen fruits with a bit of sugar. The warm sauce makes waffles extra special. The blueberry compote is my go-to choice.
- Chocolate Hummus: Here’s a surprise hit at my house! This creamy, chocolatey spread adds protein to your waffles. Kids love it, and they don’t even know it’s made from chickpeas.
- Lemon Curd: Bright, tangy, and smooth – lemon curd makes waffles taste fancy. I love making this when friends come over for brunch.
- Fresh Berries: Nothing beats fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on waffles. They add natural sweetness and pretty colors to your plate.
- Sliced Fruit: Try bananas, apples, pears, or even avocados! I like to fan out thin slices in a pretty pattern. The avocado might sound weird, but it’s amazing on savory waffles.
Creamy Toppings
Make your waffles extra special with these smooth and creamy additions. They add richness and make every bite better!
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, homemade whipped cream melts perfectly on warm waffles. I add a tiny bit of vanilla to mine.
- Coconut Cream: This dairy-free option is so rich and tropical. You’ll feel like you’re having dessert for breakfast!
- Greek Yogurt: For a protein boost, I top my waffles with thick Greek yogurt. It’s tangy and filling.
- Cottage Cheese: Don’t knock it till you try it! The creamy texture works great with fruit toppings. My kids love it with peaches.
Nut and Seed Butter
Want to make your waffles more filling? These spreads add protein and good fats. They’re perfect for busy mornings!
- Peanut Butter: A classic choice that makes waffles more filling. I warm it up so it gets melty and wonderful.
- Almond Butter: Smoother and fancier than peanut butter. It tastes great with sliced bananas on top.
- Macadamia Nut Butter: This rich, creamy butter feels super special. I save it for weekend brunches.
- Pumpkin Seed Butter: Green and nutty, this spread is perfect for people with nut allergies. Try it with honey!
Crunchy and Nutty Additions
Add some crunch to your soft waffles! These toppings give great texture and make every bite interesting.
- Granola: Sprinkle your favorite granola for extra crunch. I like making my own with honey and nuts.
- Nuts: Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans add wonderful texture. Toast them first for better flavor!
- Cacao Nibs: These little bits of pure chocolate are less sweet than chips. They’re perfect for grown-up tastes.
- Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love melty chocolate? I use mini chips so they spread out better.
Easy Sides to Serve with Waffles
Looking for something more substantial to serve with your waffles? These sides turn a simple waffle into a complete meal that’ll keep you full and happy!
Egg-Based Dishes
Eggs and waffles are breakfast besties! These protein-rich sides make your waffle meal more filling and nutritious.
- Scrambled Eggs: Soft, fluffy eggs seasoned just right make the perfect waffle partner. I like mine with a bit of cheese and chives. You can make them as simple or fancy as you want!
- Poached Eggs: Watch that golden yolk run over your waffle! I learned this trick at a fancy brunch place – add a pinch of vinegar to the water for perfect poached eggs.
- Cheese Omelet: A fluffy omelet filled with melty cheese adds protein to your waffle meal. My kids love helping me pick different cheese combinations for our weekend brunches.
- Frittata: This Italian-style egg dish is like a fancy open-faced omelet. I make mine with leftover vegetables and cheese – it’s never the same twice!
Meat
Want to make your waffle meal more hearty? These meat options add amazing flavor and protein.
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Crispy chicken and waffles is a classic combo! The sweet and savory mix is pure magic. My family fights over the last piece every time.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon makes everything better. I bake mine in the oven while the waffles cook – less mess, perfect results!
- Breakfast Sausage: Whether you like links or patties, sausage adds a spicy flavor to your waffle meal. Try maple-flavored sausage for an extra treat.
- Smoked Salmon: Feel fancy with this protein-rich option. Add some cream cheese and capers, and you’ve got a brunch-worthy meal!
Potato Sides
Crispy, golden potato sides add warmth and comfort to your waffle meal. These hearty options make breakfast extra filling!
- Hash Browns: Golden-brown and crispy outside, tender inside. I make mine extra crispy by squeezing out all the water first. You’ll love how they complement sweet waffles.
- Sweet Potato Hash: Colorful cubes of sweet potato with onions and peppers. This healthy side adds beautiful color and natural sweetness to your plate.
- Roasted Breakfast Potatoes: Seasoned with herbs and roasted until crispy. My secret is adding a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and flavor.
- Potato Fritters: Like mini potato pancakes, these crispy bites are perfect with waffles. I serve them with sour cream and chives on top.
Fresh and Fruity Sides
Fresh fruits bring color and natural sweetness to your waffle spread. These healthy sides balance out the richness!
- Fruit Salad: Mix seasonal fruits for a rainbow in your bowl. I love using berries, melons, and citrus for the best flavor combo.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Arrange sliced fruits in pretty patterns. This always looks amazing at brunch parties, and guests love picking their favorites.
- Fruit Pizza: A fun twist using cream cheese and fresh fruit on a sugar cookie base. Kids go crazy for this at weekend breakfasts.
- Air Fryer Apples: Quick-cooked apples with cinnamon make a warm, healthy side. They taste like apple pie filling but are much healthier.
Quick Vegetable Sides
Yes, vegetables can be great with waffles! These savory sides make your meal more balanced and interesting.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes burst with flavor. They’re perfect with savory waffle toppings.
- Sauteed Mushrooms: Buttery mushrooms with herbs make waffles feel fancy. I love using different mushroom types for more flavors.
- Sauteed Spinach with Pancetta: Green and healthy with a touch of salty meat. This grown-up side dish makes breakfast feel special.
- Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful peppers add vitamins to your meal. I like mixing red, yellow, and orange for a pretty presentation.
Dairy-Based Delights
Creamy dairy sides add protein and calcium to your waffle meal. These cool and satisfying options make breakfast more special!
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a pretty side dish. I love making these in clear glasses so you can see all the colorful layers.
- Cheese Platter: Arrange different cheeses with fruits and nuts for a fancy brunch touch. My guests always love having cheese options with their waffles.
- Chocolate Protein Bars: These homemade bars have Greek yogurt and protein powder. They’re perfect when you want a healthy side that still feels like a treat.
Drinks to Pair with Waffles
The right drink makes your waffle meal complete! Here are some perfect beverage pairings that I love.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot cocoa topped with whipped cream makes waffle time extra cozy. I add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to make it special.
- Lemonade: Fresh, tart lemonade cuts through the sweetness of topped waffles perfectly. Try adding fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: A hot cup of coffee pairs perfectly with any waffle combo. I like mine strong to balance sweet toppings.
- Milk Options: Choose your favorite – regular, almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each brings its own flavor to your waffle experience!
Final Thoughts
Waffles are truly amazing because they work with so many different sides and toppings!
From sweet maple syrup to savory fried chicken, there’s a perfect pairing for everyone. I’ve shared my favorite combinations, but don’t be afraid to try your own ideas.
Mix and match these sides to create your perfect waffle meal. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes waffles so special.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy waffles? Share your favorite waffle combinations in the comments below – I’d love to hear your creative ideas!
