Easy Keto Chaffle Recipe - Crispy Low-Carb Waffles (2024)

Keto Chaffles is the recipe that took social media by storm! All you need are 2 ingredients: freshly shredded cheese & an egg white to make this basic savory keto chaffle recipe. Crisp and delicious without tasting eggy, this base recipe is so versatile you can make many kinds of chaffles, both sweet and savory.

Easy Keto Chaffles

It seems that recipes for Keto Chaffles popped into the keto world overnight. With an incredibly easy base recipe, you can make many kinds of chaffles. While I did not originally create this recipe, I’ve been testing many different variations to make the best keto chaffle recipe with the perfect crisp texture and delicious taste.

All the details are in this post, along with variations, substitutions, step-by-step pictures, and a video tutorial. This traditional Chaffle recipe is a fantastic alternative to bread and makes perfectly delicious low-carb sandwiches.

Can you use a regular waffle maker to make Chaffles?

Yes, you can use a Belgium or a regular waffle maker. The surface area of both is larger than the Dash mini maker, so you won’t fill it with batter. The grates are larger and farther apart, which makes a less crisp chaffle.

Where can I buy the Dash mini waffle maker?

I am a fan of Amazon Prime because I can order from the comfort of my home and have it delivered to my front door in two days. Most stores that carry small kitchen appliances carry the regular-sized Dash Mini chaffle maker.

Ingredients To Make Basic Chaffle Batter

(Makes 2 Four-Inch Chaffles)

*Egg– The egg is the binder that holds the chaffle together.

Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese – I enjoy the bold taste of sharp cheddar cheese, but you could use any variety or combination of cheeses.

*Note: The photos and video for this basic keto chaffle recipe use a whole egg; I have found that I prefer an egg white.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Making Perfect Crispy Chaffles

Prep the Waffle Iron:

Before starting your chaffle batter, properly preheat your mini waffle maker:

1. Plug in and allow the appliance to preheat for 3-4 minutes until the power light turns on.
2. Brush both top and bottom plates with melted butter or oil using a basting brush. This prevents sticking.
3. For extra crispness, sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese onto each hot plate. It will melt immediately.
4. Use caution – the surfaces will be extremely hot. Do not touch the plates directly.
5. Once prepped and cheese-sprinkled, the waffle iron is ready for the chaffle batter!

Mix the Chaffle Batter

1. Crack 1 large egg into a small mixing bowl. For a lighter texture, I prefer to use just the egg white.
2. Add 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack also work well.
3. Using a fork or whisk, thoroughly combine the egg and cheese until a thick, uniform batter forms. The cheese may not be incorporated fully.
4. For added flavor, stir in mix-ins like hot sauce, garlic powder, or chives.
5. Let the batter sit 1-2 minutes before cooking.

Tip:Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on the waffle maker before pouring the batter, then a little more on top for added crispness.

Cook the Crispy Chaffles

1. Scoop half the chilled batter and pour onto the hot waffle iron plates.
2. Use a spoon to spread evenly, then close the top plate.
3. Cook the chaffles for 3-4 minutes until deeply golden. Carefully remove the hot chaffles using a fork and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining batter for the second chaffle.

Tips for Making Crispy Chaffles

Achieving a deliciously crispy texture is easy with a few simple tricks:

Use Egg Whites

Cracking the egg and separating the white from the yolk is an extra step that pays off in the end. Egg whites provide structure without added fats that make chaffles dense or chewy. The absence of the fatty yolk allows chaffles to cook up lighter and crispier. Beat one large egg white until foamy and use it in place of the whole egg in the chaffle batter.

Let Them Cool

It’s tempting to devour hot chaffles straight from the waffle maker, but it is key to allow them to cool and set first. As soon as they release cleanly from the hot plates, transfer the chaffles to a cooling rack. Resist cutting or biting chaffles for the first 1-2 minutes. As steam escapes, it leaves behind a crispy, delightfully crackly exterior while the interior continues cooking to tender perfection. Letting them rest truly takes chaffles from soft to crispy.

Double Cook

For ultra-crisp chaffles with a shatteringly brittle crust, double cooking is the trick. Once cooled, return chaffles to the mini waffle maker on medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side to dehydrate and re-crisp the exterior. The second go-round ensures moisture evaporation for the crispiest texture. Alternately, cut in wedges and bake in a hot oven or toaster oven until crisp.

Store Properly

Maintaining crispness means storing chaffles the right way. Let chaffles fully cool before storage. Place cooled chaffles in an airtight container to preserve texture. Avoid stacking or wrapping hot chaffles in plastic too quickly. Doing so traps condensation, leading to sogginess.

Customize Your Chaffles

Customizing chaffles allows you to experiment with sweet and savory flavors using whatever ingredients you have on hand! Get creative with add-ins.

General Variations:

• Experiment with different kinds of cheese, such as Monterrey Jack, Colby, mozzarella cheese, etc. You could even combine two different types of cheeses for added flavor.
• Add spices such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Everything But the Bagel seasoning, or red pepper flakes to turn it up a notch.
• Add a tsp of coconut flour (or a tablespoon of almond flour) along with 1/4 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Savory Chaffle Ideas

Bacon Chaffle – Add crispy crumbled bacon and cheddar for a hearty breakfast chaffle.
Pizza Chaffle – Top with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella, then bake for a handheld pizza.
Jalapeño Popper Chaffle – Mix diced jalapeños into batter, then stuff with cream cheese for a spicy appetizer.
Taco Chaffles – Crispy taco shell chaffles stuffed with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and veggie toppings.
French Dip Chaffles – Thin roast beef and melty provolone cheese sandwiched between pillowy chaffles, served with hot au jus.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Chaffles – Crisp, buttery wedges baked with garlicky herb butter and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese.
Reuben Sandwich Chaffle – Layer corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing between two chaffles.
Club Chaffle Sandwich – The traditional low-carb chaffle recipe makes delicious sandwich bread. Add your favorite lunchmeats, lettuce, cheese, tomato, and condiments for a fantastic keto club sandwich. Pepperoni would be a yummy addition as well.
Grilled Cheese Chaffle – Golden, crisp chaffles filled with gooey melted cheese make the perfect quick comfort food.

Sweet Chaffle Ideas

Chocolate Chaffles – Rich, fudgy chaffles served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Keto Chocolate Chip Chaffles – Crisp, vanilla chaffles studded with mouthwatering Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips.
Maple Pumpkin Keto Waffles – Fall-flavored chaffles bursting with pumpkin pie spice flavor, sweetened naturally with maple syrup.
Blueberry Chaffles – Gently fold fresh blueberries into a sweet chaffle batter for a delicious breakfast or serve with low-carb ice cream for a mouthwatering dessert.
Sweet Waffle Chaffle – Simply top chaffles with butter and sugar-free syrup for a delicious keto chaffle waffle.

Frequently Asked Chaffle Questions:

Do chaffles taste eggy?

Using egg whites instead of whole eggs yields chaffles with minimal egg flavor or dense texture from the egg yolk fat. They cook up light and crispy, showcasing the flavor of the cheese.

How long do chaffles last?

Properly stored, chaffles will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, place cooled chaffles in a freezer bag or airtight container with parchment paper between each one. Frozen chaffles will keep for 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer.

What is the best cheese for making chaffles?

Cheddar and mozzarella chaffles yield beautiful golden waffles with delicious texture and taste. However, virtually any cheese works, from Swiss to provolone to pepper jack, so get creative with your favorite cheesy flavors! Aged cheeses offer boldness.

What can I use if I don’t have a mini waffle maker?

While a mini waffle maker like the Dash gives the best results, you can make chaffles in a regular-sized Belgian waffle iron. Use the same batter, but you likely won’t fill the whole surface area of a bigger waffle maker. Chaffles baked in larger makers may spread thinner and not be as uniformly crispy.

The Dash Waffle maker is a perfect size! The traditional Chaffle recipe makes two four-inch chaffles using this waffle maker.

If you have a big family or want to make several at once, the Dash multi mini waffle maker is a huge time saver, making four 4-inch chaffles simultaneously.