Cheesy Carrot Waffles
on Jun 27, 2024, Updated Jun 10, 2025
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These Cheesy Carrot Waffles are a savory, veggie-packed twist on a classic—perfect for toddlers and easy enough for busy mornings. Made with shredded carrots, cheese, and pantry staples, they cook up soft on the inside and golden on the outside. Whether you serve them plain, with a dip, or alongside eggs, they’re a fun way to serve up veggies first thing in the day.
This recipe is great for batch-cooking and freezer-stashing, and the waffles hold their shape well for little hands. Great for baby-led weaning, toddler lunches, or quick snacks you can feel good about.
Why Cheesy Carrot Waffles are Great for Toddlers and Families
- Nutritious: These waffles are packed with the goodness of carrots and cheddar cheese. Carrots provide essential vitamins and fiber, while cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium. This combination makes for a balanced, nutrient-rich snack.
- Kid-Friendly: The savory flavor and fun shape of these waffles make them appealing to toddlers. The familiar taste of cheese combined with the mild sweetness of carrots creates a delicious snack that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, these waffles are quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy mornings or afternoons when you need a wholesome snack in a hurry.
- Versatile: These waffles can be served on their own, or you can pair them with dips like hummus or yogurt for added flavor. They’re great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, and they’re easy to pack for on-the-go meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
How to Make Carrot Waffles for Toddlers
- Shred the Carrot: Start by shredding the carrot using a grater. Ensure the shreds are fine enough to blend well with the other ingredients.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Preheat and Grease Waffle Maker: Preheat your mini waffle maker and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Waffles: Spoon the cheesy carrot mixture onto the waffle maker, spreading it out evenly. Close the lid and cook for about 2-2.5 minutes, or until the waffle maker’s light turns off. If the waffle isn’t sticking together, it might need a little more cooking time.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffle and let it cool slightly before serving to your toddler.
Substitutions
Carrots: You can substitute zucchini (squeezed dry) or sweet potato for a different flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar works best, but mozzarella, Colby, or dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives will also work.
Eggs: A flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 Tbsp water) can be used as an egg alternative.
Storing Extra Hidden Veggie Carrot Waffles
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or microwave before serving.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or microwave until warm.
Common Questions
Can I use a food processor to mix everything?
- Yes! A food processor makes quick work of shredding the carrots and mixing the batter. Just be careful not to over-blend—you want a thick, spoonable texture, not a puree.
Can these carrot cheese waffles be frozen?
- Absolutely. Let the waffles cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster, toaster oven, or microwave to bring back the crisp edges.
Is it possible to make mini carrot waffles or pancakes?
- Yes! You can cook the batter in a mini waffle maker or use it as pancake batter on a non-stick skillet.
More Easy Lunch Recipes for Kids
Broccoli Cheese Waffles – A twist on the classic combo, these Broccoli Cheese Waffles are loaded with finely chopped broccoli and melty cheese for a wholesome, kid-friendly meal. They’re soft, flavorful, and freezer-friendly—great for toddlers who love finger foods and for parents who love easy wins.
Veggie Orzo – This toddler-friendly Veggie Orzo is creamy, colorful, and packed with small bits of vegetables in every bite. It’s soft and easy to eat, making it great for babies and toddlers still learning to chew. Whether served warm as a main or chilled as a pasta salad, it’s a great dish to have on hand.
Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – These Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels are made with pastry dough and a cheesy broccoli filling that bakes up golden and soft. Perfectly portioned for toddler hands, they’re great for lunchboxes, snack time, or make-ahead freezer meals. A fun, tasty way to serve up greens!
Creamy Tomato Protein Pasta – This Creamy Tomato Protein Pasta blends cottage cheese into the sauce for a hidden boost of protein and creaminess—no heavy cream needed. It’s flavorful but mild, making it toddler-approved and great for busy nights when you want a quick, nourishing meal.
Broccoli Rice Balls – Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Broccoli Rice Balls combine cooked rice, chopped broccoli, and cheese into easy-to-eat bites. Bake or pan-fry them for a simple finger food that works as a snack, lunchbox addition, or veggie-loaded side dish.
These easy cheesy carrot waffles are my kids’ favorites! I hope you love this healthy lunch recipe as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!
Cheesy Carrot Waffles
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Start by shredding the carrot using a grater. Ensure the shreds are fine enough to blend well with the other ingredients.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded carrot, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Preheat your mini waffle maker and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Spoon the cheesy carrot mixture onto the waffle maker, spreading it out evenly. Close the lid and cook for about 2-2.5 minutes, or until the waffle maker’s light turns off. If the waffle isn't sticking together, it might need a little more cooking time.
- Carefully remove the waffle and let it cool slightly before serving to your toddler.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This sounds great, gonna try it tomorrow! How many waffles does the recipe make?
2!
So easy and yummy! I bought pre-shredded carrots and mixed everything in a food processor. Turned out great.
Love these!
Cn they be frozen?
My little one didn’t hesitate to eat this at all, and kept asking for more! I don’t have a waffle maker so I made these into pancakes.
Love this recipe! Just wondering, can they be frozen? Thanks!
Yes they can for up to 3 months!
Thanks! I can’t wait to try this with our little guy.
Made these tonight- my 9 month old loved them!! It takes a lot of ingredients (and a lot of shredding) to make just a few, but all in all pretty easy and I’ll definitely make again. I doubles the recipe and ended up with 5. Hoping they freeze well so I can keep them on hand!