Thanksgiving Stuffing Waffles With Gravy

I’ve turned my Thanksgiving leftovers into crispy stuffing waffles topped with savory gravy—it’s my favorite way to reinvent holiday flavors for breakfast. I mix 4 cups of stuffing with eggs, milk, and spices, then cook it in a hot waffle iron for about 5 minutes until golden and crisp. It’s simple, customizable, and adds a fun twist to traditions. Stick around for the full scoop on ingredients and tips.

History

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Thanksgiving Stuffing Waffles represent a modern American innovation, blending traditional stuffing—rooted in 17th-century European influences brought by pilgrims and adapted with Native American ingredients—into a creative waffle form.

Culturally, it reflects resourcefulness in using Thanksgiving leftovers, symbolizing family traditions and holiday abundance.

Regional variations, such as Southern cornbread-based versions versus Northern bread or oyster stuffings, highlight local flavors and ingredients, underscoring the dish’s adaptability and significance in preserving regional culinary heritage.

Traditionally, it’s served during Thanksgiving meals or as a fun breakfast option the next day, extending holiday festivities.

Ingredients

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– 4 cups of leftover stuffing: Oh, where would we be without this star of the show?

Think of it as your Thanksgiving MVP, that mix of bread, veggies, and herbs just waiting to get a crispy makeover.

And hey, if it’s a bit dry, we’ll jazz it up soon, because who says leftovers can’t level up?

– 2 large eggs: Now, these guys are the unsung heroes, binding everything together with that creamy goodness.

Ever wonder how waffles stay so perfectly fluffy?

It’s all about the eggs stepping in to save the day, adding a touch of richness without any fuss.

– 1/4 cup of milk (or broth for extra flavor): A little liquid love here, folks.

Go with 1/4 cup of milk for that classic touch, or swap in broth if you’re feeling adventurous and want to amp up the savory vibes.

You know, like giving your waffles a secret whisper of depth.

– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust if your stuffing is already seasoned): Salt, the spice of life, or at least of every good recipe.

Start with 1/2 teaspoon, but hold back if your stuffing’s already got that salty edge.

Because nobody wants to overdo it and end up with a puckery surprise, right?

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of this peppery kick, 1/2 teaspoon to wake up your taste buds.

It’s that playful punch that says, “Hey, let’s keep things interesting,” without overwhelming the cozy stuffing vibes.

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic, oh garlic, where flavors go to shine.

1/2 teaspoon of this powder brings in that warm, aromatic hug, making you pause and think, is there anything it doesn’t improve?

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Don’t overlook this one, 1/2 teaspoon for a subtle oniony nudge that adds layers without the tears of chopping.

It’s like the quiet friend who makes every gathering better, in a understated way.

– 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or other herbs you like): Sage, that earthy wonder, 1/2 teaspoon to evoke those holiday feels.

Or mix in your favorite herbs if you’re in the mood for experimentation.

Because sometimes swapping things up feels like a little culinary adventure, doesn’t it?

– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste for spice level): Finally, a dash of chili powder at 1/2 teaspoon, but only if you’re up for that gentle heat.

Adjust it based on your spice tolerance, because life’s too short for a waffle that doesn’t match your mood.

And who knew a bit of zing could turn ordinary into oh-so-intriguing?

Cooking Steps

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Let’s jump into turning those Thanksgiving leftovers into crispy, golden waffles, because who doesn’t love a second act for stuffing?

First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 4 cups of leftover stuffing with the 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of milk or broth, and all those flavorful spices—think 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, and chili powder.

Mix everything together gently with a spoon or your hands, aiming for a moist, cohesive batter that holds its shape without being too wet, since dry stuffing might need a bit more liquid to avoid a crumbly mess.

Once your mixture is ready, preheat your waffle iron to a medium-high setting, giving it a light spray of cooking oil or a quick brush of melted butter for that perfect non-stick surface.

Spoon about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the stuffing batter onto the iron, depending on its size, and spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon.

Close the lid and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the waffles are crisp on the outside and heated through, flipping mental worries about sticking by checking halfway if your iron allows.

After cooking, carefully remove the waffles with a fork or spatula and let them rest on a wire rack for a minute or two, which helps keep that crunch intact.

Now, you might think, is it really that simple to upgrade leftovers?

Well, with a bit of patience and these steps, you’re on your way to a dish that surprises and delights, all while sneaking in a playful twist on tradition.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re tweaking these stuffing waffles to fit your mood or what’s in the fridge, start by playing with the spices—say, dialing back that 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a milder kick if you’re serving kids, or cranking it up to a full teaspoon for a fiery surprise that makes your taste buds dance a little jig, because who needs boring leftovers anyway?

For variations, swap in gluten-free stuffing if you’re watching carbs, or fold in a handful of shredded cheese or chopped fresh herbs right into the batter for an extra gooey, flavorful twist that turns simple into spectacular; and don’t forget, topping these waffles with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of gravy can elevate the whole deal, making you feel like a kitchen wizard without breaking a sweat.

Oh, and if things get a bit messy with substitutions, well, I suppose that’s just the universe’s way of keeping us humble cooks on our toes.

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