waffler pizza recipe

I have been intrigued with pizza made in a waffle iron ever since I saw Ree Drummond make one on the Pioneer Woman.  Something about using your waffle iron more than twice a year and not having to turn on the oven were strong motivations to make this idea work!  I have practiced a couple of times and it really is quite easy.  I use fresh store bought pizza dough--I use about a 1 1/2 cup size portion, let it rise and roll it out on a floured board to the approx size of my waffle iron. My iron is a square Cuisinart waffler that I LOVE.  I also love my JK Adams French rolling pin---gets the dough as thin as you like with no effort! I linked Ree Drummond's recipe but I made a few variations and you can too. Spray your waffler with non stick spray and let the waffle iron heat up as normal.  Lay your rolled out dough on the iron and close the lid and cook dough till the green ready light comes on. I then brushed the dough with olive oil, layered on pepperoni slices, grated mozzarella and Mexican blend cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, more cheese, dash salt and pepper and closed the lid---for about 1 minute till cheese melts. Open lid, brush down any bits that might have stuck to the top (actually much less than you would think for all that cheese) and lift out with a large spatula to your cutting board. For clean up, let the waffle iron cool, and brush away any bits with a pastry brush and layer paper towel on the grates and close lid to absorb any excess oil.  The BEST way to clean it just to make a batch of savory waffles the next morning---spotless!!  Other combinations I have tried are cooked sausage with thinly sliced baby zucchini and onions and sliced black olives. Overly wet/heavy toppings don't work.  You can use pizza sauce, but use a light hand.

recipe for yeast waffles

I  read a recipe recently that called for yeast to be added to the pancake or waffle batter.  It intrigued me because I was frustrated that my pancakes/waffles weren't getting the rise I wanted and my waffles in particular were not as moist and fluffy on the inside as I would like.  There are several types of recipes out there, some as complicated as making a starter, etc.--and days or weeks later you might have breakfast. I couldn't wait that long, so I made up my own recipe using my favorite pancake/waffle mix and the results were exactly what I wanted--golden brown exterior and a light and airy interior. I also recommend the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker.  The color and temperature settings and the built in timer makes sure the waffles cook perfectly and evenly every time.

Make this recipe the night before so the batter is nice and spongy in the morning. 

2 cups Krusteaz  Buttermilk Complete Pancake Mix  (Safeway has this, and it is a good one because it has both whole wheat and white flour).
1 packet (1/4oz) dry natural yeast
1/4 cup warm milk  (120 degrees)
1 to 1 1/4 cup water
2 TBL  vegetable oil
pinch salt

Warm milk in the microwave or small saucepan--do not over heat, it will kill the yeast.  Stir in the yeast and set aside. Let stand about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the pancake mix, water and oil--do not over mix.  Stir in yeast mixture and add extra water if necessary. Cover and chill overnight.  Pour onto preheated waffle maker and cook to desired color.  Makes 8, 4 inch Belgian waffles.