Is your fridge absolutely packed with Thanksgiving leftovers? 😩 I know mine is. You’re staring at containers of turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, and the thought of another boring reheated plate just isn’t cutting it.
So, how do you turn that mountain of delicious-but-dull leftovers into something new, exciting, and crave-worthy that your family will actually get excited about?
Get ready for a game-changing kitchen hack! ✨ We’re going to use a waffle maker to create the most incredible, crispy, golden-brown savory “waffles” you’ve ever tasted. I’ve found the 10 best machines that are perfect for making amazing stuffing waffles and mashed potato waffles!
1. Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice
Best for: The Perfectionist Who Wants Even Crisping
What I like about it, why you should buy: This machine is a dream for getting that perfectly even, golden-brown crust on your stuffing waffles. It’s an investment, but the consistent, delicious results are totally worth it!
2. Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for: Feeding a Crowd Quickly
What I like about it, why you should buy: When the whole family is hungry, this is your hero! It makes two huge waffles at once, so you can serve up those savory leftover creations in half the time. Seriously efficient!
3. Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for: The Best-Value, No-Fuss Option
What I like about it, why you should buy: You absolutely cannot beat this waffle maker for the price. It’s simple, reliable, and the flipping action creates wonderfully fluffy yet crispy waffles every single time. A true kitchen classic!
4. All-Clad Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for: A Splurge-Worthy, Built-to-Last Investment
What I like about it, why you should buy: This is the Rolls-Royce of waffle makers. It’s a beautiful, heavy-duty machine that heats up perfectly and will genuinely last you a lifetime. A gorgeous and powerful choice.
5. KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates
Best for: The Easiest Possible Cleanup
What I like about it, why you should buy: Cheesy mashed potato waffles can be messy, but not with this beauty! The plates pop right out and go into the dishwasher. It’s an absolute lifesaver for cleanup. 🧼
6. Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Best for: Single Servings and Small Kitchens
What I like about it, why you should buy: This little guy is so cute and perfect for making a quick leftover snack for one. It takes up almost no space and is insanely easy to use. Adorable and practical!
7. Oster DiamondForce Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for: An Affordable and Durable Non-Stick Surface
What I like about it, why you should buy: That sticky stuffing is no match for this waffle maker! Its special non-stick surface is incredibly durable and makes leftover waffles slide right off. No scraping required!
8. Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for: A Reliable, Compact Budget Pick
What I like about it, why you should buy: If you want a simple, no-frills machine that just works, this is it. It’s compact, affordable, and makes delicious waffles without any fuss. A solid and dependable choice.
9. Cuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker
Best for: A Mess-Free Batter-Pouring System
What I like about it, why you should buy: Worried about overflow? The vertical design of this waffle maker is pure genius. You pour your leftover mixture in through the top, guaranteeing a perfect, mess-free waffle.
10. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Griddle
Best for: Maximum Kitchen Versatility
What I like about it, why you should buy: This is more than just a waffle maker; it’s a kitchen workhorse! You can make your stuffing waffles, then flip the plates to grill a turkey panini. Incredible value and so useful!
How to Choose the Best Waffle Maker for Leftovers
Prioritize Plate Depth
For chunky leftovers like stuffing and mashed potatoes, deep pockets are your best friend. I always look for “Belgian-style” waffle makers because their grids are usually an inch deep or more. This gives you plenty of room to pack in the leftovers, creating a wonderfully crispy outside and a soft, warm inside.
Scrutinize the Non-Stick Quality
Trust me, things like mashed potatoes, especially if you add cheese, can get super sticky! A great non-stick coating is an absolute must. I recommend looking for PFOA-free coatings or reinforced surfaces, like Oster’s “DiamondForce,” which makes the waffles release so easily.
Consider Ease of Cleaning
After a big holiday meal, the last thing anyone wants is a difficult cleanup. Waffle makers with removable plates that are dishwasher-safe are the absolute best for convenience. If the plates don’t come off, look for a model that has a little “moat” around the edge to catch any overflow.
Look for Browning Control
Leftovers don’t cook the same way as liquid batter. That’s why having an adjustable browning or temperature control is so important. You can start with a medium heat to warm everything through, then turn it up at the end to get that perfect, crispy, golden-brown finish without any burning.
My Final Thoughts
Transforming your Thanksgiving leftovers from boring to brilliant is as simple as plugging in a waffle maker. The key is finding a machine with deep pockets, a rock-solid non-stick surface, and even heating to create those irresistibly crispy edges.
While all these options are wonderful, our top pick for busy moms is the KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates for its unbeatable combination of performance and easy, dishwasher-safe cleanup.
What’s the most creative way you’ve ever used your holiday leftovers? Drop your genius ideas in the comments below! 👇
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Waffles | The Kitchen | Food Network
