Cheesy Carrot Waffles

Reasons to love these Cheesy Carrot Waffles

First, they are incredibly simple to make. With just three ingredients — grated carrots, cheese, and eggs — you can whip up these waffles quickly, without needing a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. They are perfect for busy mornings or when you're looking for a quick meal.

Second, they are nutritious and packed with vegetables. Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune support. They also provide fiber to help with digestion. The addition of cheese adds protein and calcium, making these waffles a well-rounded meal for growing toddlers and kids.

These waffles are also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the cheese amount to make them as cheesy as you like, and they can be served in various ways to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you serve them with a dip, a poached egg, or fresh fruit, you can customize them to match your family’s preferences.

Another great reason to love them is that they are perfect for baby-led weaning. The waffles are easy to hold, making them a great finger food option for babies learning to self-feed. They are soft on the inside but crispy on the outside, providing a satisfying texture that babies and toddlers will enjoy.

Moreover, these cheesy carrot waffles are a great make-ahead meal. You can easily prepare a batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. This makes them a convenient option for busy families, as they can be reheated quickly for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Lastly, these waffles are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you have picky eaters or family members with dietary preferences, these waffles are adaptable. You can easily swap in different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to cater to everyone's tastes while still keeping them delicious and wholesome.

Cheesy Carrot Waffles Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/2 to 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Grate the carrot finely using a box grater or food processor. Grate your cheese. Adjust the amount depending on how cheesy you want your waffles (between 1/2 cup and 1 cup). Crack the eggs into a bowl.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrot, grated cheese, and eggs. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a thick batter.

3. Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease it if needed to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the Waffles: Spoon the mixture onto the waffle iron, spreading it out evenly. Be careful not to overfill, as the batter may spill over the sides. Close the waffle maker and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the waffles are golden and crisp.

5. Serve: Let the waffles cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut them into baby-friendly pieces for Baby-Led Weaning or serve them whole for toddlers and adults

Tips for success 

First, it’s important to grate the carrots finely. This is especially essential for Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) because it helps the waffles hold together better and makes them easier for little ones to eat. Using a box grater or food processor will give you a fine, small grate that works best for this recipe.

When choosing cheese, opt for a variety that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère. These cheeses will give the waffles a nice texture and flavor. If you're serving these for a baby or toddler, you may want to use a mild cheese. Mild cheddar is typically a good choice as it's flavorful but not overwhelming.

You can adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use only 1/2 cup of cheese. If you want a stronger, cheesier taste, feel free to use up to 1 cup. Just be cautious, as adding too much cheese may make the waffles greasy.

Before cooking, it’s important to grease the waffle iron. Use a small amount of olive oil or melted butter to prevent the waffles from sticking. This also helps them develop a nice, crispy exterior.

The cooking time can vary depending on your waffle iron. Generally, it should take around 4-6 minutes for the waffles to cook. Keep an eye on them, as waffle irons heat differently. The waffles should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when they’re done.

Once the waffles are cooked, let them cool slightly before serving, especially for babies or toddlers. This cooling period helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to eat, and it ensures the cheese inside isn’t too hot.

If you have any leftovers, these waffles freeze really well. After they cool completely, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can reheat them later in a toaster or oven for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients, Substitutions, and Additions

For the grated carrot, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables. Zucchini works well, though it has more moisture, so you’ll need to squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the batter. Sweet potato (cheesy sweet potato waffles) is another great alternative, providing a natural sweetness that works well for toddlers. If you're looking for a milder option, butternut squash can be used in place of the carrot, offering a similar sweet flavor.

When it comes to grated cheese, there are several options to suit different needs. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, dairy-free cheese made from coconut, cashews, or soy can be used. These cheeses melt nicely and give the waffles a similar texture. 

For the eggs, you can easily substitute them with plant-based alternatives. A flax egg works as a great egg substitute; mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. 

Another egg alternative is a chia egg—simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it thicken into a gel.

There are several additions you can make to enhance the flavor or texture of your waffles. For a savory twist, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the batter. Dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley can add a nice herby flavor, or you could opt for fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. If you’re aiming for a slightly sweeter flavor, cinnamon or nutmeg pairs wonderfully with the carrots and adds a warm note to the waffles.

If you find the batter too thick, you can add a little liquid to thin it out. Milk (cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk) works well for this purpose. Alternatively, a spoonful of yogurt—Greek or dairy-free—can be added for moisture and a slight tang.

For a nutritional boost, you can sneak in more vegetables. Spinach is a great addition; simply chop it finely and mix it into the batter. It’s a subtle way to get some greens into your child’s diet. Another great addition is mashed peas, which will provide extra fiber and vitamins.

If you prefer a bit of sweetness in your waffles, you can consider adding a natural sweetener. Maple syrup can be stirred into the batter for a touch of sweetness. For babies over one year old, honey is another option, but avoid using it for babies under one due to the risk of botulism.

Lastly, for added texture and nutrients, consider including chia seeds or ground flaxseed. These are great sources of fiber and omega-3s. If your child is old enough to handle nuts, you could add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a bit of crunch.

Serving suggestions 

For Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), serve the waffles cut into small, manageable finger-sized pieces. This allows babies to explore the waffles themselves. You can serve them with a small dollop of plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce on the side for dipping. The creamy texture can help babies enjoy the waffles more and also aids in the process of self-feeding.

For toddlers, you can serve the waffles whole or cut into bite-sized squares. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, banana chunks, or apple slices for a balanced meal. You could also offer a small portion of hummus or avocado as a dip. Both are nutrient-rich and add a creamy contrast to the waffles.

For the whole family, serve the waffles as a savory breakfast, snack, or even a light lunch. Top them with a poached or scrambled egg for added protein, or add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese on top for a richer flavor. You can also pair them with a simple salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes to round out the meal.

If you’re looking for something sweeter, try drizzling a little maple syrup or honey (for toddlers over one year) over the waffles. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. A side of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, complements the sweetness nicely.

For a more indulgent treat, consider serving the waffles with a small scoop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fruit compote for a fun dessert-style meal.

How to store

First, allow the waffles to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This is crucial because storing them while still warm can cause condensation to form inside the container, making the waffles soggy.

Once the waffles are cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or wax paper. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. You can store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat them in the toaster, microwave, or oven for a quick and easy meal.

If you'd like to store the waffles for a longer period, freezing them is a great option. Begin by allowing the waffles to cool completely before freezing, as this will prevent moisture from forming and making the waffles soggy.

For easier storage and reheating, it's a good idea to freeze the waffles individually. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This ensures that the waffles won’t stick together once frozen. After they've firmed up, transfer the waffles to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. The waffles can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to reheat the waffles, you can do so in a few different ways. If they’re stored in the refrigerator, you can reheat them in a toaster, microwave, or oven. The toaster will give them a nice crisp texture, while the microwave or oven will warm them through. If you're reheating from the freezer, you can either let them thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat them directly from frozen. If using the oven, bake the waffles at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

Equipment

• Waffle maker

Nutrition 

Suitable for 6 months +

NUTRITION GUIDE (per waffle):

• CALORIES: 90KCAL

• CARBOHYDRATES: 6G

• PROTEIN: 5GFAT: 6G

• SODIUM: 150MG 

• POTASSIUM: 160MG

• FIBER: 1G

• SUGAR: 3G

• VITAMIN A: 1700IU

• VITAMIN C: 1.2MG

• CALCIUM: 150MG

•  IRON: 0.6MG

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredient brands and portion sizes used.