Greek Yogurt Protein Waffles (Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside)
If you love waffles but want more staying power, these Greek yogurt protein waffles deliver. They’re crisp at the edges, soft and fluffy in the middle, and packed with protein to keep you full. The batter comes together in minutes, and you don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment beyond a waffle maker.
Top them sweet or savory, freeze extras, and reheat for a quick breakfast any day of the week.
What Makes This Recipe So Good

- High protein without chalky texture: Greek yogurt adds protein and moisture so the waffles stay tender.
- Crispy yet fluffy: A touch of cornstarch and the right heat level create golden, crisp edges with a soft interior.
- Simple pantry ingredients: No complicated mix-ins or special flours required.
- Customizable: Works with vanilla or unflavored protein powder and accepts add-ins like berries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon.
- Great for meal prep: They freeze well and reheat beautifully in a toaster or air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or neutral oil, plus more for the waffle iron
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (optional, for lightly sweet waffles)
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat the waffle iron: Set it to medium-high. A hot iron is key for crisp edges.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, protein powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Make the batter: Add dry ingredients to the wet. Stir gently until just combined.
A few small lumps are fine. Do not overmix.
- Rest the batter: Let it sit 5 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate and the leavening kick in for fluffier waffles.
- Grease the iron: Lightly brush or spray the plates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the waffles: Pour enough batter to cover the waffle grid without overflowing.
Close and cook until deeply golden and crisp, typically 3–5 minutes depending on your iron.
- Hold them crisp: Place finished waffles on a wire rack (not a plate) to keep steam from softening them.
- Serve: Add toppings like fresh berries, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Arrange on a sheet pan to freeze solid, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Reheat: Toast on medium or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want crunch.
Health Benefits
- High-quality protein: Greek yogurt and whey protein support muscle repair, satiety, and steady energy.
- Balanced macros: A mix of protein, complex carbs, and fat helps curb mid-morning cravings.
- Calcium and probiotics: Greek yogurt provides calcium and may contain live cultures for gut health (check the label).
- Customizable nutrition: Adjust sweetness, use whole-grain flour, or add flax/chia for extra fiber.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overmix the batter: It makes waffles tough and dense.
- Don’t skip preheating: A lukewarm iron causes sticking and pale, soggy waffles.
- Don’t rely on the steam alone: Check color; aim for deep golden brown to ensure crispness.
- Don’t stack hot waffles: Trapped steam softens the edges.
Use a wire rack instead.
- Don’t overpack with protein powder: Too much makes waffles dry. Stick to the listed amount.
Variations You Can Try
- Whole-wheat: Swap half the all-purpose flour for white whole-wheat flour for more fiber.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and ensure your protein powder is gluten-free.
- Chocolate: Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder and a few chocolate chips.
- Cinnamon roll: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter and drizzle with a light cream cheese glaze.
- Lemon blueberry: Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (tossed in a little flour).
- Savory: Skip the sugar and vanilla, add chopped chives and a pinch of black pepper, and top with smoked salmon or eggs.
FAQ
Can I use plant-based yogurt?
Yes. Use a thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and a plant-based protein powder.
You may need 1–2 extra tablespoons of milk to match the batter consistency.
Why are my waffles sticking?
The iron may not be hot enough, or it may need a light coat of oil. Also ensure the waffles are fully cooked before opening the iron.
Can I make pancakes with this batter?
Yes. Thin the batter with 1–3 tablespoons of milk and cook on a greased skillet over medium heat until bubbles form and edges set, then flip.
What protein powder works best?
Whey blends work well for tenderness.
If using casein or plant-based powders, start with 2–3 tablespoons and adjust milk to avoid a thick, dry batter.
How do I keep them crispy?
Cook until deep golden, cool on a wire rack, and reheat in a toaster or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Final Thoughts
These Greek yogurt protein waffles are simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy mornings. They hit that ideal texture—crisp outside, fluffy inside—while bringing serious protein to the table. Make a double batch on the weekend, freeze the extras, and breakfast is ready whenever you are.
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a better waffle, fast.

Greek Yogurt Protein Waffles (Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside) - Easy, High-Protein Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or neutral oil, plus more for the waffle iron
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (optional, for lightly sweet waffles)
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Set it to medium-high. A hot iron is key for crisp edges.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, protein powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Make the batter: Add dry ingredients to the wet. Stir gently until just combined.A few small lumps are fine. Do not overmix.
- Rest the batter: Let it sit 5 minutes. This helps the flour hydrate and the leavening kick in for fluffier waffles.
- Grease the iron: Lightly brush or spray the plates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the waffles: Pour enough batter to cover the waffle grid without overflowing.Close and cook until deeply golden and crisp, typically 3–5 minutes depending on your iron.
- Hold them crisp: Place finished waffles on a wire rack (not a plate) to keep steam from softening them.
- Serve: Add toppings like fresh berries, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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