If you’re anything like me, you want breakfast dishes that feel like a hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and just a bit special. That’s exactly why I adore this Loaded Potato Waffles with Broccoli, Cheddar, and Deli Ham Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings together crispy potato goodness with melty cheese and savory ham, all brightened up by fresh broccoli. Perfect for mornings when you want to impress without tons of fuss.

What really makes this recipe stand out is how versatile it is. I’ve whipped up these waffles for weekend brunches, quick dinners, and even packed them as a hearty lunch. They freeze beautifully and reheat so well—making them a real lifesaver when you’re busy but craving something homemade and delicious. Plus, the combo of broccoli, cheddar, and ham is a classic that just can’t be beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients strike the perfect balance between fresh veggies, sharp cheese, and savory meat, all coming together in a crispy waffle. Here are some tips I’ve learned shopping for these ingredients to make your waffles truly shine.

Potatoes: I like gold potatoes here because they shred easily and have a naturally creamy texture once cooked. Just make sure to squeeze out the moisture well for crispy waffles.
Broccoli: Using shredded broccoli or broccoli slaw saves time and blends better into the waffle batter than big florets.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar packs a punch, but feel free to use mild if you prefer. Freshly shredded always melts nicer than pre-shredded.
Deli Ham: Choose quality ham slices with good flavor but not too salty. Dicing into small pieces helps distribute the ham evenly.
All-purpose Flour: Just enough to bind everything without making the batter dense.
Eggs: They’re your natural binder here, helping the waffles hold together.
Milk: A little milk adds moisture and helps the batter mix smoothly.
Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: These seasonings elevate the flavors—don’t skip or skimp on them!

Variations

This Loaded Potato Waffles with Broccoli, Cheddar, and Deli Ham Recipe is a great blank canvas. I love tweaking it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the deli ham for sautéed mushrooms or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes. I tried this once for a veggie-loving friend and even they were impressed.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or mix in some chopped jalapeños for a little heat – it wakes up all the flavors!
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and unsweetened almond milk. The key is keeping that salty, cheesy flavor balance.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go without losing any crispiness.
Seasonal Adaptations: In spring, throw in some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh burst. Fall calls for adding some roasted sweet potato instead of regular potatoes.

How to Make Loaded Potato Waffles with Broccoli, Cheddar, and Deli Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Broccoli

Start by shredding your potatoes—3 medium gold potatoes work best. Once shredded, it’s crucial to squeeze out as much moisture as you can using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is what keeps your waffles crispy rather than soggy. While the potatoes rest, shred your broccoli or measure out your pre-shredded broccoli slaw. Having these prepped upfront makes the rest of the process seamless.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together your beaten eggs, milk, and seasonings—salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then fold in the potatoes, broccoli, shredded cheddar, diced ham, and flour. You want everything evenly coated but not overmixed. If your batter feels a bit loose, add a touch more flour. The mixture should hold together well when scooped.

Step 3: Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Spoon a generous amount of batter into each section, spreading gently if needed. Close the lid and cook until golden and crisp, usually about 4-6 minutes. Don’t open too early—otherwise, the waffles might stick and fall apart. I’ve found the perfect cook time varies slightly depending on your waffle maker, so keep an eye on the first batch to set the timing.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Crispy

Once cooked, transfer your waffles to a wire rack to keep them crispy while you finish the rest. These are best enjoyed right away, but they do hold up nicely for later too. They look gorgeous stacked high and oozing with melted cheddar bits peeking out.

How to Serve Loaded Potato Waffles with Broccoli, Cheddar, and Deli Ham Recipe

A golden-brown waffle made with visible pieces of green vegetables and small pink bits, cooked in a black waffle maker. The waffle shows a crispy texture with some browned edges and is divided into square sections. The waffle is thick and has a slightly uneven surface with light patches where the vegetables and pink bits appear inside. The black waffle maker has a latch and is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my waffles with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for some tang and creaminess. Scattered chopped chives or green onions add fresh color and a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the ham and cheddar. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right before serving for an extra flavor punch.

Side Dishes

For side dishes, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the waffles wonderfully. Or try serving with a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach to add some earthiness. On busy mornings, a simple fruit salad or sliced avocado works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these waffles stacked like mini towers between layers of warm sausage gravy for a hearty twist. Another fun idea is cutting the waffles into wedges and offering them as part of a brunch board with dips like spicy mayo or honey mustard. Kids love using them as “crackers” to scoop up cheese and ham slices too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftover potato waffles completely on a wire rack, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay surprisingly crisp if you avoid stacking them too tightly. You can expect them to last about 3-4 days like this.

Freezing

Freezing these waffles is a total game changer. I pop them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer for an hour or two until frozen solid, then transfer to a zipper bag. This method keeps them from sticking together. When I’m ready to eat, I just reheat without thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the oven or toaster oven works best for preserving that crisp exterior. Heat at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. Microwaving is tempting when you’re in a rush, but it tends to make them a bit soggy. And since these waffles are all about texture, I prefer to avoid it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can, but I recommend thawing and squeezing out excess moisture before adding it to prevent soggy waffles. Fresh or packaged broccoli slaw tends to give the best texture and flavor.
What type of waffle maker works best for this recipe?

A standard Belgian waffle maker with deeper grids works best to hold the chunky ingredients and create crispy edges. Just make sure it has adjustable temperature settings for best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and your favorite plant-based milk. Just keep the cheese sharp and salty enough to replicate that classic cheddar taste.
How do I prevent my waffles from falling apart?

Be sure to squeeze out all the moisture from the potatoes and broccoli. Also, don’t rush opening the waffle maker too soon—letting them cook fully helps them set and hold together.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just mix the ingredients in a bigger bowl and cook in batches. They freeze well, so extras can be stored easily for later.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Waffles with Broccoli, Cheddar, and Deli Ham Recipe feels like a little slice of comfort food magic every time I make it. It’s cozy, tasty, and just straightforward enough to make on a busy morning or a relaxed weekend. Give it a try—you’ll love the mix of textures and flavors, and I promise it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.