Looking to up your breakfast game? I’m sharing the best side dishes for waffles and pancakes: from fresh berries and whipped cream to savory bacon and scrambled eggs, find the perfect combinations for a hearty morning breakfast.
My father-in-law’s famous waffles ^^
Are you team waffles or pancakes?
Honestly, it’s hard for me to choose – I love them both! While waffles and pancakes aren’t a typical weekday breakfast for us, we love to eat them on the weekends as something special. My father-in-law is known for his fluffy waffle recipe.
When you’re craving pancakes during the week, whole wheat pancakes can be a weekend breakfast that carries leftovers into the week! There’s also the quick oatmeal pancakes recipe which is ideal if you only need to make one. And this deep dish pancakes recipe!
And I love mixes like Kodiak Cake Buttermilk and Great Harvest with oats if you need to feed the whole house on a Sunday morning.
In this post, I share a roundup of toppings and garnishes to serve with pancakes and waffles.
How to make a breakfast charcuterie board
10 Best Side Dishes + Toppings for Waffles and Pancakes
What goes with waffles for breakfast?
What’s your favorite topping to accompany waffles? Is it whipped cream? Or how about chicken and waffles? Personally, I think waffles and pancakes are pretty interchangeable, so what goes with waffles goes with pancakes. Wouldn’t you agree?
What to serve with pancakes for breakfast
While pancakes and waffles are undeniably delicious on their own (with pure maple syrup!), pairing them with the right side dishes can take your breakfast experience to a whole new level. And while many pancake and waffle recipes call for an egg, sometimes you want to up the carb-to-protein ratio at breakfast. Change your garnish and dressing and you’ll have a whole new meal!
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, here are some delicious side dishes that will perfectly complement your pancakes and waffles.
1. Scrambled Eggs
A classic option to add some protein to your meal. Here is my perfect scrambled eggs recipe!
2. Frittata
If you’re really into brunch, this Apple, Cheddar, and Bacon Frittata can easily elevate your meal. These Mini Pepper Jack Egg Cakes would also be great for brunch.
3. French fries or Skillet Potatoes
Crispy, salty hash browns complement the sweetness of the pancakes and waffles. It’s also great with chicken and waffles for breakfast for dinner.
4. Breakfast sausages
Sausages or burgers add a tasty and filling element to your plate. They’re also great for those who need something heartier to go with the sweet and sticky.
5. Fried Chicken
For a unique twist, fried chicken can create a delicious sweet and savory combination. Also on my breakfast for dinner list. If you’re not willing to make it yourself, you can easily get some breaded chicken tenders to make a fried chicken and waffle sandwich.
6. Fruit salad
Fruit salad is always an excellent accompaniment. In this post I have a roundup of 10 delicious fruit salad recipes.
7. Bacon
Crispy bacon is a classic side dish that balances the sweetness of pancakes and waffles. We bake our bacon in the oven, so it would be a nice all-in-one dish to make with the skillet pancakes recipe.
8. Avocado Slices and Poached Eggs
For a modern and nutritious option, try pairing your pancakes or waffles with slices of ripe avocado and perfectly poached eggs. The creaminess of the avocado and the richness of the poached eggs add a unique touch to your breakfast, making it a satisfying and Instagram-worthy option.
9. Smoked Salmon
If you’re looking for a luxurious option, smoked salmon is one of my favorite “special brunch” foods! It should be served with cream cheese. I imagine a waffle topped with salmon and cream cheese is a pretty delicious option, a la bagel with smoked salmon.
10. Sautéed apples with cinnamon
Give your pancakes and waffles a seasonal touch with sautéed apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Simply cook thinly sliced apples in a pan with a little butter and cinnamon until soft and caramelized. This warm and comforting side dish is perfect for fall mornings. To be hands-off, I love putting apples and cinnamon in the rice cooker!
11. Greek yogurt
Creamy Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey can be a balanced and nutritious accompaniment. Remember these stacks I used to make? Frozen waffles make it easy, and blueberries and blueberry syrup with Greek yogurt and peanut butter were a delicious combination!
12. Cheddar Cheese and Ham
For a tasty twist to your breakfast, consider adding some grated cheddar cheese and thinly sliced ham on top of your pancakes or waffles. Heat them slightly to melt the cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors that will satisfy your palate.
13. Baked Eggs
These eggs baked in a small, shallow pan are a great addition to any elegant breakfast menu.
What to cook in waffles and pancakes
Any ideas!
- Chocolate Chips or Sprinkles (Birthday Season!)
- crumbled bacon
- Black Beans and Corn (Here’s a time I made these tasty pancakes!)
- Cheese: Grated cheddar, feta, or parmesan cheese can be mixed into the batter for a tasty, cheesy pancake or waffle.
- Avocado: Mash ripe avocado into batter for a creamy, slightly nutty pancake or waffle.
- Zucchini: Grated zucchini can add moisture and a mild, earthy flavor to your breakfast creations.
- Matcha Powder: For a vibrant green color and subtle earthy flavor, add matcha powder to your dough.
- Peanut Butter: Blend in smooth or chunky peanut butter for a nutty, slightly salty touch.
- Hot sauce or Sriracha: A few drops of hot sauce or Sriracha can add a spicy touch to your pancakes or waffles.
- Mashed Sweet Potato or Pumpkin: Mix cooked and mashed sweet potato or pumpkin into the batter for a fall-inspired breakfast.
- Nuts: pieces of walnut, pecan, almond or cashew.
- Granola – Imagine the crunch!
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries or blueberries
The next time you make a batch of pancakes or waffles, consider trying one of these delicious side dishes. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, these combinations are sure to take your breakfast to the next level, making it an unforgettable meal. Happy breakfast!
Do you have any favorite waffle or pancake recipes? What do you usually serve them with?
You can also enjoy:
