Looking to elevate your breakfast game? I’m sharing the best side dishes for waffles and pancakes: from fresh berries and whipped cream, to savory bacon and scrambled eggs, find the perfect pairings for a satisfying morning meal.
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My father-in-law’s famous waffles ^^
Are you team waffles or pancakes?
Honestly, it’s hard for me to choose – I love them both! While waffles and pancakes are not a typical weekday breakfast for us, we love to have them on the weekends for something special. My father-in-law is known for his fluffy waffle recipe.
When you do crave pancakes during the week, Whole Wheat Sheet Pan Pancakes can be a weekend breakfast that carries leftovers into the week! There’s also the quick Oatmeal Pancake Recipe that’s ideal if you just need to make one. And this Deep Dish Pancake recipe!
And I love mixes like Kodiak Cakes’ Buttermilk and Great Harvest with oats if you do need to feed the whole house on a Sunday morning.
In this post, I’m sharing a round up of toppings and side dishes to serve with pancakes and waffles.
How to make a Breakfast Charcuterie Board
10 Best Side Dishes + Toppings for Waffles and Pancakes
What Goes With Waffles For Breakfast
What’s your favorite side to pair with waffles? Is it whipped cream? Or how about chicken and waffles? Personally, I think waffles and pancakes are rather interchangeable, so what goes with waffles goes with pancakes. Wouldn’t you agree?
What To Serve With Pancakes For Breakfast
While pancakes and waffles are undeniably delicious on their own (with pure maple syrup!), pairing them with the right side dishes can take your breakfast experience to a whole new level. And while many pancake and waffle recipes call for an egg, sometimes you want to improve your carbs to protein ratio at breakfast. Swap around your side dish and topping and you have a whole new meal!
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, here are some mouthwatering side dishes that will complement your pancakes and waffles perfectly.
1. Scrambled Eggs
A classic choice to add some protein to your meal. Here is my perfect scrambled egg recipe!
2. Frittata
If you’re really going all out with brunch, this apple cheddar bacon frittata can elevate your meal easily. These mini egg pies with pepper jack would also be great for a brunch spread.
3. Hash Browns or Skillet Potatoes
Crispy and savory hash browns complement the sweetness of pancakes and waffles. Also great with chicken and waffles as breakfast for dinner.
4. Breakfast Sausages
Sausage links or patties bring a savory and hearty element to your plate. They’re also great for those who need something more substantial to go with the sweet and sticky.
5. Fried Chicken
For a unique twist, fried chicken can create a delicious sweet and savory combination. Also on my breakfast for dinner list. If you aren’t up for DIYing it, you could easily get some breaded chicken tenders to make a fried chicken and waffles sandwich.
6. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad always makes for a great side dish. I have round up of 10 delicious fruit salad recipes in this post.
7. Bacon
Crispy bacon is a classic side that balances the sweetness of pancakes and waffles. We bake our bacon in the oven, so it would be a good “all in one” dish to make with the sheet pan pancakes recipe.
8. Avocado Slices and Poached Eggs
For a trendy and nutritious option, try pairing your pancakes or waffles with ripe avocado slices and perfectly poached eggs. The creaminess of avocado and the richness of poached eggs add a unique touch to your breakfast, making it a satisfying and Instagram-worthy choice.
9. Smoked Salmon
If you’re looking for a luxurious option, smoked salmon is one of my very favorite “special brunch” foods! It must be served with cream cheese. I am imagining a waffle topped with salmon and cream cheese being a pretty delicious option, a la bagel with lox.
10. Sautéed Apples with Cinnamon
Give your pancakes and waffles a seasonal twist with sautéed apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Simply cook thinly sliced apples in a pan with a little butter and cinnamon until they are soft and caramelized. This warm and comforting side dish is perfect for fall mornings. For a hands-off method, I love to put apples and cinnamon in the rice cooker!
11. Greek Yogurt
Creamy Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey can be a balanced and nutritious accompaniment. Remember these stacks I used to make? Frozen waffles make it easy, and blueberries and blueberry syrup with Greek yogurt and peanut butter were a delish combo!
12. Cheddar Cheese and Ham
For a savory spin on your breakfast, consider adding some shredded cheddar cheese and thinly sliced ham on top of your pancakes or waffles. Warm them slightly to melt the cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
13. Baked Eggs
These eggs baked in a shallow tiny ramekin are a lovely addition to any fancy breakfast menu.
What To Cook Into Waffles and Pancakes
A few ideas!
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles (birthday season!)
- Crumbled bacon
- Black beans and corn (here’s a time I made these savory pancakes!)
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, feta, or Parmesan cheese can be mixed into the batter for a savory and cheesy pancake or waffle
- Avocado: Mash ripe avocado into the batter for a creamy and slightly nutty pancake or waffle
- Zucchini: Grated zucchini can add moisture and a mild, earthy flavor to your breakfast creations
- Matcha powder: For a vibrant green color and a subtle earthy taste, add matcha powder to your batter
- Peanut butter: Mix in smooth or chunky peanut butter for a nutty and slightly salty twist
- Hot sauce or Sriracha: A few drops of hot sauce or Sriracha can give your pancakes or waffles a spicy kick
- Sweet potato or pumpkin puree: Blend cooked and mashed sweet potato or pumpkin into the batter for a fall-inspired breakfast
- Nuts: bits of walnut, pecan, almond or cashew.
- Granola: imagine the crunch!
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
Next time you whip up a batch of pancakes or waffles, consider trying one of these delicious side dishes. Whether you crave sweet or savory, these pairings will undoubtedly take your breakfast game to the next level, making it a meal to remember. Happy breakfasting!
Do you have a favorite waffle or pancake recipe? What do you usually serve them with?
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