Kartoffelvafler (Potato Waffles)

Waffles…with a Savory Twist

If you have a waffle iron at home, you probably sometimes question why you have an appliance that only makes one single food. We can’t be the only ones who have far too many kitchen items that don’t get used enough. If you feel the same, then this is the recipe for you – savory potato waffles! Although we love a regular waffle topped with berries and some syrup for breakfast, this potato version is perfect for anyone wanting to switch it up. You can still come up with creative toppings and fillings but just ditch the sweet for savory. And if you’re a lover of hashbrowns, then you’ll absolutely want to try out this recipe. Keep reading as we share more about today’s savory potato waffle recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, and how you can make it.

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Easy and Simple Potato Waffle Recipe

Luckily, if you have a waffle iron, then this is just as easy as making regular waffles. It’s made with a few ingredients which are combined and then added to the waffle iron to cook. We use a beautiful heart waffle iron that also makes delicious Norwegian hjertevafler or heart waffles (recipe here), which you can purchase at our Amazon link here*. It’s so cute and you can make use of it on special occasions too, like birthdays or Valentine’s Day. Plus, it’s non-stick, which makes it very easy to use and clean, which is essential when you’re making something like waffles. Hjertevafler are a staple in Norway, so why not try out this savory potato version of the Scandinavian classic? Next, we’ll tell you more about why we use potatoes in this recipe.

Po-ta-toes

Why potatoes? First of all, we love them. Does anyone else remember the classic Lord of the Rings remix about potatoes? I literally can’t say the word potatoes anymore without thinking of that song. Ah, the joys of the internet 😂 We also love Lord of the Rings and that remix! But anyway, back to potatoes. Potatoes are such an underrated vegetable in the US – they are so versatile! They are the perfect vessel for other flavors, since they don’t have a strong taste, but it’s their texture that’s truly great. They can be crispy, fluffy, soft, creamy, and more. They’re hearty and filling and if you ask me, could belong in any and every meal.

Why Do Scandinavians Love Potatoes?

But why is it that potatoes are so popular in Scandinavia? It’s true that they form the backbone of many Scandinavian dishes, including Swedish Hasselback potatoes, Danish brændende kærlighed, and Norwegian lefse. Honestly, the boring and basic reason is that it kept Scandinavians full when other food was scarce and that potatoes grow very easily in the Nordic countries and climates. This has made it an important part of classic traditional dishes and that’s why in the modern era, Scandinavians still eat a lot of potatoes. Pasta and rice have only become a common starch on the dinner table over the last 50 years. I also think there’s something to be said for the simplicity of a potato, and many Scandinavians like simple and basic food, so it comes as no surprise that boiled potatoes are a favorite in many homes.

Toppings for Potato Waffles

When it comes to these delicious potato waffles, you can be as adventurous with the toppings as you like. Think of what might go well with a baked potato or mashed potatoes, and that would probably be just as delicious with these waffles. We decided to go for a very Scandi topping, consisting of smoked salmon, sour cream, cucumber, avocado, dill, and lemon juice. The richness and sharpness of these toppings pair so well with the crispy and hearty potato base, so there’s no doubt that it’s a perfect combination. However, you could also go for other classic baked potato toppings, like bacon and sour cream. Or, just eat them like hashbrowns, with a bit of ketchup or hot sauce! They are delicious no matter what you put on top of them.

Ingredients

To make these potato waffles, you’ll need: potatoes, eggs, butter, salt and pepper, and green onions. There aren’t many substitutions you can make here, but you can certainly omit the green onions or substitute them for red or white onions. You can probably add some other grated vegetables, like carrots or sweet potatoes, and I’m sure that would be delicious too. Fresh or dried herbs would be a yummy addition, as would some other seasonings like smoked paprika or even turmeric for a bit of a brighter color. Ultimately, it depends on your choice of toppings, which as we’ve explained above, you can change up as you see fit. It’s a versatile dish that suits people with many different tastes, so customize it how you like it.

Instructions

To make these waffles, you’ll first need a waffle iron. Wash and peel your potatoes, then use a grater to shred them. Squeeze out the liquid using a dish towel, cheesecloth, or a paper towel. You want to make sure that most of the liquid is squeezed out so that the grated potato binds better with the egg and the mixture holds together well. If you want to, you can salt the potatoes and let them sit for 10 minutes before squeezing, which will draw out even more moisture and give a crispier waffle. Disclaimer though – we don’t do this…we’re too impatient 😂

Next, chop the green onion and add to the bowl with the potatoes, along with one egg, melted butter, and salt and pepper. Combine this and you have your waffle batter! Heat the iron up and cook your waffles. If your mixture becomes liquidy, try scooping up the batter without some of the extra liquid, and everything should turn out perfectly. Decorate with your toppings and enjoy!