Chaffle: The Breakfast Hero That’s Low-Carb and Loaded With Protein
Move over avocado toast—there’s a new breakfast hero in town.
Meet the chaffle: a delicious, low-carb waffle made with just two ingredients, egg and cheese, with endless potential.
It was born in the keto community—a style of eating that focuses on high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrates to shift the body into a fat-burning state called ketosis. Whether you’re keto-curious, gluten-free, or simply want a fast and fabulous meal solution, the chaffle is about to become your new favorite trick in the kitchen.
What Is a Chaffle?
Chaffle sizzled onto the food scene in 2019 thanks to the online keto community. Someone brilliantly combined cheese and an egg in a waffle maker, and, just like that, the cheese waffle—or “chaffle”—was born.
What makes it magical? It’s:
- Grain-free
- Low in carbs
- High in protein
- Ready in under 10 minutes
The classic version is just one egg and ½ cup shredded cheese.
Why the Egg Deserves a Comeback
For years, eggs got a bad rap. They were labeled cholesterol bombs and sidelined from breakfast tables everywhere. But modern science flipped the script.
Here’s the good news: dietary cholesterol doesn’t significantly raise blood cholesterol for most people. What does? Excess saturated fat and highly processed foods—not eggs.
Today, eggs are celebrated as a nutrient powerhouse, and for good reason:
- 6–7g of complete protein per egg
- Choline for brain health (especially important during pregnancy)
- Lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health
- Vitamin D, B12, and selenium to support energy and immune function
Eggs also support satiety, helping you stay full longer—an excellent perk for anyone watching their weight or blood sugar. So yes—eggs are not only safe but smart. In fact, the American Heart Association says that most healthy people can enjoy up to one whole egg per day as part of a healthy diet.
Why You’ll Love Chaffle
Eggs aren’t just tasty and good for you—they’re also endlessly versatile. And nowhere is that more obvious (or delicious) than in the chaffle. If you’re craving something warm, crisp, and satisfying that comes together in minutes, chaffle is your answer. This delectable, easy dish checks every box:
- Fast (hello, who doesn’t love a 10-minute meal?!)
- Easy (just mix and pour)
- Adaptable (sweet or savory, brunch or dinner)
- Kid-friendly
- Freezer-friendly
And unlike traditional waffles, they’re low in carbs and gluten-free by default.
That’s a win for wellness without the sacrifice.
Sweet or Savory? Yes, Please!
Here’s where things get fun: The base chaffle recipe is just the beginning.
Savory Ideas:
- Mix in garlic, green onions, and even broccoli
- Top with a poached egg and salad greens
- Garnish with sliced tomato, pesto, and mozzarella for mini chaffle pizzas
Sweet Ideas:
- Add cinnamon or vanilla
- Top with ricotta, berries, and a drizzle of honey
- Stack with whipped cream for a chaffle shortcake
Which Waffle Maker Should You Use?
The waffle maker is what transforms this simple mix of egg and cheese into something crispy, golden, and totally craveable. It creates those signature ridges, the irresistible texture, and the quick cook time that make chaffle a stand out. Could you bake or scramble the same ingredients? Sure—but it won’t be the same. A waffle maker gives this recipe its magic.
You don’t need anything fancy to get started. A compact model like the Dash Mini Waffle Maker is wildly popular for good reason—it’s affordable, heats up fast, and makes the perfect single-serving chaffle. If you’re cooking for more than one, consider a double waffle maker or a standard-size model with adjustable browning settings. Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: crisp edges and a chaffle you’ll want to make again and again.
Top Picks:
Dash Mini Maker (Ceramic Version)
- Perfect size for single chaffles
- Lightweight, compact, and affordable
- Note that with the smaller size of this waffle maker, you can get almost 2 chaffles from 1 chaffle recipe.
KRUPS 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker
- Make 4 chaffles at one time
- Perfect for families
Chaffle FAQs
- How many does this recipe serve?
One serving—either one large chaffle or two minis (depending on your waffle maker). - Can I make chaffle in advance?
Yes! Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer to crisp it up. - Can I freeze chaffles?
Absolutely. Let them cool, stack with parchment in between, and freeze. - Can I use any type of shredded cheese?
Definitely. Shredded cheddar and mozzarella are great choices. Throw in a little parmesan for a umami kick. - Can I use egg whites only?
Absolutely. But the yolk helps with richness, flavor, and structure. Egg whites only will make a drier, firmer chaffle. Consider adding a bit of fat like avocado oil or melted butter if omitting yolks.
Final Thoughts
The chaffle is more than a trend—it’s a low-effort, high-reward kitchen win. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just looking to simplify mealtime, this little waffle opens big doors.
So go ahead. Get creative. Top it. Love it.
And when you do? Come back and tell me: What’s your favorite chaffle creation?
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*
PrintChaffle
Crave-worthy, crisp, and crazy versatile—chaffle is your new breakfast hero.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 slice bacon, cooked and cubed
- maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a waffle maker.
- Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl.
- Mix in the shredded cheese and bacon.
- Pour the mixture into a waffle maker and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve alone or with a bit of maple syrup for that craveable sweet-and-savory combo that hits all the right notes in every bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chaffle
- Calories: 397
- Sugar: 0.6 g
- Sodium: 594.7 mg
- Fat: 32.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23.1 g
- Cholesterol: 260.6 mg
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