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If you want a twist on classic pizza night with almost no fuss these pizza waffles are just the thing Each bite delivers a crispy edge gooey cheese and all the pepperoni comfort packed into a hand held treat that feels like a total win my whole family gets excited for waffle night and this is the recipe that turns it into a pizza party
I first tried these on a rainy afternoon when everyone needed cheering up and now it is our go to for sleepovers
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: store bought or homemade gives the boldest base for flavor make sure it is soft and easy to work with
- Pizza sauce: brings tangy richness choose a brand that is not too watery for best results
- Mozzarella cheese: essential for a melt that stretches fresh blocks melt better than pre-shredded
- Pepperoni: classic for a salty meaty bite look for one with a good snap
- Basil: fresh leaves add herbal brightness chop just before serving
- Hot honey: this is the surefire way to bring sweet heat try to use a good quality honey as the drizzle takes these up a notch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Waffle Maker:
- Plug in your waffle maker and let it get hot enough to give you a steady sizzle when dough touches the iron Spray both surfaces well with cooking oil to help prevent any sticking
- Shape the Dough Circles:
- Take your pizza dough and divide into two even balls Roll each into a circle about four inches wide Try to make them as even in thickness as you can so they cook through and crisp up in the waffle maker
- Layer the Pizza Ingredients:
- Lay one dough circle into the prepared waffle maker Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce almost to the edges Pile on mozzarella cheese then layer over slices of pepperoni These layers are what give you the real pizza moment
- Seal and Cook:
- Place the second dough circle right on top making sure to cover the fillings as much as possible Gently press down so everything stays tucked in Close the waffle maker and cook for about eight to ten minutes until you see a golden crispy crust
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once cooked lift from the waffle maker and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped basil Drizzle over hot honey while it is still warm Cut and serve right away for best texture
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My favorite thing about this recipe is how gooey that mozzarella gets inside the waffle my daughter calls it pizza magic and she is not wrong I still remember the look on my sons face the first time I handed him one it just made his day
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge Once cooled these keep well for up to two days For reheating pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy edge Avoid microwaving as the dough can get chewy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in turkey pepperoni or cooked mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra melty cheese If you are out of hot honey regular honey with a pinch of crushed red pepper works well
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Serving Suggestions
These pizza waffles are great on their own or paired with a side salad for a full meal Cut into strips for dunking in extra sauce or slice into wedges for party platters I also love offering a few extra dips like ranch or garlic butter
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep the pizza waffles from sticking?
Preheat and lightly oil the waffle maker before adding your dough layers. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a crisp crust.
- → Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought dough work well for this preparation. Just be sure to roll it to about 4-inch circles for best results.
- → What toppings go well inside the waffles?
Classic choices include mozzarella, pizza sauce, and pepperoni, but you can substitute with mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage to customize.
- → Should the basil be added before or after cooking?
It’s best to garnish with fresh chopped basil right after cooking to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- → What's the effect of drizzling hot honey?
Hot honey adds a spicy-sweet glaze that complements the rich cheese and savory pepperoni, giving each bite extra dimension.