Waffles may seem like a decadent breakfast or brunch treat, but by making them with whole grains and incorporating healthy toppings there's no reason you can't include them regularly in a balanced diet. Limit the sugar you use in and on top of waffles, substituting fruit for sweetness. Waffles are also a good base for savory toppings and ingredients, and make an unusual and interesting dinner.
Fruit
Fruit is a natural topping for waffles, both for the sweetness and the nutritional punch from the vitamins. Sliced bananas and fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, are quick and easy toppings. Add a spoonful of fat-free vanilla yogurt on top of the fruit. When you have more time, saute fresh apple slices with a little oil and cinnamon, or poach pears in fruit juice or wine to serve over waffles.
Syrups and Sauces
Many commercial brands of syrup for pancakes and waffles are high in sugar, so read labels carefully. Alternatively, make your own fruit sauce by thinning low-sugar jam or preserves with water and heating it in a sauce pot. Applesauce prepared without sugar makes a healthy and tasty topping for buckwheat waffles.
Savory
Waffles serve as a successful foundation for a number of savory treatments. Substitute them for English muffins in eggs Benedict, but use a low-fat sauce for the dish. Waffles are often served with fried chicken and gravy for brunch or dinner; Bake your chicken and make a low-fat herbed gravy for a healthy update. Saute vegetables in heart-healthy olive oil and deglaze your pan with wine for a savory waffle topping. Mushrooms, leeks, and onions all add interesting contrast to unsweetened waffles.
Tips
Experiment with different grains and ingredients for making waffles and pair toppings that complement the flavor. Take spicy chili out of the bowl and serve it atop waffles made with cornmeal. Top waffles incorporating mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled turkey bacon and chives. Waffles with fruit in the batter are ideal for dessert with a scoop of low-fat ice cream melting on top.
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