Cheese Mochi Waffles (GF) (15-20 Min)

You'll only need a few simple ingredients for this easy recipe for chewy mochi waffles:

• glutinous rice flour: You can also use sticky rice flour, mochiko flour (もち粉) or Japanese sweet rice flour. If on a budget, use Thai glutinous rice flour. It's available in the Asian markets and is cheaper.) These flours give the waffle and many other Asian mochi-like desserts, such as mochi muffins and mochi bread and Cheese Mochi Bread (similar to Brazilian Cheese Bread (pão de queijo)) its soft and chewy texture.) Do not use regular rice flour, bread flour or all-purpose flour! (Gluten-free despite the name.)
• grated parmesan: do not substitute with shredded cheddar or shredded mozarella as it makes the waffles too soft. (I've tried.)
• salt: a little salt can enhance the flavor
• whole milk: use full fat regular milk. I have not yet tested the recipe with dairy-free milks such as almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk.
• neutral vegetable oil: we want something that will complement or not interfere with the taste of the cheese so don't use olive oil!
• large egg: beat well and whisk into the milk
• baking powder and baking soda
• ground black pepper: helps to give the cheese flavor more depth. You can also use chili powder or gochugaru as a substitute.
• non-stick vegetable oil spray: Spray a neutral flavoured oil on your waffle machine- or lightly baste it with melted butter if you have more time- even if it's non-stick. (Makes clean-up faster and extends the life of your waffle machine.)
• Truffle oil: I highly recommend giving your cooked waffles a light spray of truffle oil (or add a few drops of truffle oil on top.) Do not use truffle oil to oil your machine before cooking as heat can destroy the delicate truffle flavor.

Variations

Glutinous rice waffles can be made in multiple flavors, such as:

• pandan mochi waffle: use pandan extract or pandan milk (you can get pandan flavoring from Asian grocery stores.)
• black sesame mochi waffle: use black sesame powder. If confident with waffle making, add some sweet red bean paste as a filling. Delicious with vanilla ice cream on the side!
• chocolate mochi waffle: you'll need vanilla extract and cocoa powder for an easy version (chocolate chips optional) or melted chocolate for a more lux tasting waffle. This is a delicious breakfast recipe to replace your Belgian waffles!
• ube mochi waffle: use ube powder or ube extract. (Another good natural purple coloring is Purple Sweet Potato Powder.)
• matcha mochi waffles: add matcha powder. Green tea powder also works if you want to save money (but note it's not the same as matcha.)
• hojicha waffle: You'll need hojicha powder- click here to see how hojicha differs from matcha. Serve with a Hojicha Latte on the side!

🥡 How to Store

Honestly, mochiko waffles are best eaten hot out of the oven. Once cooled, the texture changes- it is less airy- and it doesn't taste as good.

However, if you make extra, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Reheating

If you're serving at a party, note that leftover waffles don't look as good after reheating. (They're somewhat collapsed- if you want me to include a photo, let me know in the comments.)

You can reheat in your waffle iron, toaster oven or pan-fry.