Waffle Cross Cheese Toastie - A Sweet And Savory Breakfast Mashup

Putting a Fun Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Waffles and hot cross buns are two beloved breakfast foods that evoke comfort and nostalgia for many. By combining elements of these classics into one dish - a waffle cross cheese toastie - we open up possibilities for new flavors and textures to enjoy. In this recipe exploration, we'll look at how to approach fusing traditional waffles with all the sweet spice of hot cross buns, capped off with melty cheese for a toasted sandwich spin.

Starting With The Humble Waffle

Waffles make an ideal canvas for both sweet and savory ingredients thanks to their crisp, golden exterior pockets that catch all kinds of delicious fillings and toppings. Whether you prefer traditional square Belgian-style waffles or round bubble waffles, they provide that satisfying contrast of crispy outer and fluffy, soft interior. Waffles can be enjoyed on their own with just a dusting of powdered sugar or maple syrup. However, they also pair well with both sweet additions like whipped cream, fruit, chocolate or nut butters as well as heartier fillings like cheese, eggs, or meats.

The Sweet Spice of Hot Cross Buns

As an Easter and holiday staple in many cultures, hot cross buns offer a spiced bread backdrop that complements both sweet and savory flavors. The buns are marked with a cross on top, which represents the Crucifixion cross in Christian tradition but also served as a bread baking mark before taking on religious symbolism. Along with a touch of orange zest and candied fruit, hot cross buns feature warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. The signature spiced buns can be enjoyed as-is for breakfast or tea time, sliced for sandwiches, baked into bread pudding, or even used to create French toast.

Taking Inspiration from a Viral Cheese Toastie

The inspiration for combining waffles and hot cross buns came from a recipe video that went viral on TikTok. Food blogger @zolanene shared her creative take on a hot cross bun cheese toastie, slathered with butter, filled with cheese slices, and grilled for melty sandwich perfection. The video accumulated over 900,000 likes as viewers drooled over the sandwich combo. By borrowing elements of both the signature spiced buns as well as the ultimate grilled cheese, we can explore new flavor fusions. The concept translates seamlessly into waffle form for both taste and textural interest.

Assembling a Waffle Cross Cheese Toastie

Part of the fun of reimagining classic recipes is taking liberties to make them your own. Feel free to choose your own adventure when constructing the waffle cross cheese toastie by selecting your favorite ingredients and knowing there's no one right way to combine them. The basic building blocks remain the same - spiced waffle batter forms the base while gooey cheese holds it all together after a crisp grill in the sandwich press.

Whip Up Spiced Waffle Batter

Making waffles from scratch gives you control over flavor. For our waffle cross toastie, we'll add hot cross bun spices to the batter. This typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and orange zest. You can choose to either mix the spices directly into a basic waffle recipe or use actual hot cross bun bread made into breadcrumbs added to the batter. Some tangy buttermilk also helps mimic hot cross buns. And don't forget a touch of sugar to balance out the spice.

Get Creative with Mix-In Additions

Once your spiced waffle batter comes together, the fun begins with mix-in ideas! For even more hot cross bun essence, you could add raisins, currants, dried cranberries or candied orange peel. Or go the cheese toastie inspiration route by mixing in shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for pockets of extra creaminess. For texture, try toasted nuts or spice crisps. The possibilities are wide open based on your personal preferences!

Craft Your Cheese Filling

No waffle sandwich is complete without the gooey cheese element, so layer up! Traditional grilled cheese basics like cheddar, American, Muenster, provolone, or Havarti are all crowd-pleasers. For extra indulgence, stir in cream cheese. Or get creative with cheese whiz or garlic herb blends too. Grated hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago or Gouda will melt nicely as well. Craft your ideal cheese blend to complement the spiced waffle flavors.

Toast It Up in Style

Once your waffle cross batter is cooked with cheese sealed inside, it's time for toasting! You can keep it simple by grilling in a sandwich press or skillet just until the cheese starts oozing. Deep frying for extra crispy edges takes it to the next level, as does brushing the outside with browned butter before serving. Dust lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if you want to gild the lily. Slice through your waffle cross cheese toastie to unveil that scrumptious melted interior!

Taste Bud Thrills with Sweet and Savory Combos

Fusing breakfast classics like waffles and hot cross buns may seem unlikely at first glance. But bringing their textures and flavors together opens up possibilities for mashing up sweet and savory in inventive ways. The real creativity comes in making these combinations of crispy, fluffy, spicy and melty your own. So unleash your inner chef to dream up and dish out the ultimate hybrid - a waffle cross cheese toastie that will have taste buds rejoicing.

FAQs

What is a waffle cross cheese toastie?

A waffle cross cheese toastie is a hot sandwich that combines elements of classic waffles and hot cross buns, with melted cheese sealed inside. It brings together the crispy, airy textures of waffles with the sweet spice and dried fruit flavors of hot cross buns.

What type of cheese works best?

For optimum melting and binding, use cheeses like cheddar, Havarti, Gouda, Swiss, Muenster, provolone or American. For extra decadence, stir in cream cheese or cheese whiz too. Grated hard cheeses work well too.

What are some tasty mix-in ideas?

Get creative with adds-ins to your spiced waffle batter! Raisins, currants, cranberries, candied orange peel, toasted nuts and crispy spice bits all complement the flavors. For extra richness, try small chunks of chocolate.

What's the best way to toast it?

Grill in a hot sandwich press or skillet until the cheese starts melting inside. For extra crunch, coat the outside with brown butter then fry or bake until crisp.