BBQ PULLED PORK & "CORNBREAD" WAFFLES

Savory waffle sandwiches are taking over the breakfast scene! Ditch the sweet toppings and take your morning meal to the next level with the ultimate flavor combo: tender pulled pork, sweet tangy barbecue sauce and crispy “cornbread” waffles. With protein-packed pork, a quick homemade spice waffle batter and simple veggies, you have an easy meal that will leave you satisfied all morning long. Read on for the step-by-step guide to assembling these mouthwatering smoked meat sandwiches at home.

Perfectly Pulled Pork

Tender, smoky pulled pork is the star of the show here. For convenience, start with a store-bought pork shoulder roast. Look for one on sale! For best flavor, coat lightly with barbecue dry rub before cooking low and slow until fall-apart tender.

For weeknight ease, you can also poach boneless pork shoulder chops in seasoned broth until shreddable. Either way, pulling the pork by hand makes for delicious stringy texture.

Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce - sweet and tangy mixes nicely with savory pork. Use as filling for waffles or serve extra on the side for dipping.

Rotisserie Works Too

No time to smoke a shoulder? Rotisserie pork makes an easy shortcut. Shred, moisten with sauce and go!

Spice Up Waffle Batter

To complement the barbecue pork, savory “cornbread” waffles make the perfect bookends. The key is adding cornmeal and warm, Tex-Mex style spices to the batter.

Start with a classic waffle base of flour, milk, eggs and leavening. Then stir in at least 1⁄2 cup cornmeal - fine ground for tender texture.

Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. The sweet corn and kick of heat balance the rich pork beautifully.

Bake Some Off

Make extra seasoned waffles and crisp them up in the oven into waffle “croutons” for salad or soups.

Veggie Add-Ins

For crunch, texture and added nutrition, turn your savory waffle sandwich into a quick “taco” salad by layering on fresh veggies. Thinly sliced peppers, onion, jalapeno, tomato and lettuce all work great.

The freshness and acidity help cut through the richness of pork and sweet barbecue sauce. Celery, radish, cucumber or broccoli slaw would also be delicious options.

Don’t forget the salsa and sour cream for drizzling over the top!

Creamy Cheese

To make these hand-held sandwiches truly decadent, a schmear of creamy cheese takes them over the top. Soft cheeses that melt easily make great choices here.

Try spreadable options like fresh goat cheese, havarti, brie, herbed cream cheese or queso. Drizzle sandwiches with cheese sauce for next-level cheesy richness.

The creaminess pairs perfectly with the tender pork, crispy waffle and zippy veggies.

Crumbled Queso Fresco

For a lighter touch, go for crumbled queso fresco or feta. The briny bites add pops of flavor.

Put It All Together

When it’s time for assembly, start with a base waffle. Top with cheese spread or sauce, then pile on shredded barbecue pork. Add any veggies and finish up with another waffle on top.

Press down lightly to compact the fillings. Slice sandwiches in half or quarters to serve. Pass any extra pork or sauce for dipping.

For open-faced plates, top waffle base with pork, veggies and sauce. Dig in with a knife and fork!

Conclusion

Sweet breakfast sandwiches got an upgrade! Ditch the syrup and jam to enjoy next-level flavor combinations like tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, cheesy queso and cornbread spiced waffles. Easy to customize with your favorite fillings, these handheld morning meals take breakfast from boring to extraordinary. So wake up your tastebuds and start the day with satisfaction guaranteed from first bite to last.

FAQs

1. What type of bread makes the best waffles?

Look for a bread with a soft, sturdy center crumb like challah or brioche. Avoid dense bread.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Shredded rotisserie chicken would work great too in place of pulled pork.

3. How do I reheat leftover waffles?

Re-crisp cooled waffles in a toaster, oven or pan with butter.

4. What other meats work in savory waffles?

Try shredded beef, turkey, ham or sausage. Chili or meatballs would also be delicious!

5. Can I make sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, assemble completely then wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 5 days.