Ham and Manchego Waffles

Are you a savory or sweet breakfast person? Do you prefer bacon and eggs or a short stack? When you go out for breakfast, does your selection come with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of parsley? In this case, it doesn’t matter, because I’m satisfying both types of people today with Ham and Manchego Waffles.

This is my standard buttermilk waffle recipe, but I’ve replaced some of the flour with cornmeal. Cornmeal waffles have a sturdier texture and crunch than plain waffles and my family really enjoys them. Don’t worry, they don’t taste like a corn muffin AT ALL. Instead, it’s more like a traditional savory buttermilk waffles recipe with a little extra oomph.

Table of Contents
How To Make Waffles From Scratch:
Waffles, like pancakes and french toast are one of the easiest things to make and are usually done in under half an hour. The steps are simple:
- Combine the dry and leavening ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients (except for the melted butter) to a smaller bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is just wet.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Then add the mix-ins. In this case, ham and manchego cheese.
- Ladle the batter into a prepared waffle iron (I still use my Presto waffle iron from 25 years ago because it works like a champ!)
- Waffles will be ready in about 5-8 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
This is what DONE looks like!

The diced ham and shredded manchego cheese add another dimension to these griddled cakes, too. Because they’re mixed into the batter, every bite gets a bit of salty delight. Note: if you’ve never tried a ham and cheese waffle, you need to make a point to have ’em this weekend.

If you’re a purist, these Ham and Manchego Waffles don’t need more than a pat of butter and pour of warm maple syrup (real maple syrup, not the fake stuff.) However, if you’re like me — and want it all — top it with a fried egg and a side of bacon or sausage.

These waffles are crispy and savory with a hearty chew and frankly, they’ll be ready and on your plate in less time than going to your favorite breakfast dive. In fact, when I ask Siri, for the “Best Waffles Near Me” she replies, “At home, silly.”


More tasty breakfast ideas:
- Traditional Corned Beef Hash and Eggs
- Ham Mushroom and Leek Quiche
- Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast
- Orange Coconut Pancakes
- Bacon and Caramelized Onion Strata
- Fluffy Almond Flour Pancakes
- Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes
- My Grandmother’s Fried Dough

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Ham and Manchego Waffles
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons double acting baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk well shaken
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 cup manchego cheese shredded
- 1 cup smoked ham not deli meat, finely diced
DIRECTIONS:
- In a large bowl combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a smaller bowl add buttermilk, eggs and maple syrup. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.
- Stir in melted butter.
- Add ham and cheese, stirring to combine.
- To make the waffles, preheat the waffle iron. Lightly coat with vegetable spray if necessary.
- Scoop batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid and bake until browned and crisp.
- Serve waffles immediately or place them in a single layer on a rack in a 200 degree oven while you continue to make the rest of the waffles.
- Serve with butter and maple syrup.
NUTRITION:
“Pin It” For Later!

These are calling my name!!
I love the savoury hit!!! Much more me than a super sweet breakfast.
I have some delish maple syrup that I got in Canada…the perfect place to use them.
I’m off to ask Siri about waffles 😉
YUM!! You can’t argue with Siri. When I go out for breakfast, it always takes me forever to decide between sweet and savory. This was made for me. And I love manchego! Pinned for when I finally get a waffle maker!
You don’t have to wait for a fancy, schmancy waffle maker — I paid $30 for mine — at Target.
LOVE manchego cheese! these look delicious!
I am a sweet breakfast person but only bc I never make savory waffles. It’s such a good idea and we could even eat these for lunch! They look so good!
I mean – when you put syrup on them — they’re sweet!
You are so talented Lisa, I love the concept, the photos, everything about these! Sharing today!
Ham and manchego sounds like such a delicious combo, and in waffles? Yes please! Looks so good!
This looks amazing!! We will have to make these ASAP! YUM!!!
Yum, never thought to do a savory waffle. I love Manchego cheese too, so these sounds wonderful!
Thanks, they are truly delicious. A treat when you do “breakfast for dinner”!