Waffled Grilled Cheese

Waffled grilled cheese is my favorite kitchen party trick. Sure, I could use my waffle maker for normal waffles like a well-adjusted adult, but why stop there when I can press an entire grilled cheese into a crispy, golden, pocket-covered miracle? Enter this waffled prosciutto grilled cheese: It’s a hot sandwich that’s salty, sweet, spicy and melty in all the right ways. Prosciutto crackles and brings lots of salty umami, while the pepper jelly brings a little sweet sass. And the cheese? Ah, the cheese stretch will have the room erupt with oohs and aahs. The hardest part of this recipe isn’t making it—it’s stopping yourself from eating the whole batch of these paninis before anyone else gets a chance to see them.

Ingredients for Waffled Grilled Cheese

• Olive oil: Just a teaspoon of your favorite olive oil brand gives the prosciutto and onions a head start on crisping and caramelizing without adding heaviness to the grilled cheese in a waffle maker.
• Prosciutto: This charcuterie board meat isn’t just for wrapping around melon and pairing with crackers anymore! Separate four thin slices, cut them into strips and fry them up fast for salty-savory crunch in every bite. Prosciutto is like bacon’s fancier cousin who studied abroad and came back with an accent.
• Onion: Onions sliced into thin rounds soften and sweeten as they cook, mellowing out the spice from the pepper jelly. Any type of onion will do, but sweet onions are ideal.
• Butter: Softened salted butter on the bread guarantees maximum crispiness and those irresistible golden waffle marks.
• Honey wheat bread: This bread has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the heat of the jelly. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to handle waffle-maker pressure without collapsing into a sad pancake.
• Pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack is the cheese that keeps things interesting. It tucks itself into every waffle pocket like molten happiness, and it’s melty and gooey with just a touch of spice.
• Pepper jelly: This is the sweet and spicy star of the whole show, delivering equal parts sass and sweetness. It takes the sandwich from “yum” to “whoa” in a single swipe. Make homemade pepper jelly if you’re feeling super ambitious.
• Everything bagel seasoning (optional): A sprinkle of everything seasoning over the top adds crunch, flavor and that deli-style vibe. It’s optional, but honestly, it feels like free flavor confetti—so why not?

Directions

Step 1: Cook the prosciutto

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto strips and cook until crisp, for four to five minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Editor’s Tip: You can swap in bacon if you prefer, but prosciutto crisps faster and has a lighter texture that works well here. Cook it for a shorter time if you prefer a less crisp texture.

Step 2: Soften the onions

In the same skillet, add the onion slices and cook until tender, three to four minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches

Preheat the waffle maker. Butter one side of each bread slice, then flip them over. On half of the slices, spread a thin layer of pepper jelly.

Top each with a slice of cheese, fried prosciutto and onion. Close with another slice of bread, with the butter side facing up.

Step 4: Waffle the sandwiches

Place the sandwiches on the hot waffle maker, close the lid, and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired.

Waffled Grilled Cheese Variations

• Choose another cheese: Try mozzarella instead of pepper jack for a milder but equally gooey melt.
• Swap your veggies: Replace the onions with sliced bell peppers for a slightly sweeter, crunchier bite.
• Pump up the jam: Use apricot jam instead of pepper jelly for a fruitier take.
• Add an egg: For extra indulgence, add a fried egg inside before waffling.

How to Store Waffled Grilled Cheese

Like most grilled cheese sandwiches, this one is best enjoyed hot off the waffle maker. If you do have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days.

How long does a waffled prosciutto grilled cheese last?

If properly wrapped, waffled grilled cheese will last about two days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the bread tends to get soggy and the flavors a bit duller.

Can you reheat a waffled prosciutto grilled cheese?

Yes! Reheat the grilled cheese in the waffle maker for a couple of minutes to restore the crispy crust. You can also use an oven or air fryer. Skip the microwave unless you don’t mind a softer sandwich.

Waffled Grilled Cheese Tips

What’s the best type of bread for waffle-iron grilled cheese?

Sturdy breads, such as honey wheat, sourdough or multigrain, hold up best in a waffle maker. Avoid bread that’s too soft, as it can flatten out too much or even tear.

How do you make sure the cheese doesn’t ooze out of the waffle maker?

When layering your fillings, the trick is to leave about a half-inch border. This way, the cheese melts inward instead of seeping out. An additional slice of cheese on both the bottom and top also helps “seal” the sandwich.

What should you serve with waffled prosciutto grilled cheese?

A waffle-iron grilled cheese was born to be part of the classic “after-school special” with a cup of simple tomato soup, but a side salad or even sweet potato fries would also make great pairs. For a fun twist, serve it with a side of extra pepper jelly or maple syrup for dipping.