Save The first time I made stuffing waffles, it was because I had leftover Thanksgiving stuffing and absolutely no creative ideas. I stood in front of the waffle iron on a random Wednesday, thinking it was ridiculous, but also oddly curious. When that first golden, impossibly crispy waffle popped out, I knew I'd stumbled onto something that would change how I thought about holiday flavors. Adding shredded chicken and a bright cranberry mayo felt like completing a puzzle I didn't know I'd been working on. These sliders became my secret weapon for turning simple ingredients into something that tastes like celebration on a plate.
I made these for my sister's book club night, and watching her eyes light up when she bit into one was worth every minute. Someone asked if I'd bought them from a fancy catering place, and I had to smile knowing they came from my kitchen and the contents of my pantry. That moment taught me that the most impressive meals are often the ones nobody expects you to pull off at home.
Ingredients
- Prepared stuffing: Use store-bought for ease or make your own if you want complete control. The key is having enough moisture without making it mushy, so don't soak it.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and help the waffles hold their shape. Two large ones is the right amount.
- Chicken broth: Just a bit adds moisture and keeps the waffles from being dry. Too much and they fall apart in the iron.
- Melted butter: For richness and to help them brown beautifully in the waffle iron.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, or poach your own breasts if you prefer. Either works equally well.
- Cranberry sauce: Whole berry works best because the berry pieces add texture and don't make the mayo too runny.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon adds complexity without overpowering anything else.
- Fresh greens: Baby arugula or spinach cut the richness and add a fresh bite that brings everything into balance.
Instructions
- Get your waffle iron ready:
- Preheat it to medium-high and spray it lightly with nonstick spray. A hot iron is your secret to crispy waffles, but too high will burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
- Mix the stuffing base:
- Combine the prepared stuffing, eggs, broth, and melted butter in a large bowl, stirring until everything is bound together and moist but not wet. This is easier than it sounds and takes just a minute or two.
- Waffle and crisp:
- Scoop about a third cup of mixture into the iron and press the lid down gently. Cook for five to seven minutes until you hear the sizzling slow down and the edges turn deep golden brown. Peek after five minutes to check progress.
- Warm the chicken:
- While the waffles cook, combine your shredded chicken, broth, thyme, pepper, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about a minute, stirring halfway through, until it's warm and fragrant.
- Make the cranberry mayo:
- Whisk together mayo, cranberry sauce, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. The lemon juice keeps it bright and prevents it from being too heavy.
- Assemble with intention:
- Place one waffle on your work surface, spread a thin layer of cranberry mayo on top, then add a generous spoonful of warm chicken. Top with a small handful of fresh greens and cap with another waffle, pressing gently so everything stays together.
- Serve right away:
- These are best eaten immediately while the waffles still have their snap and everything is warm. Any delay and the steam softens them, which is fine but not ideal.
Pin it There's something magical about watching someone take that first bite and realizing they're tasting something that tastes like comfort food elevated. These sliders somehow manage to feel both familiar and surprising at the same time, which is why they've become a favorite in my rotation for both casual meals and when I want to impress someone without spending hours cooking.
Why This Flavor Combination Works
The stuffing waffles bring that savory, herbaceous base that makes you think of holiday dinner. The shredded chicken keeps things tender and mild so it doesn't compete with the other flavors. The cranberry mayo is the star here, adding both sweetness and tang that cuts through the richness and makes every bite feel special. It's a balance that feels intentional, not accidental.
Making Them Ahead and Reheating
You can cook the waffles earlier in the day and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in a toaster oven at four hundred twenty-five degrees for about three minutes to restore their crispness before assembling. The chicken and mayo should always be fresh and made close to serving time for the best flavor and texture.
Variations and Ideas
Once you master the base recipe, these sliders become a canvas for creativity. Swap the chicken for turkey or even use store-bought pulled pork if you want to go savory-sweet. You can add a thin slice of aged cheddar or fontina between the waffle layers for richness, or pickle some red onions to add sharp acidity. Some people love adding a thin layer of gravy instead of mayo, which takes them even deeper into comfort food territory.
- Shredded turkey works beautifully if you want those classic Thanksgiving vibes.
- Pickled onions or thin pickle slices add a bracing acidity that surprises in the best way.
- A small drizzle of warm gravy can replace the mayo entirely if you want to lean into savory rather than sweet.
Pin it These sliders prove that some of the best dishes come from working with what you have and a little bit of kitchen courage. They're the kind of food that makes people ask for the recipe, which never gets old.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought stuffing for the waffles?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought stuffing work well in the waffles, providing a savory base with moist, crispy texture.
- → How do I keep the stuffing waffles crispy?
Cooking the waffles until golden and allowing them to cool on a wire rack helps maintain crispiness. Reheating in a toaster oven also restores their texture.
- → Can I substitute turkey for the chicken?
Absolutely, turkey is a great alternative that complements the stuffing waffles, offering a classic seasonal flavor.
- → What greens can be added as garnish?
Baby arugula or baby spinach work nicely, adding a fresh, slightly peppery element to balance the richness.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Using a gluten-free stuffing mix allows this dish to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
- → How is the cranberry mayo made?
The mayo combines mayonnaise with whole berry cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, creating a tangy spread.