Sweet, Savory and Spicy: 6 Easy Waffle Recipes

Waffles bathed in butter and dripping with maple syrup seem like a treat for a special breakfast. The truth is that waffle recipes can be a regular part of your weight loss diet. The Nutrisystem Buttermilk Waffles are made with better ingredients and portioned just right for you. No wonder they’re one of Nutrisystem’s most popular breakfast items!

Fun fact: waffles make a satisfying lunch or even dinner, too. Even better, you can use them as a platform for lots of other flavorful foods, including savory and spicy ingredients. With these fresh recipes, you can cook up your own healthy waffle recipes or try the ideas for making the handy Nutrisystem Buttermilk Waffles even more flavorful and fun.

1. Protein Waffles >

Servings: 6 (1 serving = 1 waffle)

Calories per Serving: 215

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

With this recipe, you can amp up the protein in homemade waffles with PowerFuels that add flavor and nutrition. Along with high-fiber whole wheat flour and protein-rich eggs and Greek yogurt, you mix protein powder into the batter. Just about any kind works but give yours a flavor pop with Nutrisystem’s Protein Shake Mix. Try Sweet Vanilla or Chocolate Fudge. Either way, you get 15 grams of low-fat protein. Want a little more? Drizzle the waffles with a serving of warm nut butter or sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Get the full Protein Waffles recipe here! >

2. Chocolate Strawberry Waffles >

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 176

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras

Breakfast can be delightfully sweet and still fit into your weight loss plan. The batter for these waffles includes unsweetened cocoa powder and rich chocolate chips. The waffles come off the iron warm, brown, gooey, and full of real chocolate flavor. Juicy and sweet, fresh strawberries are the perfect touch to transform these waffles into a dish you’d be proud to serve to your family or guests. Or just treat yourself to a breakfast that will start your day with a smile—you deserve it! Get the full Chocolate Strawberry Waffles recipe here! >

3. Cheddar Jalapeno Waffles >

Servings: 6 (recipe make 3 waffles; ½ waffle = 1 serving)

Calories per Serving: 256

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 ½ SmartCarbs, ½ PowerFuel and 2 Extras

If you love spicy and savory flavors, you’ll enjoy these waffles any time of day. The whole-wheat batter includes shredded cheddar cheese, along with cornmeal and shredded zucchini for extra fiber, so you feel full long after you finish eating. Chopped jalapeno peppers bring a little mild heat that will tickle your taste buds and light up your metabolism. You can pair these waffles with more lean protein like turkey bacon. Or top them with seasoned ground turkey and roll them up to make a fresh twist on burritos. Get the full Cheddar Jalapeno Waffles recipe here! >

4. Turkey, Apple and Swiss Waffle Sandwich >

Servings: 1

Calories per Serving: 358

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1/2 Vegetable and 3 Extras

Waffles can be a quick and easy “bread” for making panini, the pressed sandwiches that are beloved at bistros. We used Nutrisystem Buttermilk Waffles so this breakfast or lunch is ready in minutes. In between the waffles, we placed the classic combination of sliced turkey and Swiss cheese from the deli, plus thin wedges of juicy and crunchy apple, creamy avocado and spinach leaves. They all blend together when heated, giving you a sandwich that’s crisp on the outside and tender and melted on the inside. Get the full Turkey, Apple and Swiss Waffle Sandwich recipe here! >

5. Cheesy Pizza Waffles >

Servings: 4 (recipe make 2 waffles; ½ waffle = 1 serving)

Calories per Serving: 174

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

Waffles take the place of ordinary crust in this re-imagined version of homemade cheese pizza. The whole wheat batter is mixed with real mozzarella cheese, chopped mushrooms and bell peppers, and Italian herbs. If you like, you can substitute other vegetables, such as onions or tomatoes, and spice it up with hot pepper flakes. The waffles come off the iron crispy on the outside, yet fluffy and cheesy on the inside. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping and you’ve got all the flavors you love in pizza. Get the full Cheesy Pizza Waffles recipe here! >

6. “Fried” Chicken and Waffles >

Servings: 2 (1 serving = 1 waffle, 1 piece of chicken and 1 Tbsp. sugar-free maple syrup)

Calories per Serving: 302

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and 1 Extra

Fried chicken and waffles bring together the best of breakfast and dinner. If you’ve enjoyed this meal at a waffle house or diner (or seen it on a food TV show), you know it’s high in fat and calories. This version takes out the excess and leaves the goodness. We use white meat chicken, so it’s high in protein but low in saturated fats. It’s coated in corn flakes (yes, the cereal) and baked in the oven until it’s as crisp as you like it. When the chicken is done, you toast up Nutrisystem Buttermilk Waffles and top them with sugar-free maple syrup. Best of all, it’s ready to eat in less time than it takes to drive to a restaurant, so you can have it in anytime. Get the full recipe for “Fried” Chicken and Waffles here! >