Kimchi-Cheddar Breakfast Waffles with Fried Eggs

Tangy napa kimchi and sharp cheddar bake into crisp savory waffles, topped with fried eggs and a restrained sesame drizzle for a lively vegetarian breakfast.

40 min

4 servings

Golden kimchi and cheddar waffles are topped with fried eggs and served with extra kimchi.

Ingredients

1 cup well-drained napa kimchi, finely chopped, plus extra for serving

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 cup sharp cheddar, coarsely grated

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

2 large eggs

1 3/4 cups buttermilk

5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided

4 large eggs, for frying

2 tbsp neutral oil

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Equipment

Standard waffle iron · Wire rack · Rimmed sheet pan · Large skillet · Two mixing bowls · Whisk

Keep the ridges crisp

Place waffles directly on the rack and leave them uncovered; stacking or covering traps steam and softens the edges.

Balance the finish

Use a light sesame drizzle and let diners add extra kimchi to taste, since both toppings can quickly dominate the cheddar.

Warm and prep

01. Heat the oven to 200 F and place a wire rack over a sheet pan; preheat the waffle iron fully before the batter goes in.

02. Squeeze the kimchi until it stops dripping, chop finely, and blot again so brine does not loosen the batter.

Mix the batter

03. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt evenly in a large bowl.

04. Whisk 2 eggs with buttermilk, then stream in 4 tbsp melted butter while whisking; reserve the rest for the iron.

05. Fold wet into dry just until a few streaks remain, then fold in kimchi, scallions, and cheddar without overmixing.

Cook and hold

06. Brush the iron lightly with reserved butter and cook moderate portions until steam slows, ridges are deeply golden, and cheese is set; keep waffles uncovered on the rack in the warm oven.

Fry and serve

07. Fry the eggs in neutral oil until the whites set and edges crisp; keep yolks at the doneness you prefer.

08. Taste before adding salt because kimchi and cheddar already season the waffles.

09. Top each waffle with a fried egg, keeping the ridges uncovered until plating so steam does not soften them.

10. Drizzle lightly with toasted sesame oil and serve extra kimchi on the side while the ridges are crisp.