Prepare to revolutionize your breakfast game with a mind-blowing fusion that combines the crispy perfection of waffles, the rich decadence of a classic Croque Madame, and a cheesy twist that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another breakfast recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary morning meals into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. Imagine golden, crispy cheddar-infused waffles topped with salty ham and crowned with a perfectly fried egg, promising to turn even the most mundane morning into a gourmet celebration.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices ham
- 4 eggs (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs, then add milk and melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are thoroughly integrated and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some small lumps are acceptable.
- Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the waffle batter, distributing the cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray or additional melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour the appropriate amount of batter into the waffle iron, following the manufacturer's recommended quantity for your specific waffle maker.
- Cook the waffles until golden brown and crispy, typically 3-4 minutes, depending on your waffle iron's settings.
- While waffles are cooking, lightly pan-fry the ham slices until they are warm and slightly crisp around the edges.
- Once waffles are done, place a slice of warmed ham on each waffle.
- In a separate skillet, fry eggs sunny-side up or to your preferred doneness, keeping the yolks slightly runny.
- Carefully place a fried egg on top of each ham-covered waffle.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a light sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- Cheese Distribution: When folding the cheddar into the batter, ensure even distribution to get cheese in every bite. Grate the cheese finely to help it integrate smoothly.
- Waffle Iron Prep: Always preheat your waffle iron and use non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking. Each waffle iron is different, so learn your machine's specific settings.
- Batter Mixing: Don't overmix! Lumpy batter creates fluffier waffles. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Egg Perfection: For the most photogenic sunny-side-up egg, use a non-stick pan and cook on medium-low heat. This prevents tough egg whites and keeps the yolk beautifully runny.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately to maintain the crisp waffle texture and warm ham. If needed, you can keep waffles warm in a low-temperature oven while preparing the eggs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 290mg
