Though waffle breakfast sandwiches and chicken and waffles have been all the rave this past year, we’re now moving into the next wave of waffle innovation. The familiar breakfast bread is showing up as an innovative carrier for kids’ pizzas and savory non-morning sandwiches on some restaurant menus, and being cast as a coating or seasoning “flavor” on others. And beyond restaurants, some operators are transforming traditional waffle desserts with out-of-the-box elements that restaurants should look to for inspiration.
Why waffles and why now? Waffles are inexpensive and easy to work with. Consumer preference for specialty breads like waffles for items like sandwiches is on the upswing, according to Technomic’s Sandwich Consumer Trend Report. And approaching cold weather always brings with it an influx of comfort food favorites.
Here are some ways the iconic waffle is being spun in playful and off-the-wall styles.