I received a waffle iron as a gift a few years ago and I wasn’t certain that I’d use it. It seemed like it was pretty firmly in the category of kitchen gadgets that doesn’t get deployed very often. Boy, was I wrong. I love my waffle maker. I’m not saying that I whip up waffles every single weekend, but I use it more than I anticipated, and it always makes brunch special when I do. I’m lucky that my family enjoys waffles as much as I do. Here are some amazing waffle recipes in honor of National Waffle Day.

The Pioneer Woman never steers one wrong and her waffle recipe is no exception. She has you whip the egg whites and it definitely pays off.

If you don’t have the time to do the whip with the egg whites (or the nae nae, for that matter), a faster recipe for basic waffles from Alton Brown.

Turns out that you can use your waffle iron for more savory options, too. Can you say “pizza waffle”? Check out the easy pizza waffle recipe using Grands here, or go the gourmet route  with this Semolina and Sun-Dried Tomato Waffle-Pizzas recipe.

And who says it has to be doughy? Latke waffles from Smitten Kitchen, which they also call tater tot waffles, are so good. If you want a really unexpected savory twist on a waffle, try Rachael Ray’s Falafel Waffle, which is just really fun to say.

You may not think of breaking out the waffle iron for dessert, but maybe you should. Check out these waffle dessert recipes:

• Cake Mix Waffles by Betty Crocker
• Red Velvet Waffle with Cream Cheese Drizzle by Rachael Ray
• Waffle Ice Cream Sundaes by Lulu the Baker
• S’mores Waffles (yes, with toaster waffles, because moms are busy) by Babble

It’s also more than okay to use a mix if that’s what works for you. (I know you don’t need me to tell you that, but if you were looking for someone to give you permission, I’m your girl!) I have to say that Bisquick does the trick for me. In the fall, my trio is ridiculous happy when Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix is available. It really is delicious, and I highly recommend stocking up. I’m really looking forward to a crisp fall morning when breakfast means a pumpkin waffle and warm cider.

What’s your favorite kind of waffle?

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