Irresistible Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles: Your Ultimate Weekend Brunch Recipe
Happy Friday, indeed! As the weekend beckons, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that promises to elevate your brunch game: these incredibly delicious Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles. Imagine a crispy, golden exterior giving way to a tender, buttermilk-infused interior, studded with savory cubes of ham and pockets of perfectly melted cheddar cheese. These aren’t just any waffles; they’re a culinary experience designed to kickstart your weekend with flavor and flair.
This delightful recipe was crafted in collaboration with Grimm’s Fine Foods, a brand renowned for its commitment to quality. I’m incredibly grateful they’ve allowed me to share this masterpiece with you, because truly, it’s an absolute winner!
The Perfect Balance: Sweet Meets Savory in Every Bite
There’s something uniquely captivating about the interplay of sweet and savory flavors, especially when it comes to breakfast or brunch. The rich, salty notes of ham, the creamy tang of cheddar, all nestled within a light and airy waffle, create an exquisite foundation. Drizzle a generous amount of pure maple syrup over the top, and you achieve a harmony that is simply unparalleled. Each square becomes a perfect vessel for that golden liquid, ensuring a delightful blend of flavors in every single bite. It’s a combination that truly awakens the palate and makes these waffles an instant classic.
Selecting Your Star Ingredients for Unmatched Flavor
For these Ham and Cheese Waffles, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. I personally recommend Grimm’s Old Fashioned Ham. Its authentic flavor and excellent texture are ideal for dicing and incorporating into the batter, ensuring that every mouthful carries a robust, satisfying taste. When it comes to cheese, a good quality medium cheddar is essential. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy, sharp note that complements the ham perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
While Grimm’s products are my top choice for their superior quality, feel free to adapt based on what’s available to you. Look for a high-quality, pre-cooked ham that you can easily dice, and a cheddar cheese that you enjoy. Experimenting with a sharp cheddar can add a bolder flavor, while a milder one might create a more subtle profile. The key is fresh, flavorful ingredients that contribute to the overall richness of the waffle.
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing Spontaneity and Creative Flow
Life, much like cooking, often throws delightful curveballs. This week, for instance, my babysitters had to cancel, which initially seemed like a disruption. However, I embraced it as a blessing in disguise, allowing for a few unstructured, freestyle days at home with my little ones. This unplanned time opened up space for unexpected joys – I delved into some cookbooks, squeezed in an impromptu photoshoot, and even shared a few thoughts on Instagram.
These moments of creative spontaneity are invaluable, especially when “creative time” often feels like it’s unceremoniously wedged into tight, two-hour blocks on specific days. Any parent or side-hustling creative can surely relate to the constant juggle of responsibilities. It felt incredibly liberating to just grab my camera on a whim when the sun streamed magically through my back door yesterday. With no food prepared for photography, I simply cut a pineapple and ran with it, capturing its vibrant beauty. This experience reinforced my belief in the immense benefits of spontaneity and simply playing in your art, whether it’s photography, cake-decorating, or even crafting whimsical cat costumes.
On Canada Day, amidst all the important discussions around immigration buzzing in North American news, I found myself contemplating what it truly means to be Canadian. These reflections, paired with the simple joy of creating, reminded me of the profound connections we share through food, family, and shared experiences.
Boy, the weekends really do roll around quickly these days, don’t they? So, let’s make a pact to indulge a little. Tomorrow, why not lie in bed for an extra hour, then rise to the aroma of these incredible Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles? It sounds like the perfect start to a relaxed weekend.
Choosing Your Waffle Iron: A Practical Perspective
For years, I was devoted to my beloved Belgian stove-top iron, cherishing its traditional charm. However, the reality of achieving the perfect, non-stick temperature without endless botched waffles and considerable time commitment eventually led me to a practical change. I recently invested in this surprisingly affordable Cuisinart waffle maker, and I must say, it has been a revelation! It’s amazingly nonstick, consistently producing thin, crispy waffles that are a delight. While it may not offer the deep pockets of a traditional Belgian iron, for its mere $25 price tag, it’s an absolute steal and a fantastic choice for effortless waffle making.
The Recipe: Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles
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Ham and Cheese Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp coarse salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, lightly whisk the large eggs, then incorporate the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter, whisking until well combined.
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Pour the wet egg mixture into the dry flour mixture. Using a very light hand, gently mix the ingredients just until they are about 80% combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter at this stage to ensure tender waffles.
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Once the ingredients are mostly integrated, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced ham. Continue mixing carefully, just until the ham and cheese are evenly distributed. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough waffles.
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Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once heated, scoop about ¾ cup of the prepared batter into the hot waffle iron (or the amount specified by your waffle iron). Cook until the waffles are golden brown and wonderfully crisp, which typically takes about 3 minutes, depending on your appliance.
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Serve the waffles immediately for the best texture. If you’re cooking multiple batches, you can keep the finished waffles warm by placing them on a wire rack in a preheated oven set to 200ºF (95ºC) until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment!
Buttermilk Solutions & Other Delicious Ideas
Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem! I’ve got you covered with these quick and easy buttermilk substitutes that you can whip up with ingredients likely already in your fridge. A common method involves mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes until it slightly curdles. This simple trick ensures you can still enjoy the tender texture and subtle tang that buttermilk brings to these waffles.
And if these savory waffles have ignited your craving for more innovative breakfast options, don’t miss out on another sensational recipe I developed with Grimm’s: my Kimchi Breakfast Tacos. They are spicy, savory, packed with veggies, incredibly tasty, and wonderfully make-aheadable. It’s a fantastic option for a vibrant and unique start to any day, showcasing the versatility of incorporating bold flavors into your morning routine.
Elevating Your Waffle Experience: Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect waffle isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about technique. One crucial tip for these Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles, and indeed for most waffle recipes, is to avoid overmixing the batter. A light hand ensures that the gluten doesn’t overdevelop, which can result in tough, chewy waffles instead of the desired tender, fluffy texture. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are mostly combined, with a few small lumps remaining. Once you fold in the ham and cheese, mix minimally to distribute them.
Preheating your waffle iron properly is another non-negotiable step. A hot waffle iron helps create that essential crispy crust and prevents sticking. While a cheap and cheerful non-stick iron like my Cuisinart pick does a fantastic job, ensuring any waffle maker is adequately heated will improve your results. Don’t be shy about greasing your iron if it’s not truly non-stick; a light spray or brush of oil can save you from sticky situations.
These waffles are fantastic fresh off the iron, but they also hold up well. Keep them warm in a low oven if you’re making a big batch for a crowd. For future enjoyment, they freeze beautifully. Simply allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag. Reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven for a quick, crispy breakfast any day of the week.
Serving Suggestions to Inspire You
While a drizzle of maple syrup is classic for a sweet-savory combination, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt could add a creamy, tangy contrast. Fresh chives or green onions sprinkled over the top would enhance the savory notes. For a truly indulgent brunch, serve these waffles with a perfectly fried or poached egg on top. The runny yolk mingling with the ham and cheese would be an absolute dream. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced tomatoes, could also offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the waffles.
These Ham and Cheese Buttermilk Waffles are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a delicious, homemade meal. Whether you’re making them for a special weekend brunch or a quick weeknight “brinner” (breakfast for dinner), they are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
