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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 entirebook 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!
Autumn @wholefoodfor7
A fun EASY breakfast that is quick and delicious!
5 from 18 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 328 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 cups store-bought frozen* shredded hash browns or frozen riced cauliflower (or a mixture of both) *NOT thawed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil
- 1/4 cup tapioca or arrowroot flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional toppings: salsa, dairy-free sour cream, bacon, green onion, ketchup or sauce of choice
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
NOTES: Don't have a waffle iron? These can also be made into fritters. Combine the ingredients as directed below. In a medium saucepan, heat 1/4 inch coconut or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, scoop 1/4 cup of mixture per fritter into pan. Flatten each fritter as it cooks in the pan so they crisp nicely and cook through. Cook until golden brown, or 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes more.
Nutrition information is for using hash browns, not frozen cauliflower.
Nutrition
Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 670mgPotassium: 505mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 203IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword breakfast, budget-friendly, dairy-free, easy, gluten-free, keto, kid-friendly, nut-free, paleo, whole30
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Genessa Toddon March 12, 2024 at 4:20 pm
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 themselvesReply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon June 15, 2024 at 2:48 pm
I love that you are using them for ALL the things – YUM! Agreed, delicious and versatile. Thank you so much for the review!
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Cauley Kimon February 25, 2024 at 8:38 am
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!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon March 11, 2024 at 12:16 pm
HOORAY! I’m so glad these were an easy win that your family enjoyed. Thank you for the review!
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Sunny Bradyon February 2, 2024 at 6:31 pm
These are such a genius idea! I love making them and using them as a burger bun!Reply
Sunny Bradyon February 2, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Absolutely genius! I love to make these and use them as a hamburger bun!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon February 9, 2024 at 3:35 pm
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!
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Carolineon February 23, 2024 at 1:53 pm
Love these as a base for so many sauces and toppings. Also love to make them extra savory by adding grated onion.Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon March 6, 2024 at 9:47 am
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!
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Vanessaon January 19, 2024 at 5:14 pm
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!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon January 30, 2024 at 2:51 pm
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 🙂
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Danielle Youngon January 15, 2024 at 9:45 am
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!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon January 30, 2024 at 2:47 pm
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
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Amberon January 10, 2024 at 12:34 pm
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!!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon January 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm
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!
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Reedon January 10, 2024 at 10:48 am
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!Reply
Reedon January 10, 2024 at 10:47 am
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.Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon January 29, 2024 at 12:57 pm
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!
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Robyn Mattsonon January 8, 2024 at 6:26 pm
Love these topped with avocado and sausage. I make a big batch and freeze for easy quick breakfasts.Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon January 20, 2024 at 1:13 pm
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!
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Maryon September 20, 2023 at 3:30 am
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!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon November 17, 2023 at 4:22 pm
WOOT WOOT that these are enjoyed by your family! I love it. And I agree – so many possibilities with this one. Thank you!
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Terrion September 14, 2023 at 9:08 am
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 platesMaybe I’m missing a step?
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Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon November 17, 2023 at 4:23 pm
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!
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Laura Naseon January 18, 2024 at 5:23 am
Do you know if almond flour would work instead?
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Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon January 19, 2024 at 2:06 pm
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!
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Justineon August 6, 2023 at 7:25 am
These were delicious and so quick to make. My toddler loved them too!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon August 10, 2023 at 1:38 pm
I’m so happy you found them easy and delicious! And WAHOO – toddler wins are the best!
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Ehrenon May 9, 2023 at 9:24 am
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.Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon May 10, 2023 at 7:14 am
So glad you enjoy them! I also love them half and half with cauliflower and hash browns. Thanks for the review!
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Taryn Carron April 20, 2023 at 12:40 pm
If I can’t find compatible hash browns, could I just shred regular potato or sweet potato?
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Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon May 6, 2023 at 9:32 am
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!
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Lisaon June 21, 2023 at 1:27 pm
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 yummyReply
Nicoleon February 19, 2023 at 9:51 am
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.Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon February 28, 2023 at 9:03 pm
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!
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Katie Aeschlimanon March 10, 2023 at 7:23 am
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!Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon March 12, 2023 at 11:53 am
So thrilled to hear these have been enjoyed on the regular in your family! Thank you!
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Eileenon January 31, 2023 at 12:51 pm
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.Reply
Autumn.michaelis@gmail.comon February 11, 2023 at 10:14 pm
WOOT WOOT! I’m so happy you loved these and that avocado cream sauce sounds delicious. Thank you for the love and review!
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