Green Waffles with Spinach, Onion, Cheese & Maple Syrup

Every time I whip up a batch of Green Waffles with Spinach, Onion, Vegan Cheese & Sriracha Maple Syrup, I’m transported back to lazy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. She had this incredible knack for turning simple ingredients into something magical, and I can still hear the sizzle of the skillet as she made her special breakfast treats. These waffles are my homage to those cherished mornings — a fun, vibrant twist on a classic that the whole family can enjoy.

As the seasons shift and the days grow a little longer, I find myself craving bright flavors that celebrate the bounty of spring. These green waffles are not just a delightful breakfast option; they’re packed with nutrients and make the perfect canvas for a drizzle of spicy-sweet sriracha maple syrup. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be adding them to your brunch rotation all year round!

Why You’ll Love "Green Waffles with Spinach, Onion, Vegan Cheese & Sriracha Maple Syrup"

• Quick prep time of just 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
• Minimal ingredients make it easy to whip up with what you already have.
• Family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults with its delicious flavors.
• Freezer-friendly; make a big batch and enjoy them later for a quick breakfast.
• Loaded with nutrients from spinach and green onions, making it a wholesome choice.
• The spicy-sweet sriracha maple syrup adds a fun twist that elevates the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ½ C all-purpose flour
• ¼ C cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt and ground black pepper
• ⅓ C fermented spreadable herbed cashew cheese, cut or broken into small chunks (or 1 C vegan cheese shreds for a quicker option)
• ⅓ C chopped green onion, fresh for the best flavor
• 1 C packed baby spinach, washed and dried
• ¼ C melted vegan butter, for richness (you can substitute with coconut oil if you prefer)
• 1 ½ C nondairy milk, any variety you enjoy such as almond or oat milk
• ½ C pure maple syrup, for the sweet component of your sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha, adjust based on your spice preference
• 1 avocado, sliced, for topping
• 1 C arugula, fresh for a peppery kick
• dill sprigs, as garnish (optional)
• chopped chives, as garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Waffle Iron

1. Plug in your waffle iron and turn it on. Adjust the settings based on your preferred level of crispiness. Most waffle irons have a light that indicates when they're ready, so keep an eye on that!
2. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes — this is key to getting those waffles nice and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside.

Prepare the Waffle Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well mixed.
2. In another bowl, melt your vegan butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add in the nondairy milk, herbed cashew cheese (or vegan cheese shreds), chopped green onion, and packed spinach. Mix it all together until the spinach is well coated.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t stress if the batter looks a little lumpy; that’s perfectly normal! Just make sure you don’t overmix it.

Cook the Waffles

1. Once your waffle iron is ready, lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray if needed. Pour the batter into the center of the waffle iron, about ¾ full, allowing some room for it to spread.
2. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron's instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t worry if it looks runny at first; it’ll puff up beautifully!
3. Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles with a fork and place them on a cooling rack. This helps keep them crispy while you cook the rest.

Make the Sriracha Maple Syrup

1. In a small bowl, combine the pure maple syrup and sriracha. Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha; taste it, and if you want more heat, add another tablespoon!
2. Mix it well until the sriracha is fully incorporated into the syrup. Set aside for drizzling later.

Serve the Waffles

1. To serve, place a waffle on a plate, then top it with sliced avocado and a handful of fresh arugula. Drizzle generously with your sriracha maple syrup.
2. If you’re feeling fancy, add some sprigs of dill and chopped chives for garnish. This not only looks beautiful but adds extra flavor too!
3. Enjoy your delightful green waffles while they’re warm, and watch everyone rave about this colorful, tasty breakfast!

Variations

• Swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
• Add grated zucchini or carrots for extra veggies in the batter.
• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Try adding herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist.
• Mix in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve these green waffles warm, topped with sliced avocado and a handful of fresh arugula for a delightful crunch. You can also pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a simple mixed green salad for a complete meal. Drizzle generously with the sriracha maple syrup for that perfect sweet and spicy kick!

Storage

If you have leftovers, store the waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. You can also freeze them for up to a month and reheat directly from frozen!

Helpful Notes

• If you're allergic to nuts, substitute the cashew cheese with a soy-based or coconut cream cheese alternative.
• For added protein, consider mixing in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas into the batter.
• Feel free to use any type of nondairy milk you prefer, such as soy, almond, or oat milk.
• For a lighter version, reduce the amount of vegan butter or use unsweetened applesauce instead.
• These waffles are versatile; add spices like garlic powder or onion powder for an extra kick!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Green Waffles?

Yes, you can freeze the Green Waffles! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in a toaster or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

How can I substitute the vegan cheese?

If you need to substitute the vegan cheese, you have a few options! You can use any plant-based cheese shreds, like almond or soy-based varieties. Alternatively, you could blend silken tofu with nutritional yeast and some herbs for a creamy, cheesy flavor. Another option is to use hummus or a nut-free cream cheese for a different taste.

What can I use instead of sriracha?

If sriracha isn't your thing, no worries! You can use any hot sauce you prefer, like Frank's RedHot or a smoky chipotle sauce for a different flavor profile. For a milder spice, consider using a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into the maple syrup or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Are these waffles gluten-free?

To make these waffles gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many store-bought blends work great for recipes like this. Just make sure it contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, if it’s not already included, to help the waffles hold together.

Can I add more vegetables to the batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to sneak in more veggies. Grated zucchini, shredded carrots, or even finely chopped bell peppers would work wonderfully. Just be cautious not to add too much moisture, which could affect the batter's consistency. Aim for about a half cup of additional vegetables, and enjoy the extra nutrition!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Green Waffles with Spinach, Onion, Vegan Cheese & Sriracha Maple Syrup! They’re not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors that will brighten your mornings and make your family smile. Cooking should be fun and a little messy, just like these waffles! So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and create some delicious memories together. I promise you, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delightful morsel!