10 uses for a waffle iron besides making waffles

Because of the unique divots and crests created by the waffle iron, not to mention the intense heat it creates, it's the perfect vessel for crispy, flavorful hash browns. Simply coat the iron with spray and add your favorite hash brown ingredients, then cook until crisp! (You can try this recipe from Joy of Kosher.)

Why not make your whole breakfast with your waffle iron? For delicious eggs that are light and fluffy on the inside but crisp on the outside, whisk some eggs in a bowl, then add milk and your favorite cheese before pouring the mixture in the waffle iron. You won't regret it. (Try this recipe from Weelicious.)

Waffle irons aren't just for breakfast. If you have pizza dough, cheese and marinara, you can have a delicious waffle iron pizza on your table in about an hour. Simply make a pocket with the dough that encloses all your favorite pizza ingredients, and then squish it into your waffle iron and cook until it's golden brown. (A Simple Pantry has a recipe to guide you.)

Why pay for a quesadilla maker when your waffle iron can do the same job but better? The recipe couldn't be easier — cheese, tortillas, and maybe some peppers or cooked meat — but the payoff is amazing. Serve with salsa and sour cream to take advantage of your quesadilla's divots when dipping! (Try this recipe on tablespoon.com.)

In terms of work-to-reward ratio, this might be the most perfect recipe on the list. Just slice some apples into about 1/4'' slices, and then, if you want, coat each side with sugar, cinnamon or other spices. Throw them on your waffle iron for about a minute or until the sugar starts to brown, and enjoy! (Get the recipe at thecupcakeproject.com.)

Panini presses are old hat. The best way to ensure your hot sandwich has a perfectly toasted, crusty exterior is to toast it in your waffle iron. Just be sure to use a sturdy bread and coat your iron with enough oil that the sandwich doesn't stick or fall apart. (Get the full recipe at foodiewithfamily.com.)

Will It Waffle is a great resource for folks looking for inventive ways to use their waffle irons, and while the site features many more complex recipes, this one is comically simple. Instead of popping your frozen fries in the oven, stuff your waffle iron full of them, and they'll be ready in about 10 minutes. The authors topped theirs with a waffled fried egg they cracked right into the iron, and we recommend doing so as well. (Step-by-step instructions can be found at willitwaffle.com.) 

You'll never go back to normal mozzarella sticks again, we promise. Simply snag some low-moisture mozzarella, coat it in some spiced flour, then dunk it in eggs and breadcrumbs. Then all you have to do is throw it in your waffle iron. The edges will crisp up as if you've deep-fried the cheese but without the use of all that fatty oil. But, uh, don't get ahead of yourself. You're still pretty much just eating cheese. (For a helping hand, the full recipe can be found at seriouseats.com.)

You know those weird brownie pans that are shaped like an "S" so you get more brownie edges? Well, you can get an even more dramatic effect with a waffle iron. If you add an extra egg to your brownie batter and then pour the brownie dough into your waffle iron just as you would with waffle batter, you'll be rewarded with a brownie that's all edge. The only thing missing is some ice cream. (The Food Network has a specific recipe if you don't feel like winging it.)

You don't need to deep-fry to get perfect churros. This recipe courtesy of Serious Eats makes for a relatively easy but incredibly satisfying dessert without the need to heat up a gigantic pot of oil. As an added bonus, the nooks and crannies of waffled churros allow for dulce de leche or chocolate sauces to pool, giving you more flavor in every bite. (The full recipe can be found courtesy of the mad geniuses at Serious Eats.)