Waffle tacos are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, blending the soft, fluffy texture of waffles with the rich, bold flavors of taco fillings. Whether you’re craving a breakfast treat, a savory dinner, or a dessert twist, waffle tacos offer endless possibilities.
In this guide, we’ll explore waffle taco recipes, creative fillings, and how to make them at home. From Taco Bell’s legendary waffle tacos to homemade ice cream waffle tacos, this article has something for everyone.
What is a Waffle?
A waffle is a batter-based dish cooked in a specialized waffle iron to create a grid-like texture. Known for their golden crust and soft interior, waffles can be sweet or savory, making them versatile for creating waffle tacos.
What Are Waffle Tacos?
Waffle tacos use a waffle as the taco shell, folded or shaped to hold various fillings. Popular variations include:
- Breakfast Waffle Tacos: Filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Savory Waffle Tacos: Incorporating chicken, vegetables, or taco-seasoned ground beef.
- Ice Cream Waffle Tacos: A dessert version filled with scoops of ice cream and drizzled with chocolate.
Waffle Tacos: Taco Bell’s Innovation
Taco Bell introduced the waffle taco in 2014 as part of its breakfast menu. It featured a folded waffle stuffed with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese, served with syrup. Despite its popularity, the waffle taco was discontinued in 2015 to make way for new menu items.
Homemade Waffle Tacos Recipe
Making waffle tacos at home is simple and allows you to customize flavors.
Ingredients for Waffle Shells:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Make the Waffle Batter: Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine and mix until smooth.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle maker or a waffle taco machine. Pour a small amount of batter to create thin waffles. Cook until golden brown.
- Shape the Shells: While hot, fold the waffles into a taco shape and let them cool slightly to hold their form.
Breakfast Waffle Tacos
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 4 waffle taco shells
- 4 large eggs (scrambled)
- 4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled) or 4 sausage links (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup maple syrup or salsa (optional)
Preparation:
- Fill each waffle taco shell with scrambled eggs.
- Add crumbled bacon or sliced sausage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or salsa, if desired, and serve warm.
These make a perfect addition to a waffle brunch board, combining classic breakfast elements with a fun twist.
Chicken and Waffle Tacos
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 4 waffle taco shells
- 4 pieces of fried chicken tenders
- 1 cup coleslaw
- ¼ cup spicy mayo or honey mustard
Preparation:
- Place one chicken tender in each waffle shell.
- Top with 2–3 tablespoons of coleslaw.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo or honey mustard and serve immediately.
Craving more savory waffle recipes? Try our waffle chicken sandwich for a bold, handheld meal.
Ice Cream Waffle Tacos
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 4 waffle taco shells
- 4 scoops of ice cream (1 scoop per shell)
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup
- 2 tbsp sprinkles or crushed nuts
Preparation:
- Place one scoop of ice cream in each waffle shell.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup.
- Add sprinkles or crushed nuts for a crunchy texture and serve immediately.
If you love dessert waffles, don’t miss our waffle ice cream sandwich recipe—another cool and creamy treat to enjoy.
Savory Waffle Tacos: A Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 4 waffle taco shells
- 1 cup seasoned ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup sour cream or guacamole
Preparation:
- Fill each waffle shell with ¼ cup of seasoned ground meat.
- Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
For another savory spin, check out our waffle burger—a hearty alternative packed with juicy flavor. For a vegetarian-friendly version, try our falafel waffle—a fusion of Middle Eastern flavors and waffle creativity.
What is Breakfast Tacos?
Breakfast tacos are a classic Tex-Mex dish made with tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats. Waffle tacos put a unique spin on this idea by using waffles as the taco shell.
What is a Choco Taco Made Of?
A Choco Taco is a dessert taco made with a waffle cone shell, filled with vanilla ice cream, and coated in chocolate and nuts. Ice cream waffle tacos draw inspiration from this concept.
Like a Choco Taco, a waffle cone offers a crunchy shell that pairs perfectly with ice cream and toppings.
Recommended Tools For Waffle Tacos:
Fun Food Friends Mini Waffle Maker – 7 Different Kawaii Style Design Pan (Check Price on Amazon)
Nostalgia Taco Tuesday Electric (Check Price on Amazon)
Chicago Metallic Professional 6-Shell Baked Taco Rack (Check Price on Amazon)
Taco Holder Set of 4 Packs Stainless Steel (Check Price on Amazon)
Mystic Sprinkles Easter Sprinkle Mixes (Bunny’s) (Check Price on Amazon)
Short on counter space? Here’s our pick for the best waffle maker for small kitchens to make waffle tacos with ease.
FAQs
- When was the waffle taco discontinued?
Taco Bell discontinued the waffle taco in 2015 to introduce new menu items. - How do you make waffle tacos at home?
Cook thin waffles in a waffle maker, fold them into taco shapes, and fill with your favorite ingredients. - What are some ideas for waffle taco fillings?
Breakfast fillings like eggs and bacon, savory options like fried chicken, or dessert fillings like ice cream and chocolate syrup. - Can I use frozen waffles for waffle tacos?
Yes, heat frozen waffles, fold them while warm, and use them as taco shells. - What is the difference between breakfast tacos and waffle tacos?
Breakfast tacos use tortillas, while waffle tacos use waffles as the shell for a creative twist.
Conclusion
Waffle tacos are a fun and versatile way to enjoy classic flavors with a creative twist. From savory chicken waffle tacos to sweet ice cream waffle tacos, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re recreating Taco Bell’s iconic version or experimenting with your own fillings, waffle tacos are sure to impress at any meal. If you are hosting a party, set up a fun waffle bar with toppings and fillings so guests can build their own waffle tacos.
