Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s low-carb, gluten-free, high in protein, quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, freezer-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. The chaffles hold together well, making them ideal for sandwiches of any kind.
Print
Yummy Keto Chaffle Sandwich: A Low-Carb, Crispy, Cheesy Bread Alternative You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy, cheesy, high-protein mac and cheese loaded with juicy honey BBQ chicken—sweet, smoky, comforting, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Honey BBQ Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (or high-protein milk)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil high-protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the honey BBQ chicken: Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Toss with honey BBQ sauce and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Fold cooked pasta and honey BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce.
- Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top and garnish with green onions if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken tossed in honey BBQ sauce for a shortcut.
- Add cottage cheese to the sauce for even more protein.
- Bake with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Chickpea or lentil pasta boosts protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Creates the crispy, cheesy base of the chaffle and helps it firm up like bread.
Egg
Binds the batter and gives structure without adding carbs.
Almond flour (optional)
Adds a slightly bread-like texture and improves crispness.
Salt and black pepper
Season the chaffle batter and enhance flavor.
Garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional)
Adds savory richness and depth to the chaffle “bread.”
Deli turkey, ham, chicken, or bacon
Forms the protein-packed filling for your sandwich.
Cheese slices
Add melty, creamy goodness to the warm chaffle sandwich.
Lettuce, tomato, pickles, or avocado
Provide freshness, crunch, and balance to the rich chaffles.
Low-carb mayo or mustard
Adds moisture and zing to complete the sandwich.
Directions
Begin by heating your mini waffle maker. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, shredded cheese, almond flour (if using), salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Once the waffle maker is hot, lightly grease it and pour half the batter onto the plates. Close and cook until golden and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter to make two chaffles.
Let the chaffles cool slightly to allow them to firm up. Meanwhile, prepare your sandwich fillings: warm deli meats in a skillet if preferred, crisp bacon, or slice fresh vegetables. Assemble the sandwich by stacking meats, cheese, and vegetables between the two chaffles. Add mayo, mustard, or your preferred spread. Serve warm or enjoy at room temperature.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 1–2
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5–7 minutes
Total time: about 12 minutes
Storage/reheating
Chaffles store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster or air fryer to restore crispness. They can also be frozen—place parchment between each chaffle and store in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the toaster. Assemble sandwiches fresh for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Everything Bagel Chaffle Sandwich
Add everything bagel seasoning to the batter and fill with cream cheese and smoked turkey.
Breakfast Chaffle Sandwich
Stuff with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a hearty morning meal.
Avocado Chicken Salad Chaffle
Use chaffles as bread for creamy avocado chicken salad.
Spicy Jalapeño Chaffle
Mix chopped jalapeños into the batter for heat.
Cheddar Ranch Chaffle
Add ranch seasoning and cheddar for a sharp, savory twist.
BLT Chaffle Sandwich
Crisp bacon meets lettuce and tomato between crunchy chaffles.
Pizza Chaffle Melt
Fill with pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara for a pizza-inspired sandwich.
Ham & Swiss Chaffle
A classic combination elevated in a keto-friendly form.
Vegan/Low-Dairy Option
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and an egg substitute.
Turkey Cobb Chaffle
Layer turkey, egg slices, bacon, and blue cheese dressing.
FAQs
What exactly is a chaffle?
A low-carb waffle made from cheese and eggs, used as bread or buns.
Do I need a mini waffle maker?
It works best, but a regular waffle maker can be used for larger chaffles.
Why aren’t my chaffles crispy?
Allow them to cool slightly or toast them after cooking.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and add almond flour for structure.
Can I meal prep chaffles?
Yes, they store and reheat extremely well.
Are chaffles eggy in flavor?
Not with cheese and seasonings—they balance the egg taste.
Can I add fillings inside the waffle?
Yes, sprinkle cheese or bacon inside before closing the waffle maker.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes—chaffles are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make sweet chaffles?
Yes, but omit seasonings and fillings; this recipe focuses on savory.
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely—they love the crisp texture and customizable fillings.
Conclusion
A Yummy Keto Chaffle Sandwich offers the perfect low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional sandwiches. With its crispy, cheesy “bread,” endless filling options, and minimal prep time, it’s a versatile recipe that fits into busy routines and satisfies cravings without breaking your keto goals. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or an easy dinner, this sandwich brings comfort, flavor, and nutrition together in every bite.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share