Save The first time I made these stuffing waffles, I wasn't even sure what I was doing. I'd been scrolling through my kitchen inspiration folder at 10 PM on a Wednesday, looking for something festive but not fussy, when the idea hit me: what if stuffing could be crispy? What if it could cradle tender chicken like the most delicious little bread bowl? By the time the first waffle came out golden and steaming, I knew I'd stumbled onto something that would become my secret weapon for turning weeknight dinners into something that feels like a celebration.
I remember making these for a small dinner party in November, and my friend Sarah took one bite and actually closed her eyes. She said it tasted like Thanksgiving had been miniaturized and handed to her on a plate. That's when I realized these weren't just sliders—they were a way to give people a moment of warmth and comfort in one perfect bite.
Ingredients
- Prepared stuffing: Use the kind you'd normally serve as a side, whether homemade or a box mix; either works beautifully because you're binding it with eggs and broth to create a sturdy waffle that won't fall apart.
- Large eggs: These are your binder, giving the waffle structure so it holds together when you bite into it.
- Chicken broth: The moisture that keeps everything tender without making it mushy; don't skip this step.
- Melted butter: This adds richness and helps everything crisp up beautifully in the waffle iron.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for keeping your waffles from sticking and creating those crispy edges.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is the easiest shortcut; it's already seasoned and tender.
- Dried thyme: This herb whispers of herbs without overpowering; it ties everything back to that stuffing flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your sauce, rich enough to coat without being heavy.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: The tart-sweet element that makes this slider special and distinctly holiday-inspired.
- Dijon mustard: Just enough to add a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Baby arugula or spinach: Optional, but the peppery bite adds freshness and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
Instructions
- Prep your waffle iron and mise en place:
- Get your waffle iron heating to medium-high and spray it lightly with nonstick spray. Gather all your ingredients near the iron so you're not scrambling between steps.
- Mix the stuffing base:
- Combine the stuffing, eggs, chicken broth, and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly moistened; the mixture should feel slightly wet but hold together when you squeeze it, not like oatmeal.
- Waffle and crisp:
- Scoop about 1/3 cup of the stuffing mixture into the hot waffle iron and press gently. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the waffle is golden brown and crispy on the outside; don't peek too early or you'll break the crust.
- Warm the chicken:
- While the waffles cook, combine the shredded chicken with broth, thyme, pepper, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until steaming and fragrant.
- Make the cranberry mayo:
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and slightly pink. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Assemble with care:
- Spread a thin layer of cranberry mayo on one waffle, top with a generous spoonful of warm chicken, add a few leaves of greens if using, then crown with another waffle. The warmth of everything together is key.
- Serve immediately:
- These are best eaten right away while the waffles are still crispy and everything is warm.
Save There's something genuinely comforting about holding one of these sliders in your hand, feeling the warmth through the crispy exterior, knowing that every layer is intentional and delicious. It's the kind of food that makes you feel like someone cared.
Why These Waffles Work
A waffle iron does something magical to savory mixtures. The ridges create more surface area for crisping, and the heat forces out moisture that would otherwise make things soggy. By treating stuffing as a canvas instead of a side dish, you're giving it permission to become something better than it usually is. The egg acts as both binder and enricher, while the broth ensures everything stays tender inside even as the exterior crisps up beautifully.
The Flavor Story
This slider is a conversation between three distinct tastes: the savory, herb-forward stuffing waffle, the tender and comforting chicken, and that unexpected cranberry-mustard mayo that makes people pause mid-bite. The cranberry sauce brings a brightness that keeps everything from feeling heavy, while the Dijon mustard adds just enough complexity to make the whole thing feel intentional. It's a symphony where nothing drowns anything else out.
Variations and Leftovers
Once you master the technique, you can make these your own in so many ways. Try smoked turkey for a deeper, more complex flavor, or add a thin slice of gruyere cheese between the waffle and the chicken for richness. If you have waffles left over, reheat them in a toaster oven at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes to restore the crispness; the chicken can be warmed gently in a pan or microwave and reassembled fresh. Some people even make extra waffles and freeze them wrapped individually in foil, though I find they're best enjoyed fresh, while the edges still crackle between your teeth.
- Substitute turkey, duck, or even shredded pork for a completely different vibe.
- Swap the cranberry mayo for herb aioli or roasted garlic for variety.
- Add pickled red onions or a thin slice of brie for your own signature version.
Save These sliders are the kind of recipe that turns a regular meal into something memorable. Once you make them, they'll become your go-to when you want to feel like you've done something special.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make the stuffing waffles crisp?
Preheat the waffle iron and coat it lightly with nonstick spray. Cook the stuffing mixture until golden and crisp, about 5–7 minutes per waffle.
- → Can I substitute turkey for the chicken filling?
Yes, turkey works well and offers a classic Thanksgiving flavor in these sliders.
- → How is the cranberry mayo prepared?
Whisk together mayonnaise, whole berry cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth for a tangy, creamy spread.
- → What garnishes complement these sliders?
Fresh baby arugula or baby spinach can be added for a peppery, leafy contrast to the rich filling.
- → Can these waffles be reheated without losing crispiness?
Yes, reheating them in a toaster oven helps restore their golden crisp texture.