After a big Thanksgiving feast, you might be left with heaps of delicious stuffing, but don’t let it go to waste! Transform your leftovers into something extraordinary with leftover stuffing waffles topped with a sweet and savory maple gravy. This creative dish turns traditional stuffing into crispy, flavorful waffles, making it a fun and unique breakfast option for the days following Thanksgiving.
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Why You’ll Love Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Maple Gravy
Leftover stuffing waffles with maple gravy are a brilliant way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving all over again, but in a completely new form. The crispy waffles give you the perfect balance of texture, while the maple gravy adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory stuffing. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser — whether you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch. It’s a fantastic way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers and impress your family with minimal effort!
Ingredients for Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Maple Gravy
- Leftover stuffing: The star of the show! It provides all the flavors of your Thanksgiving stuffing in a new, crispy form.
- Egg: Binds the stuffing together and adds richness to the waffle batter.
- Milk: Helps adjust the consistency of the batter. It ensures the mixture is spreadable, but still thick enough to hold up in the waffle iron.
- Gravy: Adds depth and savoriness. Reusing your leftover gravy ensures no good food goes to waste.
- Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance out the savory gravy, creating the perfect harmony of flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Dairy-free milk: If you’re looking to make the recipe dairy-free, any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk works just as well.
- Vegetarian gravy: For a vegetarian option, use vegetable gravy or a mushroom-based gravy.
- Stuffing variations: If your leftover stuffing has additional vegetables or herbs, feel free to adjust the recipe to include them — it will add extra flavor to your waffles.
How to Make Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Maple Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing Batter
In a bowl, combine the leftover stuffing with one egg. Mix thoroughly. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to help loosen it, but ensure the batter is still thick enough to hold its shape in the waffle iron.
Step 2: Preheat the Waffle Iron
While the batter is coming together, preheat your waffle iron. Coat the surface with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the waffles from sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Waffles
Spoon about 1/2 cup of the stuffing mixture into the preheated waffle iron, spreading it evenly. Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden and crispy, around 10 to 14 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining stuffing mixture until all waffles are cooked.
Step 4: Warm the Maple Gravy
In a small saucepan, gently warm up your leftover gravy. Once it’s heated, stir in maple syrup to create the sweet and savory gravy that will top your waffles.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the crispy stuffing waffles warm, generously drizzled with the maple gravy. These waffles are the perfect blend of textures and flavors, and they make a satisfying breakfast or brunch after a long holiday feast.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Leftover Stuffing Waffles
- Crispier waffles: For even crispier waffles, cook them for an extra minute or two in your waffle maker. Just be sure to check that they don’t burn!
- Don’t overstuff the waffle iron: Be mindful of how much stuffing you add to the waffle iron. If you add too much, it could overflow and create a mess.
- Gravy consistency: If your gravy is too thick, thin it with a little bit of water or extra maple syrup for a smoother consistency that’s easier to pour over the waffles.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
- Side dishes: Leftover stuffing waffles pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs for a full breakfast.
- Spicy variation: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the maple gravy for a spicy kick.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat them in the oven. This makes them perfect for serving to a crowd when you’re hosting a post-Thanksgiving brunch.
The Perfect Post-Thanksgiving Treat
Leftover stuffing waffles with maple gravy aren’t just a fun way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers, they also make a festive breakfast that feels special. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a group, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the holiday’s comforting flavors in a new form. Try it out for a cozy morning after the big feast, and watch your family dive in for seconds!
Conclusion: A Delicious Way to Enjoy Thanksgiving Leftovers
Leftover stuffing waffles with maple gravy are the perfect post-Thanksgiving treat that brings together savory, sweet, and crispy in one delicious dish. This easy-to-make breakfast or brunch option takes advantage of your Thanksgiving leftovers and transforms them into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to use up stuffing or want to indulge in a satisfying meal the day after the big feast, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its unique flavors and textures, it’s the best way to extend the joy of Thanksgiving into the following days!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make leftover stuffing waffles without a waffle iron?
Yes! While a waffle iron makes the process quicker and gives the waffles their signature texture, you can also cook the stuffing batter on a skillet over medium heat. Just make sure to press the batter down to create a crispy crust, flipping once golden brown on both sides.
2. Can I freeze leftover stuffing waffles for later?
Absolutely! Leftover stuffing waffles freeze well. To store them, place the cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven until crispy again.
3. How can I adjust the sweetness of the maple gravy?
If you prefer a sweeter gravy, add a bit more maple syrup. Conversely, for a more savory gravy, reduce the amount of syrup and add some additional herbs or spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to complement the stuffing’s flavor.
4. Can I use homemade stuffing instead of leftovers for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While this recipe is perfect for using up leftovers, fresh homemade stuffing will work just as well. Be sure to let it cool before using it in the waffle batter for the best results
More Relevant Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing: This comforting dish brings together tender chicken and savory stuffing, cooked together in a slow cooker for a hearty meal that captures the same rich flavors found in leftover stuffing waffles.
- Crockpot Apple Cider: Perfect as a warm drink to accompany your stuffing waffles, this easy apple cider recipe brings the seasonal flavors of fall into your kitchen, adding a cozy, aromatic touch to your breakfast or brunch.
- Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie: For a sweet contrast to the savory stuffing waffles, try this pumpkin pie recipe, which offers a deliciously spiced dessert perfect for any post-Thanksgiving meal, maintaining the festive flavors of the season.
Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Maple Gravy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Leftover Stuffing Waffles with Maple Gravy are the perfect way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers in a fun and flavorful breakfast or brunch. These crispy stuffing waffles are drizzled with a sweet and savory maple gravy, creating the ultimate comfort food combination that’s both indulgent and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons milk (or as needed)
- 1 cup gravy
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the leftover stuffing and egg. If the batter is too thick, add a bit of milk to make it spreadable but still thick enough to hold its shape.
- Preheat the waffle iron and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread about 1/2 cup of the stuffing mixture across the waffle iron. Cook until both sides are golden and crispy, about 10-14 minutes. Repeat until all waffles are cooked.
- Warm the gravy in a small saucepan, and stir in the maple syrup.
- Serve the waffles warm, drizzled with the maple gravy on top.
Notes
- If you want crispier waffles, cook them a minute or two longer in the waffle maker.
- Don’t overstuff the waffle iron, or it may overflow.
- If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it with a little water or more maple syrup.
- You can freeze the waffles for later and reheat them in a toaster or oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle with gravy
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1014mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 59mg