If you’ve been missing that satisfying crunch of a morning waffle while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle, you are in for a real treat. I recently started experimenting with savory breakfast options to switch things up, and these Keto Cheesy Thyme Waffles completely stole the show. They are packed with riced cauliflower and melty mozzarella, giving you that perfect crispy edge without the heavy carbs. It is honestly hard to believe they are loaded with veggies—they just taste like pure comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 stalks Green Onion, sliced [0.5 oz / 15 g]
- 0.5 Large Head of Cauliflower, cut into florets [12.0 oz / 340 g]
- 2 Large Eggs [3.5 oz / 100 g]
- 0.7 tbsp (2 tsp) Fresh Thyme, chopped [0.1 oz / 2 g]
- 16 tbsp (1 cup) Mozzarella Cheese, finely shredded [4.0 oz / 113 g]
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds [0.3 oz / 9 g]
- 16 tbsp (1 cup) Collard Greens, packed [1.2 oz / 34 g]
- 5.3 tbsp (approx. 0.33 cup) Parmesan Cheese, grated [1.0 oz / 28 g]
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder [0.1 oz / 3 g]
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil [0.5 oz / 14 g]
- 0.5 tsp Salt [0.1 oz / 3 g]
- 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper [0.04 oz / 1 g]
Instructions
- Prep the Produce: Slice the green onions and cut the cauliflower into small florets. Remove the fresh thyme leaves from their stems and discard the woody stalks.
- Process the Base: Place the cauliflower florets into a food processor and churn until it is thoroughly processed into a rice-like texture. Add the sliced green onions, packed collard greens, and fresh thyme leaves to the processor. Pulse the mixture again until everything is combined and chopped finely.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the processed vegetable mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the 16 tbsp of mozzarella cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 5.3 tbsp parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with 0.5 tsp of black pepper, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of garlic powder.
- Make the Batter: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until they form a smooth, uniform batter where the binding agents (eggs and cheese) are evenly distributed.
- Cook: Preheat your waffle iron. Once hot, pour the batter onto the iron, ensuring it is spread evenly across the surface. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy (cooking time will vary based on your specific waffle iron model).
- Serve: Remove the waffles carefully from the iron and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 228 kcal
- Total Fat: 15.4 g
- Protein: 15.0 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 9.1 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.3 g
- Net Carbs: 5.8 g
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Be Patient with the Iron: Unlike traditional flour waffles, cauliflower-based waffles are more delicate while hot. Do not open the waffle iron until the steam has almost completely stopped coming out. If you open it too early, the waffle may split in half.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: When you first remove the waffles, they might seem slightly soft. Place them immediately on a wire cooling rack rather than a flat plate. This allows air to circulate underneath, preventing the steam from getting trapped and making them soggy. They will firm up and crisp as they cool.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded bagged cheese often contains potato starch or cornstarch to prevent clumping, which adds unnecessary carbs. For the best keto macros and melting texture, buy a block of mozzarella and grate it yourself.
- Don’t Skip the Grease: Even non-stick waffle irons can struggle with melted cheese. Brush your iron lightly with a little extra olive oil or spray with avocado oil before pouring the batter to ensure effortless removal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen riced cauliflower instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen riced cauliflower to save time. However, frozen cauliflower holds significantly more moisture. You must thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel before measuring and adding it to the batter, or the waffles will be too soggy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? These waffles are great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them rubbery.
Can I substitute the collard greens? Absolutely. If you do not have collard greens on hand, fresh spinach or kale are excellent substitutes. Just ensure you remove any tough stems and pack the leaves tightly when measuring to keep the moisture balance correct.
Are these waffles suitable for freezing? Yes, they freeze very well. Let the waffles cool completely, then place a sheet of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can reheat them straight from frozen in the toaster.
I really hope you give these Keto Cheesy Thyme Waffles a try—they are such a game changer for anyone missing savory breakfasts on a low-carb diet. Whether you serve them up for a weekend brunch or meal prep them for busy mornings, they are sure to become a regular in your rotation. The combination of crispy cheese and fresh thyme is hard to beat. Don’t forget to leave a star rating and a comment below to let me know how they turned out for you!
