What is a Chaffle
Chaffle is short for cheese waffle. So it is a portmanteau of cheese and waffle. It is a low-carb alternative to traditional waffles. These crispy, savory treats are made primarily with cheese and eggs, making them an excellent option for those following keto or low-carb diets.

What are Chaffles?
Chaffles gained popularity in 2019 as a versatile and delicious low-carb substitute for bread, buns and even pizza crusts. We eat chaffles because they’re easy to make, customizable and fit well into ketogenic and low-carb lifestyles. You can enjoy a chaffle like a regular waffle with syrup or butter, or use it as a base for sandwiches, burgers or even desserts.
On this blog, we’ve highlighted both sweet and savory chaffles that are easy to make. Here are some of the variations you may want to explore:
Pumpkin Chaffles (they’re not just for pumpkin spice season in fall)
The Best Ever Chocolate Chaffle

For all of them, we use our trusted Black and Decker round, mini waffle maker. If you’re serious about making chaffles, I strongly suggest you buy one.
Chaffles Are a Low-Carb Waffle Alternative
Chaffles are a versatile low-carb alternative to traditional waffles. They offer a unique twist on breakfast favorites while catering to various dietary needs. Let’s explore what chaffles are, their origins, and why they’ve become so popular.
A chaffle is a low-carb waffle with cheese as the base ingredient. Unlike regular waffles, chaffles use cheese instead of flour to create their structure and texture. The basic chaffle recipe typically consists of just two ingredients:
- cheese — often mozzarella or cheddar
- eggs
However, I’ve made a number of different chaffle versions using cream cheese. It takes a little bit more elbow grease but you can make it work for a sweet or savory chaffle.
You can make chaffles using a standard waffle maker. However, for some reason I prefer the round kind so I love my Black and Decker mini waffle maker. As it bakes, the cheese melts and crisps up. In the end, you get a waffle-like shape with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- 7.25” Belgian-Style Waffles – Create classic 7.25” round Belgian-style waffles, the perfect size for one serving.
- Nonstick Plates – Waffles slide out easily thanks to the nonstick plates, which are simple to clean
- Cool-Touch Handle – The extended handle lets you safely open the waffle maker while it’s hot.
Keto and Low-Carb Eating
Chaffles have found a special place in ketogenic and low-carb diets due to their minimal carbohydrate content. A plain one typically contains just 1 gram of carbohydrates. For many of us, they become an excellent bread substitute.
You can use them as a base for sandwiches, burger buns or even pizza crusts. Here’s another benefit: For those following gluten-free diets, they offer a tasty alternative to wheat-based waffles and bread products. They’re naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free cheese.
Making and Enjoying Chaffles
Chaffles are simple to prepare and offer a versatile low-carb alternative to traditional waffles. With the right equipment and ingredients, you can create delicious chaffles in minutes.
To make chaffles, you’ll need a mini waffle iron. This compact appliance is ideal for creating perfectly sized ones. A regular waffle maker can work, but the results may vary.
Basic Ingredients
Here is a recap of my basic chaffle recipe. Remember: you use just two main ingredients. They are:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (typically mozzarella or cheddar)
Optional additions to enhance flavor and texture include:
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder for a lighter texture
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs
- A tablespoon of almond flour for structure
Experiment with different cheese types and seasonings to find your perfect combination.
Different Cheeses To Try
The cheese you choose significantly impacts the final flavor and texture. Honestly, we love cheese so I’ve never had a bad combo. Here are the ones we’ve tried and loved:
- Mozzarella: Creates a neutral, stretchy texture
- Cheddar: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor
- Cream cheese: Contributes richness and moisture
Mix and match cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. For example, combine mozzarella with parmesan for a savory Italian-inspired meal.
Serving Recommendations
Here are a few ideas on how to eat your cheesy waffles:
- As a breakfast item topped with butter, sugar-free syrup or fresh berries
- For lunch, use as a sandwich bread replacement
- As a low-carb hamburger bun. We serve these keto pork sliders on one.
- Serve as a side dish with savory meals
For a dessert option, top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Speaking of whipped cream, we’re working on a low carb whipped cream recipe that’s sugar free. Stay tuned. It’s coming soon.