Mediterranean Low-Carb Grilled Cheese Chaffle
This Mediterranean Low-Carb Grilled Cheese Chaffle takes a classic favorite and gives it a healthy, keto-friendly spin. Instead of bread, these cheesy waffles—or “chaffles”—form a crisp, golden base that’s gluten-free, high in protein, and full of flavor. Layered with melty cheese and juicy tomato slices, this simple recipe delivers the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich with a lighter, Mediterranean flair. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a low-carb snack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
For the Chaffles:
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tbsp almond flour
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
Non-stick cooking spray, for greasing the waffle maker
For the Filling:
2 slices mozzarella, provolone, or your favorite melty cheese
1–2 slices tomato (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the waffle maker:
Turn on your mini or standard waffle maker and lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
Mix the chaffle batter:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, almond flour, baking powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheese until everything is evenly combined.
Cook the chaffles:
Pour half of the mixture into the preheated waffle maker, spreading it out evenly. Close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter to make the second chaffle.
Assemble the sandwich:
Place one chaffle on a pan or sandwich press. Add the cheese slices and tomato on top, then place the second chaffle over it.
Grill to perfection:
Cook over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently until the cheese melts and the outside is crispy.
Serve:
Slice in half, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Tips
Tips for Best Results:
Use a mini waffle maker: It helps the chaffles crisp evenly and gives them the perfect sandwich size.
Let the chaffles cool slightly: Allow them to rest for a minute after cooking—this helps them firm up and stay crispy.
Avoid overmixing: Just combine the batter until smooth; overmixing can make the texture dense.
Don’t overload the waffle maker: Too much batter can spill over and cause soggy edges.
For extra crunch: After assembling the sandwich, grill it in a dry skillet until the outside gets a nice golden crust.
Cheese choice matters: Mozzarella gives a milder flavor, while cheddar or provolone adds a stronger bite—choose based on your taste.
Variations:
Mediterranean twist: Add a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of oregano inside the sandwich.
Spicy version: Mix a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika into the chaffle batter.
Herb upgrade: Add fresh basil or thyme to the filling for a fragrant touch.
Caprese-inspired: Layer sliced tomato, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze between the chaffles.
Garlic butter finish: Brush the outside with melted garlic butter before grilling for a golden, flavorful crust.
Vegan option: Use vegan shredded cheese and an egg substitute like flax eggs or a commercial vegan egg mix.
Add protein: Layer in slices of cooked chicken, turkey, or even smoked salmon for a more filling version.
Q&A
Q: Can I make chaffles ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can cook the chaffles in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or air fryer to bring back their crispiness before assembling your sandwich.
Q: Do I need a waffle maker for this recipe?
A: A waffle maker gives the best texture, but if you don’t have one, you can cook the batter like pancakes in a lightly greased skillet. They’ll still taste great, though they won’t be as crisp.
Q: How can I make the chaffles crispier?
A: Make sure your waffle maker is fully preheated and avoid adding extra liquid. Let the chaffles sit for a minute after cooking—they’ll crisp up as they cool.
Q: Can I freeze chaffles?
A: Definitely. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight bag with parchment between each one. Toast straight from frozen when you’re ready to use them.
Q: What can I serve with these chaffles?
A: They pair nicely with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a small bowl of tomato soup for a Mediterranean-style meal.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 2 servings)
Calories: ~290
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: <1g
Sodium: 480mg
Calcium: 30% DV
Values may vary slightly depending on cheese type and portion size.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Low-Carb Grilled Cheese Chaffle is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy comfort food without the carbs. The chaffles come out golden and crisp, holding in layers of gooey cheese and fresh tomato. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and ideal for anyone looking for a wholesome, gluten-free meal. Whether served with a salad, a soup, or on its own, it delivers that familiar grilled cheese comfort—with a Mediterranean freshness that makes it feel new again.