The Ultimate Savory Parmesan Waffles with Lemon Ricotta (Easy & Elegant!)

Imagine breaking the sweet breakfast mold with something utterly sophisticated, surprisingly simple, and outrageously delicious. Picture a warm, crisp-edged waffle, infused with the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, topped with a cloud of light and fluffy lemon-mint ricotta and a tumble of juicy cherry tomatoes. That, my friends, is the show-stopping magic of these Savory Parmesan Waffles. They are, without a doubt, the most elegant and exciting brunch you will make all year.

Here’s the thing about savory breakfasts: when they’re good, they’re unforgettable. I created this recipe for a weekend brunch when I was craving something more substantial and refined than the usual pancakes or sweet waffles. I wanted a dish that felt special enough for guests but was secretly quick enough for a lazy Saturday morning. This 20-minute recipe is the spectacular result.

I promise you, there is no greater joy than taking the first bite and experiencing the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The crisp, cheesy waffle; the cool, airy ricotta; and the burst of the fresh tomatoes is a true culinary symphony. It’s a dish that works beautifully for a sophisticated brunch, a unique “breakfast for dinner,” or a light and satisfying lunch.

Get ready to completely reinvent your idea of waffles and create a stunning, restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

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Why These Savory Waffles are an Absolute Must-Make!

You are going to be completely captivated by this unique and elegant take on a breakfast classic. This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. Here’s why:

• A Sophisticated Savory Twist: This recipe completely reinvents the waffle, turning it into a chic and savory meal that’s perfect for a grown-up brunch or a light dinner.
• Ready in 20 Minutes: From mixing the batter to whipping the ricotta, this entire, impressive meal comes together in about 20 minutes flat.
• Incredible Texture Combination: You get the crisp exterior and fluffy interior of the waffle, the airy lightness of the whipped ricotta, and the juicy pop of fresh tomatoes in every bite.
• Elegant Yet Incredibly Easy: While the final dish looks like it came from a high-end brunch spot, the steps are simple, straightforward, and perfect for any home cook.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The salty Parmesan, tangy lemon, fresh mint, and sweet tomatoes create a complex and perfectly balanced flavor profile that is utterly delicious.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This Elegant Brunch

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create its two beautiful components. Here’s what you’ll need:

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→ For the Savory Parmesan Waffles

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp kosher salt → Our essential dry ingredients.
• 1 cup whole milk → For a rich, tender waffle.
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil → Plus more for the waffle iron.
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese → The savory star of our waffle batter!

→ For the Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Topping

• 1 ¼ cups ricotta cheese → Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, most luxurious texture.
• 1 tsp lemon zest → Plus more for garnish. It adds a beautiful, bright aroma.
• 3 tbsp small fresh mint leaves → Divided for mixing and garnishing.
• 1 ½ cups grape or cherry tomatoes → Halved.
• 1 tbsp olive oil → To dress the tomatoes.
• Kosher salt and pepper

Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Guide

This impressive meal comes together in just a few quick stages. Let’s start with the fresh and fluffy topping!

Part 1: The Whipped Lemon-Mint Ricotta

1. Whip the Ricotta: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ricotta cheese until it’s light, airy, and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. If it’s very thick, you can add a splash of milk to help it along.
2. Add the Flavor: Mix in the lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped mint. Season with a pinch of salt to your taste. Set aside.
3. Prep the Tomatoes: In another medium bowl, gently toss the halved cherry tomatoes with the olive oil, the remaining 2 tablespoons of whole mint leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Part 2: The Crispy Parmesan Waffles

4. Prep the Oven and Waffle Maker: Preheat your oven to 225°F and place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. This will be your station to keep the waffles warm and crisp. Preheat your waffle maker.
5. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vegetable oil. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined (a few small lumps are okay!). Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Cook the Waffles: Lightly brush your hot waffle maker with vegetable oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the center (or follow your manufacturer’s directions). Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the waffle is golden brown and crisp. Transfer the finished waffle to the wire rack in the warm oven and repeat with the remaining batter.

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Part 3: Assemble and Serve

7. Plate Your Masterpiece: Place a warm Parmesan waffle on each plate. Top with a generous dollop of the whipped lemon-mint ricotta. Spoon the fresh tomato and mint mixture over and around the ricotta.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Finish with an extra sprinkle of fresh mint and lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately!

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WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Savory Waffles

These simple secrets will ensure your waffles are crisp, your ricotta is fluffy, and your brunch is a stunning success.

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter. Just like with pancakes, a few small lumps in your waffle batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can lead to tough, chewy waffles instead of light and tender ones.
2. Use Whole Milk Ricotta. For the lightest, creamiest, most luxurious whipped ricotta topping, you must use whole milk ricotta. Skim or part-skim versions have a grainier texture and won’t whip up as beautifully.
3. Really Whip That Ricotta! Don’t skip the step of beating the ricotta with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. This is what transforms it from a dense cheese into a light, airy, cloud-like topping.
4. Keep Your Waffles Crisp. The trick to serving multiple crisp waffles at once is to place them in a single layer on a wire rack in a low-temperature oven as they finish cooking. Don’t stack them, or they will steam and become soft.
5. Serve Immediately. This dish is at its absolute best when the waffle is hot and crisp, and the ricotta and tomatoes are cool and fresh. The temperature and texture contrast is a huge part of what makes it so delicious!

Keep Them Fresh! Storing and Reheating

While the assembled dish is best eaten fresh, the individual components can be stored.

• Waffles: Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The best way to reheat them is in a toaster or toaster oven to bring back their crispiness.
• Topping: The whipped ricotta and tomato mixture are best made fresh, but you can store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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Parmesan Waffles with Lemon Ricotta

Start your morning with a sophisticated savory breakfast! These crisp Parmesan Waffles are topped with a light and fluffy whipped lemon-mint ricotta and a fresh cherry tomato salad. Ready in 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 5

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 495

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Waffles:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp. lemon zest, plus more for serving
• 3 Tbsp. small mint leaves, divided
• 1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• as needed Kosher salt and pepper

Equipment

• Waffle Maker
• Electric Mixer
• Large Bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Wire Rack
• Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 225°F and place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Preheat your waffle maker.
2. For the topping: Using an electric mixer, beat ricotta on medium until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, adding a splash of milk if needed. Mix in lemon zest and 1 tablespoon chopped mint. Season with salt if needed.
3. In a separate bowl, toss the tomatoes with olive oil, the remaining 2 tablespoons mint leaves, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
4. For the waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil. Gradually whisk the wet ingredients into the dry until mostly smooth. Fold in the Parmesan.
5. Lightly brush the hot waffle maker with oil. Add 1/4 cup of batter and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Transfer the waffle to the prepared rack in the warm oven. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. To serve, top each warm waffle with a dollop of the whipped ricotta and a spoonful of the tomato mixture. Garnish with additional mint and lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Crispy Waffles: To keep waffles crisp while you cook the whole batch, place them in a single layer on a wire rack in a warm (225°F) oven.

Ricotta Tip: For the fluffiest topping, use whole milk ricotta and beat it with an electric mixer for the full 2-3 minutes to incorporate air.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQs: Your Savory Waffle Questions, Answered!

Can I make these in a standard (non-Belgian) waffle maker?

Yes, absolutely! The recipe will work in any type of waffle maker. Just follow your manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of batter and cooking time, as thinner waffles will cook more quickly.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer for the ricotta?

You can achieve a similar result by hand, it will just require some serious elbow grease! Use a whisk and beat the ricotta vigorously in a bowl for several minutes until it becomes noticeably lighter and smoother.

Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?

It’s not recommended. The baking powder and baking soda are activated as soon as they are mixed with the wet ingredients. For the lightest, fluffiest waffles, it’s best to mix the batter right before you plan to cook them.

Can I add other herbs to the ricotta?

Of course! While the lemon-mint combination is classic and refreshing, finely chopped fresh basil or chives would also be absolutely delicious in the whipped ricotta.

Final Thoughts: A New Brunch Tradition

There is such a delightful surprise in a dish that defies expectations, and these Savory Parmesan Waffles do just that. They are an elegant, delicious, and wonderfully simple way to elevate your breakfast or brunch routine. I hope this recipe inspires you to explore the savory side of breakfast and that it becomes a new favorite in your home. Happy cooking!