High Protein Waffles

Published by:
Liz Marino
| 03/08/2022 | Last Updated: 07/15/2025

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These High Protein Waffles are homemade and delicious! There is no added protein powder in this recipe and less than 10 ingredients!

an overhead shot of healthy protein waffles with strawberries and blueberries on top


 

We absolutely love finding ways to make foods that typically aren’t the healthiest more nutritious, so after making healthier pancakes and Protein Muffins we knew we had to do the same with waffles!

These high protein waffles are SO delicious and have that same crunch that you expect from a real Belgian waffle.

healthy protein waffles with strawberries and blueberries on top with a fork taking a bite out of it

We love these with maple syrup and berries on top, but you can definitely enjoy them with your favorite toppings!

They are perfect for your weekly meal prep and I know you are going to love them!

Why these are a great breakfast option

Here are some of the things that make these homemade protein waffles so good: 

  • High protein: Most breakfasts are just pure carbs but these have 10g of protein per waffle!
  • Simple ingredients: These waffles are made with simple ingredients that you already have in your fridge or pantry!
  • Delicious: These taste just like classic Belgian waffles, so they are perfectly light and fluffy!

Are protein waffles healthy? Yes, protein waffles are healthy! These waffles are made with wholesome ingredients and are super filling, which makes them a delicious healthy breakfast!

How long does it take to make these waffles? It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish to make protein waffles, however, cook time will vary depending on your waffle iron.

ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these healthy waffles:

Ingredients for protein waffles in white bowls: nonfat Greek yogurt, skim milk, eggs, egg whites, honey, vanilla extract, butter, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt

You’ll also need a waffle iron.

Substitutions

Non Fat Greek Yogurt: We have not tried making this recipe with other types of yogurt, however, I think regular full fat yogurt would work ok. I’m not sure about dairy free/plant based yogurt.

Skim Milk: You can substitute skim milk with any plant based/nondairy milk.

Eggs: We have not tried this recipe without eggs and wouldn’t recommend it. I don’t think it will work. The eggs are essential to the fluffy texture/crispiness of the edges.

Honey: You can substitute honey with maple syrup. You can also omit the honey but it really adds a nice flavor to the waffles.

Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla extract you can skip it.

Melted Butter: You can substitute butter with ghee or applesauce, but we really recommend using the butter. It’s delicious!

Whole Wheat Flour: We haven’t tried this recipe with other flours. Almond or coconut flour will not work and can never be substituted 1:1 for whole wheat flour. However, oat flour or Gluten Free 1:1 Flour might work but without testing them I can’t be sure. You can try this Oatmeal Waffles recipe if you’re looking to make waffles with oat flour!

Baking Powder: Do not omit the baking powder.

Waffle Iron: We made these in a standard Belgian waffle maker. I’m sure you could make them in a Mini Waffle Maker, however, you’d need to adjust your batter/cook time.

Can this recipe also be used to make Protein Pancakes? We have a delicious recipe for High Protein Pancakes. If you want another healthy pancake recipe, these healthy pancakes are great!

Can I add protein powder to this waffle mix? We have not tried making this recipe with protein powder. Protein powder can make baked goods really spongey and lead to a funky texture. If you’re going to try it though, I would recommend adding protein in small amounts (1/4 cup at a time) and testing to make sure it doesn’t dry out the batter/make it spongey once the waffles are cooked.

Best Waffle Iron

We love this waffle iron. It’s super easy to cook with and the waffle comes out perfectly crispy.

How to make the best Protein Waffles

Making this recipe is so easy!

Batter for healthy protein waffles in a waffle iron uncooked
  1. Mix together all ingredients until well combined. Allow the waffle batter to rest while you heat up your waffle iron. Grease your waffle maker with cooking spray.
a cooked healthy protein waffle in the waffle iron on a grey background
  1. Fill your waffle maker and cook until you do not see steam and the waffle doesn’t stick when you lift the waffle maker up.

How can you tell when they are done? These waffles are done when they have a golden brown exterior and are crisp on the edges and center. You can also see if your waffle iron has a light to tell you when they are done.

Trying to eat more protein?

If you’re trying to eat more protein, check out our High Protein Dinners Ebook! It has 24 easy recipes you can make in under an hour with 25g+ protein per serving!

Serving instructions

These healthy protein waffles are delicious on their own but feel free to serve them with Oven Bacon and a Ham and Cheese Frittata or with a healthy yogurt bowl. Plus you can top them however you like!

Best Toppings For Waffles

Here are some of our favorite toppings:

  • maple syrup or sugar free syrup
  • fresh whipped cream
  • chocolate chips
  • fresh berries or other fruit
  • nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter)
  • hemp seeds or chopped nuts
  • ice cream (we won’t judge!)

Storage Options

These protein waffles store really well! They are perfect for meal prep, so feel free to double or triple the recipe.

Refrigerating: These can stay in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze these waffles? Yes, you can freeze these waffles! Put them in an airtight container or reusable Ziploc bag in your freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, either microwave or place directly in the toaster oven from frozen.

How to reheat: You can reheat protein waffles in the microwave or in a toaster oven. However, we don’t recommend reheating them in a pan, they will not get as crisp.

healthy protein waffles with strawberries and blueberries on top with syrup being poured on top

FAQs

How do you keep protein waffles from being dry?

The key to keeping protein waffles from being dry is adding a little bit of fat. Melted butter, olive oil, coconut oil can all be added to protein waffles to make them less dry.

Can I add protein powder to this waffle mix?

You can add protein powder to some waffle mixes, but it won’t always work. If you’re going to try it I would recommend adding it in small amounts and testing it to make sure it doesn’t dry out the batter/make it spongey.

Are protein waffles healthy?

These protein waffles are healthier than regular waffles and are healthy when enjoyed in moderation.

Are protein waffles good for kids?

Absolutely! They do contain honey though, so don’t feed to kids under 1.

Is there a difference between pancake and waffle mixture?

They contain the same ingredients, but waffle batter is more rich than pancake batter.

Other healthy breakfast recipes:

Looking for other easy meals? Check out these 45 Healthy Brunch Recipes! Here are some of our other favorite breakfast recipes:

an overhead shot of healthy protein waffles with strawberries and blueberries on top

High Protein Waffles Recipe

Recipe by: Liz Marino
5 from 16 votes
These High Protein Waffles are homemade and delicious! There is no added protein powder in this recipe and less than 10 ingredients!
Prep Time : 7 minutes
Cook Time : 8 minutes
Total Time : 15 minutes
Serves : 8 Belgian Waffles
(hover over # to adjust)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg whites this is ¼ cup or the whites of 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, egg whites, honey, vanilla and melted butter until well combined.
  2. Gently fold in the whole wheat flour one cup at a time along with the baking powder and salt.
  3. Allow the batter to rest while you heat up your waffle iron.
  4. Grease your waffle iron with cooking spray. Fill your waffle iron and cook until you do not see steam and the waffle doesn’t stick when you lift the iron up. (2-3 minutes depending on your iron. Most modern waffle irons have a light that tells you they are done.
  5. Drizzle with maple syrup, honey or whatever you like and enjoy!

Video

Notes

These waffles are done when they have a golden brown exterior and are crisp on the edges and center.
You can really top these with anything you like, or add a savory spin to them with some bacon and eggs on the side!
You can swap the whole wheat flour for gluten free oat flour although they may be a little more dense.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1waffle | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 213IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Share it! Make sure to tag @thecleaneatingcouple or use #thecleaneatingcouple!
5 from 16 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




25 Comments

  1. Kathryn/Mimi/Muff says:

    5 stars
    I have been making waffles for at least 60 years and these are the best ones I’ve ever made. Thank you.

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you, thank you thank you. I have made many Belgian waffles from scratch and this is the first time it came out so big fluffy with a hint of sweetness. I did add some white chocolate chips my son‘s preference and I have to tell you hands-down this is the best waffle recipe I have ever made. And the added bonus it’s a high protein for a growing teenager the perfect breakfast.

  3. 5 stars
    Great recipe! Instead of honey I mash a ripe banana and also add ground walnuts and hemp seed to the recipe and they still come out amazing!

  4. Michael DC says:

    5 stars
    This recipe surprised me in how dense but fluffy it was! Normally with waffles, I have a hard time feeling full, but these did an excellent job. We didn’t have whole wheat flour so we used regular all purpose, but I’m interested to see how that changes the recipe. We also swapped the low-fat milk for Fairlife Vanilla High Protein Milk Shake. 10/10!

  5. Julie Bensinger says:

    5 stars
    Excellent. I used buttermilk because of it was all I had and a little extra water to thin a bit. They were delicious, fluffy.. a keeper recipe for sure!

  6. 5 stars
    This was the BEST waffle recipe I’ve ever follow even the ones with sugar but I did use a table spoon of honey, a scoop of protein powder, and extra milk

  7. 5 stars
    This is the most delicious batter recipe. I used one cup whole wheat flour and one cup white flour. My teenager couldn’t get enough. So great that it is high protein. Thanks for sharing!

  8. Robyn Cunningham says:

    Has anyone tried a successful gluten free option? thanks!

    1. I just failed in an attempt to make gluten free. Had I used 1:1 gf flour I may have actually had success. Instead I used a combo of cassava and coconut flours. Stupidly I used coconut as the majority and now have hot waffle shaped blocks of dry coconut. I added more eggs, milk, yogurt, water, the coconut just sucked it all up. I will find some way to eat them because I refuse to waste if I don’t have to. I was hoping to share a great way to make them gluten free but not today.

      1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

        Coconut flour can’t be used to replace regular flours unfortunately 🙁 I’d try looking up a paleo waffle recipe if you want to make a gluten free/grain free waffle – coconut flour is so difficult to work with!

  9. 5 stars
    These turned out great! I used cottage cheese (made smooth in the blender) instead of the yogurt because it’s what I had on hand. We liked the waffles with just 2 Tablespoons of honey and an added tablespoon of oil. Thanks so much.

  10. OverwhelmingAnxiety says:

    Hope you dont mind me asking, but sometimes I have issues with honey, in general (i have a very sensitive tongue, and it’s super sweet). I have some fake brown sugar and, just wondered if removing the honey would change the consistency a ton?

    Thanks in advance, really look forward to trying this!

    1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

      I’m not sure how that would affect it without trying, I’m sorry! You could use maple syrup in place of the honey, I know that works!

  11. Marisa Coluccio says:

    5 stars
    I make these waffles all the time for my family. They are good and healthy. To everyone out there, you have not tried weirder but better waffles then this!

  12. Omgosh this recipe looks so much better than all of the other ones! It’s all real food and no weird stuff. Curious if it is 8 servings or 4? It says it makes 8 waffles. I REALLY appreciate the nutrition chart! My daughter and I bought some chocolate chip Kodiak brand protein waffles to make ice cream sandwiches but they are super expensive! I’ll comment again after I make them but for now I’m just excited to have a way to make our own healthy version of a yummy dessert!

    1. I had the same question. Is a serving size 1 or 2 waffles?

  13. 5 stars
    I have a gluten allergy so I cannot try these, but my kids and husband are obsessed. I keep making double batches to keep in the freezer for quick breakfasts, and they keep disappearing. I think I need to triple the recipe next time. Thanks so much for this!

  14. Chris Amos says:

    5 stars
    Ain’t a thang wrong with these waffles! They’re even good if you freeze them and pop them in the toaster later!

    Great job on this recipe, guys! I particularly like the fact that you bumped the protein with whole foods rather than protein powder 🙂

    Keep up the good work!

  15. 5 stars
    These were great! Nice and filling and fluffy. I did part white flour and part wheat because my kids are just getting used to it. I also added 1 T chia seeds and some chocolate chips just for fun.

  16. 5 stars
    Our favorite waffle recipe! Love making these up for my kids. They taste so much better than store-bought mixes. I’ve made a couple of batches at a time and then froze extras-perfect quick breakfast on mornings that just need an easy but filling meal!

    1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

      So glad you like them, thank you!!

    2. 5 stars
      I really like this recipe. It makes a really nice waffle that my whole family likes. We did, in a pinch, make the recipe as pancakes and it turned out just fine. It’s pretty forgiving. Sometimes I use a mix of flours, different milks, maybe 3 whole eggs instead of what is called for. Sometimes I add some collagen powder and vanilla. They always turn out fluffy and crisp on the outside. Using the Greek yogurt seems to really make this recipe stand out. Thanks. It is on my weekly rotation for school morning breakfasts.

  17. I love that these don’t have protein powder!