Mashed Potato, Cheese & Chive Waffles

When I saw this recipe at Joy the Baker, it reminded me lot of Llampingachos, which I love, but made in a waffle iron. These are a bit easier since you don't have to shape them into patties with cheese in the middle. We had Oaxaca cheese, so I used that and I also used green onion instead of chives. Next time I'll cook them just a little longer for a crisper waffle. We loved them the day I made them and the next day, and I wished I had made more so we could keep eating them.

Mashed Potato, Cheese and Chive Waffles

4 T. unsalted butter
1/4 c. buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 c. mashed potatoes
3 T. chopped chives
1/2 c. all­purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. fresh ground black pepper
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 c. grated cheddar cheese

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-­low heat. As the butter melts it will begin to crackle and pop. Continue to cook the butter until the crackling subsides and the butter begins to brown a bit. The butter will smell nutty. Immediately transfer the browned butter into a medium bowl. Whisk in buttermilk and eggs until thoroughly combined. Add the mashed potatoes and 2 tablespoons chives and gently stir to combine.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spoon to mix until all of the flour is thoroughly combined. Try not to overmix the batter. Just stir it until the flour is combined.

Heat a waffle iron and grease if necessary.

Dollop batter (about 1/4 cup per waffle) into the waffle iron. Cook until golden on each side. The amount of time depends on your waffle iron. Remove waffles from the iron and place on a cooling rack to rest. The cooling rack will keep the waffles from getting soggy on the bottom as they cool.

Just before serving the waffles, turn oven to the broiler setting. Place waffles on a baking sheet and top with cheddar cheese. Place waffles under the broiler until cheese is melted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with remaining chives and serve warm.