Cheesy Sweet Potato Waffles

Why These Waffles are Great for Babies, Toddlers, and Families 

These cheesy sweet potato waffles are an excellent choice for babies, toddlers, and families because they are nutritious, versatile, and easy to prepare.

For babies, the waffles are soft, making them easy to chew or gum, even for those without teeth. The simple ingredients—sweet potato, eggs, and mild cheese—are gentle on their digestive systems and provide essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, protein, and calcium. The waffles can be cut into baby-friendly pieces for safe self-feeding, encouraging fine motor skill development.

For toddlers, these waffles are a great way to sneak in vegetables and protein, especially for picky eaters. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato and the mild, cheesy flavour make them appealing without added sugar or salt. They are easy for toddlers to handle, making them a fun and nutritious snack or meal option.

These waffles are quick to prepare and adaptable to different tastes. They can be enjoyed plain, with savory toppings like avocado or hummus, or paired with sweet options like yogurt or fruit puree. 

They are portable, making them ideal for busy mornings, school lunches, or on-the-go snacks. The ability to batch-cook and freeze them adds convenience, saving time while ensuring there’s always a healthy meal option on hand.

Cheesy Sweet Potato Waffles Recipe 

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 small sweet potato
• ½ cup shredded mild cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• A small amount of butter or oil for greasing the waffle iron.

Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potato: Start by washing the sweet potato thoroughly. You can either peel it before cooking or leave the skin on and peel it afterward. To cook, you have two options:

2. Boiling method: Cut the sweet potato into chunks, place them in a pot of water, and bring them to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender when poked with a fork. Drain and allow it to cool slightly.

Alternately, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potato a few times with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes or until tender. Let it cool before peeling. Once cooked, mash the sweet potato until smooth. You should have about ¼ to ⅓ cup of mashed sweet potatoes.

3. Prepare the Waffle Mixture: Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Add the shredded cheese to the eggs. Add the mashed sweet potato. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and thick.

4. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or oil to prevent the waffles from sticking to it. Pour a portion of the mixture into the centre of the waffle iron, spreading it out slightly to ensure even cooking. 

Be careful not to overfill, as the mixture will spread during cooking. Close the waffle iron and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and cooked through. 

Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle iron. Carefully remove the waffle from the iron, and let it cool slightly before serving.

5. Serving: Cut the waffle into small, baby-friendly pieces. You can serve it as is or with a little yogurt or fruit puree on the side.

Tips for Success 

Here are some tips to ensure your cheesy sweet potato waffles turn out perfectly and are enjoyed by babies, toddlers, and the whole family:

Start with the right sweet potato. A small to medium-sized sweet potato works best because it tends to be naturally sweeter and creamier. Choose one that is firm and blemish-free for the best results.

Ensure the sweet potato is mashed to a smooth consistency. If you’re preparing these waffles for younger babies, use a blender or food processor to make the mash completely lump-free.

For babies just starting solids, you can make the waffles softer by thinning the batter slightly with a teaspoon or two of breast milk, formula, or water. This creates a gentler texture for little ones.

Add mild flavours for toddlers and older family members to enhance the taste. A pinch of cinnamon, a tiny dash of garlic powder, or a sprinkle of mild paprika can make the waffles more appealing.

Prevent sticking by making sure the waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. Lightly grease the surface with melted butter or oil for extra assurance.

Monitor the cooking time since waffle irons vary. If the waffles seem too soft after 3-5 minutes, give them an extra minute or two to develop a crispier exterior while staying tender inside.

Consider making a larger batch to save time and effort. These waffles freeze well and can be reheated for quick snacks. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat in a toaster or oven for the best texture.

Make mealtime more fun for toddlers by using a shaped waffle iron or cutting the waffles into fun shapes. This can help picky eaters engage with their food.

Serve the waffles with toppings like yoghurt, fruit puree, or mashed avocado for added nutrition. Older children and adults might enjoy a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

This recipe is great for babies who are starting to eat finger foods and can be adjusted by adding a touch of cinnamon for extra flavour. Always ensure the waffles are cool enough for your baby to eat safely.

Ingredients, Substitutions, and Additions 

Here are some ingredient substitutions and additions to enhance or customise this cheesy sweet potato waffle recipe:

For the sweet potato, you can use mashed pumpkin, butternut squash, or carrot puree as alternatives. These provide a slightly different flavour and texture while maintaining the recipe's nutrient profile.

If you need an egg-free version, replace each egg with a flaxseed egg by mixing one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, or use a store-bought egg replacer.

For the cheese, mild options like Monterey Jack or Colby work well. If you want a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based cheese or use nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavour.

Instead of butter or standard cooking oil for greasing the waffle iron, you can use coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil for a healthier or dairy-free option.

To boost flavour, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or paprika. For a savoury touch, include finely chopped chives, parsley, or a small amount of garlic powder.

For extra protein, mix in a tablespoon of almond flour, oat flour, or a small scoop of unflavoured protein powder.

You can add finely grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the batter for an extra nutritional boost. Be sure to drain these vegetables well to prevent excess moisture.

For a hint of natural sweetness, add finely chopped apples or pears to the mixture. To increase fibre and texture, include a tablespoon of cooked quinoa or oats.

These substitutions and additions make the recipe flexible and adaptable to different preferences or dietary needs while ensuring it remains nutritious and delicious for all ages.

Serving suggestions

For babies, you can cut the waffle into small, manageable pieces that are easy to grasp. Pair it with a mild fruit puree, such as apple or pear puree, which adds a natural sweetness and extra nutrition to the meal. You can also offer a small dollop of plain yogurt on the side for added creaminess and probiotics.

For toddlers, you can serve the waffles as part of a balanced breakfast or snack. Try topping them with sliced avocado or a smear of nut butter for healthy fats, making them more filling and satisfying. You can also add a side of fresh fruit, like banana slices or berries, to make the meal more colorful and appealing. If your toddler enjoys dipping, consider offering a mild dipping sauce, such as unsweetened applesauce or a small amount of yogurt.

For older kids and adults, these waffles can be served alongside scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, or even a small salad for a hearty, well-rounded meal. They’re perfect for busy mornings or as a quick lunch. The waffles can be enjoyed as-is or with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness. 

These waffles also make an excellent finger food option for family-style meals, and they’re just as delicious cold, making them a great addition to lunchboxes or picnics.

These Cheesy Sweet Potato Waffles are not only a healthy, tasty option but also a flexible and easy way to please everyone, from babies to adults. Plus, they can be frozen and reheated, making them an excellent time-saving option for busy families.

How to Store

To store the cheesy sweet potato waffles, let them cool completely after cooking to prevent condensation and sogginess. Place the waffles in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If you are stacking them, separate each waffle with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For short-term storage, keep the waffles in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a toaster, oven, or skillet to restore their texture and warmth.

For longer storage, freeze the waffles. Lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until they are firm, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating frozen waffles, you can use a toaster, oven, or waffle iron. No need to thaw them beforehand; simply heat until they are crisp and warmed through.

Equipment 

• Waffle iron
• Mixing bowl

Nutrition 

Suitable for 6 months +

• CALORIES: 90KCAL

• CARBOHYDRATES: 12G

• PROTEIN: 5GFAT: 4G

• SODIUM: 150MG

• POTASSIUM: 225MG

• FIBER: 2G

• SUGAR: 4G

• VITAMIN A: 4500IU

• VITAMIN C: 5MG

• CALCIUM: 100MG

• IRON: 1MG

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