These protein waffles are crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and packed with over 40 grams of protein, making them such an easy high protein breakfast when you want something quick but still filling. I love that they come together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients and no blender, oats, or banana required.
Why These Protein Waffles Actually Taste Good
Most protein waffles end up dry, dense, or rubbery, but these actually have crisp golden edges and a soft center. The Greek yogurt keeps them moist while the protein powder gives them structure without needing oats, flour, or banana. They taste like real waffles instead of "healthy waffles," which is probably why I make them so often.
I also love how simple they are. Everything mixes together in one bowl in just a few minutes, and they reheat surprisingly well for meal prep breakfasts throughout the week. I usually make a double batch and pop them in the toaster when I need something quick and filling.
Ingredients You'll Need
These protein waffles use simple ingredients but still turn out crispy, filling, and packed with protein. The printable recipe card with exact measurements is below.
Protein powder - I like to use vanilla Premier Protein powder because it gives great texture and it is easy to find. Chocolate protein powder also works well if you want chocolate protein waffles. Since protein powders vary so much, I highly recommend weighing it with a kitchen scale for the most consistent results.
Egg - Helps bind everything together and gives the waffles structure. You can also use liquid egg whites if you want even more protein.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream - This is what keeps the waffles from turning dry or chalky. I prefer full-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream because the added fat gives the waffles a softer texture and crisp edges. Blended cottage cheese also works well.
Baking powder - Helps lighten the batter so the waffles are not dense.
Salt - Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavor.
Toppings - I love serving these with butter and sugar-free syrup, but fresh berries, peanut butter, almond butter, or chocolate chips are also really good.
How to Make Protein Waffles
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the egg and Greek yogurt until a smooth batter forms. The batter will be thick.
Step 2
Pour the batter into the center of the waffle maker and close the lid. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If the waffle splits when opening the iron, it needs a little more time to cook through.
Step 3
Serve with your favorite toppings.
Tips From Jennifer's Kitchen
- Use a protein powder that you actually enjoy the taste of. Since the recipe has so few ingredients, the flavor of the protein powder really stands out. I have had the best results with Premier Protein powder.
- Do not open the waffle maker too early. Protein waffles are more delicate than regular waffles and need enough time to fully cook before releasing from the waffle iron. If the waffle splits in half, it simply needs more time.
- For crispier waffles, let them cook a little longer after the indicator light says they are done. The extra minute or two makes a big difference in texture.
- Spray the waffle iron really well with cooking spray. Protein waffle batter tends to stick more easily because there is no flour in the batter.
- If your batter seems too thick, add a small splash of milk or water. Different protein powders absorb moisture differently, so the consistency can vary slightly depending on the brand you use.
Ways to Change Them Up
- Chocolate chip protein waffles - Stir a small handful of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter breakfast that still packs plenty of protein.
- Chocolate protein waffles - Swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder and serve with peanut butter or berries.
- Blueberry protein waffles - Press fresh blueberries into the batter after pouring it into the waffle maker so they stay whole and do not turn the batter purple.
- Cinnamon roll waffles - Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warm cinnamon flavor.
- Cottage cheese protein waffles - Use blended cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt for an even higher protein option with a soft texture.
- Make pancakes instead - This batter works just as well for protein pancakes if you do not have a waffle maker.
- Add crunch - Chopped pecans or walnuts add a little texture and make the waffles even more filling.
- Boost the protein even more - Replace the whole egg with liquid egg whites for extra protein with less fat.
Topping Ideas
- Butter and sugar-free syrup - My favorite simple combo and the easiest way to make these taste like classic waffles.
- Fresh berries - Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add freshness and natural sweetness.
- Peanut butter or almond butter - Adds healthy fats and makes the waffles even more filling.
- Greek yogurt - A spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt on top turns these into a really satisfying high protein breakfast.
- Whipped cream - Great when you want these to feel more like a weekend breakfast.
- Chocolate chips - Sprinkle a few on top while the waffles are still warm.
- Banana slices - A good option for family members who are not eating low carb.
- Crushed pecans or walnuts - Adds crunch and works especially well with cinnamon in the batter.
- Jam or berry sauce - Sugar-free jam or a quick berry sauce makes these feel a little more special without much extra work.
Storage and Meal Prep
These protein waffles are perfect for meal prep because they reheat really well and stay surprisingly crispy. I like to make a double or triple batch so I have an easy high protein breakfast ready throughout the week.
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each waffle so they do not stick together.
To reheat, pop them straight into the toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer until hot and crispy again. I do not recommend using the microwave because it can make the waffles soft and rubbery.
If you like easy high protein breakfasts, my chocolate chip protein muffins are another meal prep favorite. I also like keeping protein pudding in the fridge for an easy high protein snack during the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but different protein powders absorb moisture differently, so the texture can vary. I have had the best results with Premier Protein powder. If your batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out slightly.
Protein waffles can dry out easily if there is not enough fat or moisture in the batter. Using full-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream helps keep the waffles soft inside while still getting crispy on the outside.
Protein waffle batter sticks more easily than traditional waffle batter, so make sure to spray the waffle iron really well with cooking spray before adding the batter. Also, avoid opening the waffle maker too early.
Absolutely. Let the waffles cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I like to reheat them in the toaster or air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.
Yes. These waffles are low in carbs and high in protein, especially when using a low carb protein powder and sugar-free toppings.
Yes. Blended cottage cheese works really well in this recipe and adds even more protein while keeping the waffles soft and moist.
Recipe Card
Easy Protein Waffles (Crispy and High Protein)
Ingredients
- 39 grams Protein powder (note 1)
- 1 large Egg
- 3 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt or sour cream (45g) (note 2)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- pinch of salt
- your favorite toppings for serving
Equipment
Method
- Heat your waffle iron on medium and spray both plates with cooking spray. I prefer a mini dash waffle maker as it resembles Eggo waffles.
- Mix the protein powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Now stir in the egg and Greek Yogurt until fully combined. If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Using a ladle or cup, pour batter in the middle of the bottom plate until about ¾ of the bottom plate has batter on it. When the top is closed, the pressure will spread the batter to the rest of the spaces.
- Be sure to cook the waffle through. If you open the waffle maker and your waffle is split in half, it needed more time. For a crispier waffle, cook them a little past the indicator light.
- Serve with your favorite waffle toppings.
Oakley says
Great recipe! A little dry but that may be my fault! I put icing on mine which is 100g Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp cocoa and 2 tbsp powdered sugar (you can use a low cal version) I just thought that might be helpful
Kristy says
Very, very good! I added a little cinnamon and used vanilla protein powder.
This seems like it would be great with chocolate powder as well. Which I’ll try next. These came out very crispy and I used my four spot waffle Dash and they came out a perfect four piece. I was wondering if they’d be too thick and heavy because they looked like it at first, and I don’t have a huge appetite. However, they were super light and I was able to eat all of them and get my protein in for the day. Thanks so much for sharing this!!
El says
Tasted great and was crispie but I used pureed cottage cheese. They didn't rise. Any suggestions?
Beth Ann says
Made this with PB2 Peanut Butter protein powder. They turned out great!
ClaireRSH says
These are a win for how quickly they cook! I have made them lots as they are but also have added a tsp of peanut butter, use unflavoured protein powder and flavoured with stevia drops and cinnamon! They’re also crispy unlike most low carb waffles.
Dianna says
I liked them. How many did your recipe make total. I was able to get 4 from my Dash waffle maker. Are all 4 one serving?
Jennifer Banz says
Yep!
Kc says
I followed the recipe to the letter. Vanilla milkshake protein powder that's delicious
These cooked lightning fast, and are terrible. So dry and spongy, my wife and I couldn't make it half way through a waffle (and I'll typically eat anything)
Lydia Amaro says
It worked! The recipe made one full sized Belgium waffle; I added Vanilla Extract and 5 grams of Psyllium Husks. I t was perfect! I used Vanilla Naked Whey concentrate; it is important to spray the waffle maker well and not to overcook it.
Aimee Waite says
This is the best protein powder recipe I have ever made. I made it with Equip Prime Protein Powder and Fage Greek Yogurt 5%. Thank you so much!
Dawn says
These were absolutely amazing! Taste and texture were perfect!
Melanie Miller says
I made these as pancakes. Used 2 eggs, 2 scoops of Trader Joes whey protein powder. Topped with grass fed butter & blueberries. Trying to cut back on sugar
so didn't use maple syrup or any sweetener. I usually have scrambled eggs or a smoothie so a nice change. I estimated around 37 grams of protein.
Amy says
Loved this! Clean ingredients and perfect sweetness and texture! Thanks so much!!
Kelley says
These were delicious! I've tried several protein waffle recipes, and this is by far the best one! I use TrueFit Vanilla Whey protein powder and added a teaspoon of heavy cream since I only had non-fat greek yogurt. I also add blueberries and a tsp. of liquid Allulose to the batter. So good.
Dawn Stockwell says
Great base for protein waffles.Doubled the recipe, I used pumpkin protein powder, added 120 g pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin spice. Made exactly 4 xl cookie scoop full of batter to make 4 Belgium waffles. Also more salt and 1 T maple syrup. Delish!
Joanne says
Love these. So quick and easy. I use chocolate premiere. I love the way they turn out, to me they are not dry.. but I eat mine with sugar free syrup and berries. Yum!
Adrienne says
I was so excited to make these but they tasted terrible! I used Sports research whey protein vanilla flavor, egg whites, vanilla Greek yogurt, baking powder, salt. I sprinkled some cinnamon in the batter. They are a very light airy consistency. I guess you have to use a protein powder that tastes really good. What I use does not taste great. I normally combine frozen berries in my smoothies, this makes my smoothie tolerable.
Marie says
Hahaha, is this for real?!? "Your recipe is terrible" even though I changed every single ingredient and the protein powder I used tastes awful to begin with and you warned me that different protein powder may yield different results. And you still gave her 2 stars when this is the definition of "user error"? Ridiculous!
Jennifer, your recipes are delicious and I thought this was a great quick recipe for some morning protein. 5 stars!
David says
Thank you for providing metric measures! I’ve been going nuts trying to find recipes that don’t measure things in cups ????
As for the recipe itself, I love it! I added a little vanilla extract to go with the vanilla protein powder I used. Made a triple batch as you suggested and I’ve had a bedtime snack, with 2 more helpings stored in the fridge. Will be a great grab & go snack for the office. Once again, thank you! ????
Tracey says
They were quite dry. First time making protein powder anything though.
Emily says
I added I egg and teaspoon. Vanilla. My protein powder was 49 gram and did just use the thee tablespoon hi protein yogurt they were great no butter on them sugar free syrup
Jana says
Looked great and fluffed up well but dry dry dry and did not taste well at all. Edible with butter added after cooking because I don’t want to waste. My protein powder may be the issue since it wasn’t premiere but still very dry
Heather Chambers says
I used plant-based protein powder (Plant Protein DIAAS Complex 1.30) for this recipe and needed to add more liquid (unsweetened almond milk and a bit more greek yoghurt) to get it to pouring consistency. Made approx 8 mini waffles (I lost count). Surprisingly good! I also added 1/2 tsp vanilla.
Angela says
I made this with Ryse Skippy Peanut Butter Flavor. They were fair/good. I could taste the baking powder pretty heavily so that’s why I gave 4 stars.
Tt says
Honestly did not rise like most waffles do. It was also very sticky and yes I made sure to grease the waffle iron. I ended up using the batter to make pancakes instead of ruining more waffles and it worked much better as a pancake mix
Sarah D says
Will definitely try again & tweak the recipe some how. Flavoured protein powder would be great as they were so tasteless. They were more airy than fluffy, like a real lack of substance but with so little ingredients maybe not surprising. I followed the amounts exact and got 5 waffles out my waffle maker! Felt like a nice treat for so few calories and so much protein! Oh and mine cooked in around 60 secs!
Griselda says
Followed recipe, and they were perfect, so yummy