Waffle Iron Day: 20 Sandwiches, Desserts And More Recipes To Make In Celebration

It’s time to celebrate the unsung hero of the kitchen — the waffle iron. While it’s great for whipping up a quick, easy and relatively mess-free waffle, this appliance has many other purposes you may never have considered.

Foodies around the world have been putting waffle irons to work making innovative and delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. This often-overlooked appliance can now be used to satisfy just about any craving you may be having.

In celebration of Waffle Iron Day 2016, here are 20 recipes to make in a waffle iron:

Waffle Iron Hash Browns: We’re not sure why no one thought of this ingenious recipe/hack sooner. Rather than shredding potatoes and busting out the cast iron, grease up your waffle iron and whip up the crunchiest hash browns you’ve ever had. Don’t have time to shred potatoes? Tater tots work just as well.

Fudgy Waffle Brownies: Waffles are delicious, but waffle brownies? That’s next level. Good Housekeeping recommends adding butterscotch, peanut butter and/or chocolate chips to make this creation even more delicious. Cut out the middle man by using brownie or chocolate cake batter.

Waffle Iron Cinnamon Rolls: Making cinnamon rolls can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to this easy recipe from Little Bit Funky, you and your family can be chowing down on an ooey gooey sweet breakfast in just minutes.

Mashed Potato Waffles: This recipe from Joy the Baker is great for making a crisp and cheesy dinner you and your kids will love. It is also useful for repurposing leftover mashed potatoes into something you’ll actually want to eat.

Waffle Iron S’Mores: Everyone loves a s’more, but it’s not always possible to spark up a campfire to satisfy your craving. Fortunately Will It Waffle has found a way to create a s’more indoors.

Waffle Iron Omelet: What do you do when your alarm goes off and you just can’t be bothered to turn on the stove to create a filling and nutritious breakfast? Plug in the waffle iron! Beat eggs, milk or butter, and your desired fixings (may we suggest peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach and sausage?) to be turned into a crowd-pleasing waffle iron omelet.

Waffle Iron Baked Apples: Not all waffle iron treats have to be carb-heavy and loaded with sugar. Baked apples are a dark horse in the world of desserts and Cupcake Project has a recipe that takes just one minute to make.

Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese: I know what you’re thinking — how could grilled cheese possibly be any easier to make? By using your waffle maker instead of a pan on the stove, duh. According to Fifteen Spatulas, making a grilled cheese sandwich on the waffle iron starts out the same as any other method, but the finished product is out of this world.

Stuffed Pizza Waffles: Hybrid foods are all the rage and, let’s face it, there are few foods as delicious as pizza or waffles. My Kitchen Escapades has combined them for a dippable dinner foodies both young and old will enjoy.

Wonuts: The cronut had its moment, but it’s time for it to step back into the shadows to let the wonut shine. Check out The Sassy Life or Edible Perspectives for tips on making this unbeatable dessert.

Stuffing Waffles: Many enjoy Thanksgiving for the savory foods, and stuffing is a favorite on most holiday tables. It turns out it also makes a great savory breakfast or lunch when popped into a waffle iron. Check out a recipe here.

Waffle Pretzels: Whip up this mall-food classic with a twist using Will It Waffle’s easy-to-follow instructions.

Waffle Iron Macaroni and Cheese: Everyone knows the key to a good macaroni and cheese is a perfect crust. Plop a dollop into your waffle iron for crispy edges and a gooey center.

Waffle Iron Quesadilla: Craving a quesadilla but don’t want to have to wash several dishes? MoMomma’s got your back.

Falafel Waffles: This Middle Eastern treat is notoriously difficult to make — but it doesn’t have to be. Check out Good Housekeeping’s Waffle Iron Falafel hack, guaranteed to change your life.

Waffle Iron Panini: Load thick, soft bread like brioche or challah into your waffle iron and add your favorite mixture of sandwich toppings for a hot, melty and crusty panini like you’ve never had before.

Happy eating!