These Whole30 Hash Brown or Cauliflower Waffles are a savory gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free twist on a waffle that is easy and fast. These are a great simple go-to for a busy morning or breakfast for dinner and I love that I can sneak in some frozen veggies.
I prefer to make these for my family with half hash browns and half cauliflower in the batter because my boys don’t mind the cauliflower that way. If it’s just going to be me and my hubby enjoying them, we love them with only cauliflower (no hash browns) for a delicious, nutrient-dense way to start the day. I love that they are freezer-friendly so we double batch and freeze to eat throughout the week.
Plus, these are budget-friendly! Using ingredients I purchased at my local NorCal Walmart, it cost me $2.82 per batch, or $0.70 per serving to make these. Check out my cookbook for an entire book of recipes that are easy, budget- and family friendly!
Where can I find Whole30 compatible hash browns?
I often get the question of what frozen hash browns are Whole30 compatible. I love the Cascadian Farm brand I can find on the West Coast, as the ingredients are just potatoes. This Alexia brand is also compatible. I heard there is a compatible Sprouts brand. However, I don’t have a Sprouts near me so I can’t personally confirm. Drop a comment below if you find other brands that are compatible and where you found them!
Are these actually allowed on Whole30?
Whole30 has what’s call the Pancake Rule, meaning no baked good recreations like pancakes, muffins, or tortillas on a Whole30 with compatible ingredients. So how are cooking these waffles allowed? These are not sweet waffle recreations that you would want to put syrup on. They are basically a veggie fritter cooked in a waffle iron instead of a pan. If you find them in a waffle shape triggering, cook them in a pan instead.
But, I took this recipe all the way to the top, Whole30 co-creator Melissa Urban. She approved to mark these Whole30 Hash Brown or Cauliflower Waffles compatible in my cookbook – so, yes, it is compatible!
What waffle iron do you use?
I have two I love – both a large double sided Belgian waffle iron that helps me keep up with feeding a large family of 7 and a small mini Dash waffle iron that I adore and plan on sending all my kids to college with one. The Dash mini waffle iron makes the perfect size to create these into a “bun” of sorts which I have used for Whole30 Sloppy Joes or even a Whole30 burger “bun.”
This Whole30 Hash Brown or Cauliflower Waffles recipe is a sample from my cookbook Whole Food for Your Family, which has 100+ budget- and family-friendly recipes. You can learn more or grab a copy of my cookbook HERE!
Whole30 Hash Brown or Cauliflower Waffles
Ingredients
- 3 cups store-bought frozen shredded hash browns *NOT thawed; or frozen riced cauliflower (or a mixture of both)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/4 cup arrowroot or potato starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat a nonstick waffle iron.
- In a medium bowl, combine the hash browns, cauliflower or a mixture of both. Add the eggs, oil flour, garlic salt, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Fill the preheated waffle iron with the batter; the exact amount will vary based on the size of your waffle iron. Keep in mind that this batter doesn't rise or spread like regular waffle batter does, so you will probably need more batter than normal. In my 7-inch Belgian waffle iron, I use 1 1/2 packed cups. If your batter is cauliflower only, really pack the cup so your waffles hold together. If your waffles are sticking, spray your waffle iron with cooking spray before making the next batch.
- Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is crispy or your waffle iron indicates they are done. Timing will vary by iron.
- Top with toppings of choice and enjoy!
- TO FREEZE: Leftover waffles can be frozen in a single layer then stored in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the frozen waffles in a waffle iron, microwave, oven or air fryer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
My son can’t have eggs. I am wondering if I can make these w/flax egg instead. Thoughts?
Hmmm….great question! I want it to work for you, I know how tricky egg allergies are. But I haven’t tried and haven’t used flax eggs often, so I really can’t weigh in. If anyone tries it, let us know how it goes!
I admit, I was a bit skeptical of this but it turned out great & was really good! I used almost 1/4 cup for my little waffle iron.
So glad you gave it a try — I love when a “skeptical” recipe turns into a win! Using a smaller scoop for your waffle iron is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing and for the review!
Would this work with almond or coconut flour?
No, almond or coconut don’t behave the same. It would have to be something powdery and helps the batter stick like tapioca, arrowroot, or potato starch. You could also probably use cassva or gluten-free 1:1 flour, but I haven’t tested it. You can learn more about the properties of the different Paleo flours and why they aren’t all interchangeable here: https://wholefoodfor7.com/paleo-pantry-101-flours/
This recipe is amazing. It’s super simple, delicious and budget friendly. I love making these with 1.5 cup riced cauliflower and 1.5 cup riced broccoli (just rice the stem in your food processor and viola!). No food waste here and they turn out fabulous every time. We eat them topped with shredded meat, barbeque sauce, ranch, and green onions. My husband likes a leftover waffle for breakfast, and he swears that these are better than regular waffles.
Wow, what an awesome review — thank you! I love your riced cauliflower + broccoli tip, that’s such a smart way to reduce food waste. And I’m so glad to hear your husband enjoys them even more than regular waffles — that’s the best compliment! Thanks for the review : )
These are THE BEST! They crisp right back up in the toaster or air fryer. I will top them all sorts of ways for a quick breakfast. I’m so grateful to have learned about these all those years ago!
So happy you’ve been enjoying these for so long! Love that you crisp them back up in the toaster or air fryer — such a great tip. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
We love these both ways!! Perfect for the busy school mornings!! And so many different ways to customize toppings or sauces for dipping!
WOOT that these are ones you love and find so versatile! Thank you so much for the review!
These are incredibly good! We have used them as bun for breakfast sandwiches and as the “bread” for avocado toast with a runny egg or hard boiled egg on top but honestly, they’re good by themselves
I love that you are using them for ALL the things – YUM! Agreed, delicious and versatile. Thank you so much for the review!
We made these for breakfast this morning and everyone loved them! They were quick and easy too, which is always a plus! We’ve loved all the recipes we’ve tried from you!
HOORAY! I’m so glad these were an easy win that your family enjoyed. Thank you for the review!
These are such a genius idea! I love making them and using them as a burger bun!
Absolutely genius! I love to make these and use them as a hamburger bun!
I’m so glad you love and are using this recipe! And agreed, so versatile and great as a bun. Thank you for the review!
Love these as a base for so many sauces and toppings. Also love to make them extra savory by adding grated onion.
I’m so glad you loved these! I agree, they are so versatile. And thanks for sharing that add-in you’ve enjoyed with grated onion. Thanks for the review!
I love potato everything on whole30. These have been a great addition and so easy to make. The recipe gets me 2 Belgian style waffles and I can freeze them in smaller portions. I’m thinking about what else I can mix in them to make them savory. Maybe even chicken and waffles!
I’m so happy this potato recipe hits home for you! Thrilled you found them simple and ones you want to make again in all varieties. Let me know if you find anything super fun! Thanks for the review 🙂
I just had these with leftover Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken (drizzled a little hot honey on top) and WOW it was sooo good!!!
Oh my gosh, that combination sounds AMAZING. Thanks for the review and the fantastic flavor combination idea. YUM!
Another staple in my house. I often eat these plain because, well, they are THAT good. I usually use just the hash browns when I make them. You can have with sour cream if that’s your thing, even hot sauce is delish, or you can divide it up and make mini slider type sandwiches if you want. So good and so easy! Another easy one to make extra and freeze, too!
So many options! Gotta love a recipe that is versatile. I’m so happy these are a household staple – I love that! Thank you for the review! <3
I love these! They are a weekly meal prep staple. Good with cauliflower rice, good with hash browns and so versatile! If you haven’t made these, do yourself a favor and go whip them up!!
I agree – we love these on the regular! I love that we can make them with cauliflower, hash browns, or both! So happy to hear they are a staple. Thank you!
These have been a game changer during my rounds of Whole30 – and really anytime I need a delicious, healthy waffle! I have these on repeat and frequently make an extra few to keep in the fridge for quick work of breakfast meal prep!
These have been a game changer during my rounds of Whole30 – and really anytime I need a delicious, healthy waffle! I have these on repeat and frequently make an extra few to keep in the fridge for quick work of breakfast meal prep.
I love a potato compliment from someone like you who L-O-V-E-S potatoes! I’m so glad they are ones you want on the regular and have worked into your recipe rotation. I’m honored! Thanks so much Reed!
Love these topped with avocado and sausage. I make a big batch and freeze for easy quick breakfasts.
I love that these are ones you want to double batch and stock up on! So great they freeze wonderfully for grab and go breakfasts. Thanks for the review!
Absolutely love these during a Whole 30 and after! Family favorite as well 🙂 They are a blank canvas… you can top them with so many things, I’ve even thrown in different flavors right into the batter. Thank you!
WOOT WOOT that these are enjoyed by your family! I love it. And I agree – so many possibilities with this one. Thank you!
Are the hasbrowns supposed to be thawed? Mine left liquid all over the sides and even with
Cooking spray it’s sticking to the waffle plates
Maybe I’m missing a step?
Great question. NO, the hashbrowns should still be frozen. I do that to keep them from being too liquidy and because it just saves time. Hope that helps!
Do you know if almond flour would work instead?
Great question. I haven’t tried it, so I can’t say for sure. I don’t think so, as it has a very different consistency. I think you would need to substuitute another flour of a similar texture like tapioca, arrowroot, potato, or a 1:1 gluten-free flour. But if you try it with the almond flour, let me know!
These were delicious and so quick to make. My toddler loved them too!
I’m so happy you found them easy and delicious! And WAHOO – toddler wins are the best!
These are so delicious! I’ve only made them with half cauliflower and half hash browns, but they are great. I like them for a quick whole30 sandwich, topped with scramled eggs and even good for burgers.
So glad you enjoy them! I also love them half and half with cauliflower and hash browns. Thanks for the review!
If I can’t find compatible hash browns, could I just shred regular potato or sweet potato?
Possibly, but I haven’t tried it. They would have to have the moisture really squeezed out of them though to make sure the result is still crispy. Let us know if you try it!
So..I absolutely agree with everyone. I did try fresh shredded potatoes and sweet potatoes…after I shredded them I actually put them in the oven to dry a bit…then followed the rest of the recipe… they required a bit more time on the waffle iron but really yummy
Made these today using Trader Joe’s frozen hash browns. I didn’t have garlic salt so I added 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the mix and they came out amazing. Definitely adding these to permanent rotation in my house.
So happy you loved them! And thank you for letting me know that swap worked well for you with the garlic salt. WOOT WOOT that they are going on the permanent rotation!
These waffles are delicious and easy to make. I am a big fan of making extra food and freezing for later. These reheat well in the toaster. I have made these several times with great results every time. Autumn’s recipes are consistently delicious and are loved by my entire family!
So thrilled to hear these have been enjoyed on the regular in your family! Thank you!
These are the bomb! I am in love. I did the mix of both. I am not a fan of reheating in the microwave, lost the nice crispiness, I would recommend oven, waffle iron or air fryer. I topped mine with a avocado cream sauce (using a little coconut cream with a small avocado). Thank you Autumn, I love your cookbook.
WOOT WOOT! I’m so happy you loved these and that avocado cream sauce sounds delicious. Thank you for the love and review!