These crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside vegan sweet potato waffles are a savory dream. Blended with aromatic herbs like dill and savory spices such as onion and garlic powder, they’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or quick dinner.
Whether you top them with sliced avocado, creamy vegan butter, or your favorite dairy-free cheese, these waffles are an excellent way to add nutrient-rich sweet potatoes to your plant-based routine. No syrup needed — just good vibes, green onions, and that golden crisp.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup sweet potato puree (from 1 medium sweet potato)
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⅔ cup oat milk (or any plant milk)
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon dried dill
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Neutral oil (for greasing waffle iron)
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Green onions and vegan butter (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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Make the Sweet Potato Puree: Peel and chop the sweet potato into chunks. Boil in salted water for 10–15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and blend until smooth. Measure out 1 cup.
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Blend the Batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the sweet potato puree and oat milk. Blend for about 10 seconds until smooth and thinned out.
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Add the flour, baking powder, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dill. Blend again for 20–30 seconds, scraping down sides if needed. Do not overmix.
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Heat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle maker and brush both sides with neutral oil or vegan butter.
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Cook the Waffles: Pour ⅓ to ⅔ cup of batter (depending on your waffle maker size) into the center. Spread gently to just cover the grid.
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Close the lid and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown with deep grill marks.
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Serve: Enjoy warm, topped with sliced green onions, vegan butter, avocado, or tomatoes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 4 waffles
Why Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are the ultimate plant-based ingredient. Not only do they bring a beautiful orange hue to these waffles, but they’re also incredibly nutrient-dense. High in fiber, beta carotene, vitamins A and C, and complex carbohydrates, sweet potatoes provide both flavor and health benefits. They’re naturally sweet, but when paired with savory ingredients like onion powder, garlic, and dill, they transform into something completely unexpected and satisfying.
Using sweet potato puree in the batter helps to achieve a light, fluffy interior while also contributing to a slight crispiness on the outside when cooked properly. It also acts as a binder, eliminating the need for eggs or other animal products.
Savory Spice and Herb Blend
What really sets these waffles apart is the use of savory spices and herbs. A blend of nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper adds deep umami flavor—something that’s often hard to achieve in plant-based meals without overcomplicating things. The nutritional yeast gives a slightly cheesy flavor, which balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.
Dried dill is the hero herb in this recipe. Its unique, fresh flavor brightens up the entire dish and gives the waffles a distinctively savory edge. It’s not an herb typically associated with waffles, but its addition makes this recipe stand out.
The Magic of Vegan Waffles
Making vegan waffles doesn’t have to mean sacrificing texture or flavor. In this recipe, the mixture of flour and baking powder works seamlessly with the sweet potato to create waffles that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. There’s no need for eggs or dairy when plant-based ingredients are used intentionally and creatively.
Oat milk is the plant-based milk of choice here, but it’s flexible. Almond, soy, or cashew milk would all work just as well. The key is making sure the batter isn’t overmixed—doing so can cause the sweet potato to become gummy, leading to dense, chewy waffles rather than light, crispy ones.
Tips for the Perfect Texture
Achieving the perfect waffle texture—crisp outside, tender inside—depends on a few simple techniques. First, don’t overmix the batter. Blend it just enough to combine the ingredients. Over-blending can activate too much gluten in the flour and break down the sweet potato puree, leading to a sticky, dense batter.
Preheating your waffle iron is essential. A properly heated waffle maker ensures that the waffles start crisping up the moment the batter hits the surface. Also, don’t overfill the waffle maker. Too much batter can lead to soggy centers and undercooked spots. Use just enough to cover the surface and reach the edges without overflowing.
Greasing the waffle maker with a neutral oil or vegan butter before each batch helps to prevent sticking and adds a touch of richness to the final product.
Creative Topping Ideas
These savory waffles are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. Keep it simple with a pat of vegan butter and a sprinkle of green onion, or go all out with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even plant-based cream cheese. For a brunch-friendly presentation, serve the waffles with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream.
Feeling adventurous? Try them with crispy tofu or plant-based sausage for a heartier meal. The savory flavor profile of the waffles means they pair well with many different ingredients. You can even draw inspiration from classic dishes like chicken and waffles—try topping them with baked or fried tofu and a drizzle of vegan gravy.
A Base Recipe with Room to Customize
One of the best things about these vegan sweet potato waffles is their adaptability. The base recipe is solid and flavorful, but it also allows room for creativity. You can swap in different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for a different flavor profile. If dill isn’t your favorite, try finely chopped chives or parsley for a more subtle touch.
You can even switch the flour to match dietary needs. Oat flour makes these waffles gluten-free, and whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and a nutty taste. The recipe is also forgiving with the type of plant-based milk used, so use whatever you have on hand.
Not in the mood for savory? You can easily adapt the recipe into a sweet version. Simply omit the savory spices and dill, and add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tablespoon of brown sugar. Serve with vegan butter, maple syrup, and pecans for a completely different waffle experience using the same base.
Perfect for Batch Cooking and Freezing
These waffles aren’t just for the moment—they’re perfect for meal prep, too. Make a double batch and freeze the extras. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply pop them in the toaster or oven to bring back the crispiness.
This makes them a great option for quick weekday breakfasts or weeknight dinners. You’ll always have a nutritious, delicious meal on hand—no need to cook from scratch every time.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
One of the standout benefits of this recipe is its universal appeal. Kids love waffles, and these are a sneaky way to get more vegetables into their meals. The vibrant orange color, crispy texture, and fun toppings make them an easy sell for even the pickiest eaters.
Adults will appreciate the sophisticated flavor from the dill and spices, making this a recipe that’s as welcome at a brunch table as it is at a family dinner. It’s also ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
No Fancy Equipment Needed
Although the recipe mentions using a food processor or blender for ease, you don’t necessarily need high-end kitchen equipment to make these waffles. If you have a potato masher and a good whisk, you can still create a smooth, cohesive batter. Just be sure to mash the sweet potato thoroughly and mix the batter until it’s smooth but not overworked.
The one tool you will need is a waffle maker. Any reliable waffle iron will do the job—just make sure it’s preheated and well-greased. If you’re cooking for a crowd, a double waffle maker can help speed things up.
Conclusion
Savory Vegan Sweet Potato Waffles are a revelation for anyone looking to expand their plant-based meal repertoire. They’re a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can be transformed into something delicious, creative, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these waffles will impress with their balance of texture, flavor, and versatility.
From their crispy golden exterior to the fluffy, savory interior, every bite offers a taste of comfort and innovation. Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, customize them to fit your mood or pantry, and enjoy the delicious results. They’re more than just waffles—they’re a celebration of plant-powered creativity and nourishment.