All the Best Waffle Toppings

How many waffle toppings can you think of off the top of your head? My family has a well-established weakness for waffles and with that comes a weakness for all the awesome ways that you can top a hot crisp freshly made waffle.

Is “waffle season” a thing? Or is that just me? We enjoy hot breakfasts all year long, but there is something wonderfully fall and winter about pulling out the waffle iron and watching the steam rise as they cook in the mornings.

All I know is that right now, we are deep in waffle season over here and we’re making all the toppings to pour, stack, and pile on top of our waffles.

Waffle Toppings

From the sweet to the savory there are so many options when it comes to dressing up your waffles. A basic buttermilk waffle can be transformed from simple to spectacular with the right combination of toppings.

I recently shared a list of some of my all-time favorite waffle recipes. After spending all that time thinking about waffles, it became clear that I’d need a whole other post just to talk about waffle toppings!

Craving something sweet? My Grandmother’s Waffle Sauce will forever reign supreme, (just ask literally anyone who has ever tasted it!) but there are so many other delicious ways to top them too.

Sweet waffle toppings are hands-down the most popular and maple syrup is a nearly universal favorite when it comes to waffle toppings. No self-serve waffle bar is complete without a bottle of the stuff. You can even make your own homemade syrup – this one is a particular favorite!

This Maple Cream Cheese Syrup that I originally made for a batch of carrot cake pancakes brings the best of a creamy sauce and maple syrup together.

Beyond maple, there’s a whole world of other kinds of syrup to explore.

Buttermilk Syrup first caught my attention when I tried it on pancakes at a restaurant. As soon as I managed to recreate it at home, I knew it would be delicious on waffles as well and I was right.

Creamy, rich, Peanut Butter Syrup makes a fantastic topping for your favorite stack of homemade pancakes or waffles.

Waffle Topping Ideas

This Strawberry Syrup is a sweet taste of summer drizzled on top of waffles. Fruit lovers will enjoy it on waffles along with sliced fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas or peaches.

Strawberry Compote tastes like happiness and sunshine in a jar. (That’s a thing, right? YES!) Not too sweet, with a hint of bright lemon, and filled with fresh summer berries, this is a huge hit every time I serve it.

Speaking of peaches, sweet peaches in a light sauce made with a sprinkling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon are the perfect way to brighten your morning waffles.

If you like fruity syrups, make sure to check out Meyer Lemon Syrup and Pomegranate Syrup, too.

Oh! And don’t forget the awesomeness of lemon curd as a tangy sweet waffle topping. With a scoop of freshly whipped cream on top along with a handful of berries, that’s a waffle breakfast I could never turn down.

Best Waffle Toppings

My waffle loving family also enjoys Brown Sugar Butter Syrup whenever we are making waffles and as far as homemade syrups go, it’s hard to think of one that’s easier to make.

Whipped cream is another classic waffle topping that’s never steered me wrong. Something about a fluffy dollop of whipped cream on a waffle makes breakfast feel extra special, whether it’s homemade or from a can.

One of the easiest waffle toppings is also among the tastiest–simple fresh fruit.

I could write sonnets about the magnificence of fresh fruit on waffles. Taking a bite of crisp fluffy waffle paired with a juicy berry, crunch sliced apple, sweet banana or tangy peaches is one of life’s greatest joys.

Ideas for Waffle Toppings

Along with fresh fruit, I also like to put cooked fruits, jams, or jelly on top of my waffles. Try Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce or Homemade Peach Jam on your next batch of waffles for a treat.

Peanut butter might not immediately come to mind as a waffle topping but it’s certainly one of my favorite quick ways to dress up a waffle, especially on a busy morning. (It also adds the perfect savory balance to vanilla waffle sauce! We love the combination.)

Popping a frozen waffle in the toaster and smearing some peanut butter on top makes for a nutritious and easy breakfast when we’re running out the door to a morning activity. Try this with a smear of Nutella for another great option.

Everyone’s had butter on waffles but have you tried Whipped Strawberry Honey Butter yet? This creamy sweet buttery topping is as pretty in pink as it is delicious.

Savory Waffle Toppings

Have you tried a savory waffle? You’re really missing out if you haven’t tried them yet. Cornbread waffles or Cheddar Chive Waffles are a great place to start.

Soft fried eggs are a dream on top of a savory waffle. Serve with a side of bacon for a hearty weekend breakfast no one will be able to turn down.

Toppings for Waffles

If you like biscuits and gravy wait until you taste waffles and gravy. Try a ladleful of Sausage Gravy on a savory waffle for brunch, breakfast or a fun dinner.

If you like chili and cornbread and frito pie, then cornbread waffles topped with homemade chili should be on your menu soon! Add all your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado and you’ll be in savory waffle heaven.

If you’ve tried a BBQ Sundae and loved it, these cornbread waffles with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw are going to make you very happy.

I love the idea of these Taco Stuffed Waffles from Beyond Frosting. It makes perfect sense to take the best parts of tacos and stuff them into a perfectly cooked waffle. I can’t wait to give them a try.

How about sweet AND savory? These Ham and Cheese Waffles are pretty amazing topped with maple syrup, and they’re even more amazing topped with “hot” maple syrup. (It’s kind of amazing what a splash of hot sauce does to simple maple syrup.)

Does your family have a favorite waffle topping? Whether it’s classic or completely non-traditional, I’d love to hear about it!

{originally published 11/22/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/29/23}