Sweet Potato Waffles: A Cozy, Nutritious Twist on Breakfast

Sweet potato waffles turn a familiar weekend favorite into something heartier and more nutritious. Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, moisture, and a dose of beta‑carotene, making these waffles great for family breakfasts, meal-prep, or portable snacks. For ideas on adapting potato-based recipes for little ones, check out this collection of gluten-free potato recipes for kids which can inspire child-friendly variations.

Why sweet potatoes work in waffles

Sweet potatoes:

• Add moisture without needing a lot of oil or butter.
• Contribute natural sweetness so you can cut back on added sugar.
• Provide vitamins and fiber that boost a typical waffle’s nutrition profile.
  They’re versatile — you can use canned puree, leftover mash, or freshly roasted sweet potatoes.

Ingredients (makes about 6 waffles)

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium potato)
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and brown sugar or maple syrup until smooth.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; a few lumps are okay. If the batter seems too thick, add a splash more milk.
5. Lightly grease the waffle iron and cook according to the appliance directions until golden and crisp on the outside.
6. Keep waffles warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the batch.

Variations and tips

• For extra protein, replace 1/4 cup of flour with almond flour or add a scoop of neutral-flavored protein powder.
• Make them dairy-free by using almond or oat milk and coconut oil.
• Add mix-ins like chopped pecans, raisins, or a handful of oats for texture.
• To serve waffles to toddlers or pack them for school lunches, explore how other parents make small sweets healthier by browsing ideas for healthy sweet treats for toddlers.
• Waffles freeze well: cool completely, then stack with parchment between each piece and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

Serving suggestions

• Classic: butter and maple syrup.
• Savory-sweet: top with Greek yogurt, chopped herbs, and smoked salmon or a fried egg.
• Dessert: spread with ricotta and honey, or warm apple compote and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Make a sandwich: use two waffles with nut butter and banana or turkey and cranberry sauce.

Conclusion

For a tested recipe and additional techniques for making crisp, flavorful sweet potato waffles, see this detailed Sweet Potato Waffles Recipe from The Kitchn’s guide to sweet potato waffles, which includes tips for using leftover mash. If you prefer a version that specifically incorporates mashed sweet potatoes into the batter, this Sweet Potato Waffle Recipe with Mashed Sweet Potatoes offers step-by-step photos and serving ideas.