Waffle irons are a nifty little kitchen appliance. Did you know you can cook so much more than waffles with it? Put it to the test and create a crispy treat out of unexpected food items. Below are a few ideas to get you started.
Leftover Pizza
We won’t judge if soggy pizza is your thing but try reheating your leftovers in a waffle iron. It makes the crust crispy again and makes for a tasteful waffle pizza. Or you can make it from scratch and have waffled Margherita pizza for one by following this recipe from the Food Network.

Grilled Cheese
It’s not much different than creating a grilled cheese on a panini press. Toast your bread in the waffle iron and include your favorite cheeses. Delish suggests a mix of American cheese, Monterey Jack, and cheddar to get that cheese pulls galore.

Pastries
Pastries, in general, taste better after you crisp them up in the waffle iron. Bagels, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and even croissants get a nice texture once they’ve been heated and pressed. Croissant waffles (croffles) have been trending due to their buttery, flakey goodness that’s hard to resist.

Brownie Waffle
Treat yourself to brownies for breakfast with this recipe from Rachel Cooks. The best part is it only takes 3 minutes when made in the waffle iron. Make brownie ala mode, or enjoy it with any toppings of your choice.

Korean Spicy Fried Chicken
Chef Song of Songchelin Guide tried placing Korean Spicy Fried Chicken (Dakgangjeong) in a waffle iron, and the results were impressive. They turned out extra crispy after being placed in there for a few minutes and taste better compared to just heating it in the microwave.

Mac and Cheese
Put a twist on your regular mac and cheese and heat them in a waffle iron. It will be crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, and quick to make for lazy or busy days. The Shortcut Kitchen suggests pairing it with soup so have a more satisfying meal.

If you’ve never owned a waffle iron, maybe it’s time you buy one for yourself. Get creative with what you can do with it and have fun experimenting.