Let’s face it. After binge-watching Stranger Things, you were probably faced with a mirage of emotions; among them, most likely emptiness as a result of being finally done with the series, as well as dread as a result of having to face all the responsibilities you’ve been avoiding (binging is a hardcore commitment, after all).
Among such emotions, perhaps an overwhelming amount of nostalgia for not only your childhood, but also all those “only 80s and 90s kids will know” foods. Specifically, the Eggo Waffles you used to pop in the microwave every morning before turning on the TV and flipping through the channels until landing on Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon.
Back then, life was easy and the only thing you were worried about was whether or not there’d be any chocolate chip Eggos left in the freezer (and if you’d be forced to resort to *gasp* plain). Now that Stranger Things has made your childhood relevant again, it’s time to bring your love for Eggos out of the shadows. With the help of these simple recipes, you can once again indulge in your favorite toaster-cooked waffles, now with a few fun spins.
1. Cookies n’ Cream Eggo Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
You can’t go wrong with the classic waffle ice cream sandwich. If you prefer your sandwiches cold, try toasting and cooling your waffles beforehand, sandwiching your ice cream in between, and storing in the freezer. If you’re like me, you might be in interested in adding in the ice cream immediately after toasting so it gets a little melty.
2. Eggo Waffle, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Scramble
If you’re a strong believer in waffles being strictly a breakfast food, try out this scramble recipe. After toasting your waffles, cut them up into cubes and throw them into a skillet with some scrambled eggs and cheese.
3. Churro Eggo Waffle Strips
After thawing your waffles, cut them into strips and pan fry them in a bit of butter. Coat the strips with as much cinnamon and sugar as you’d like. Enjoy (and even try dipping in warm coffee for a nice afternoon snack).
4. Mini Cinnamon Apple Pies With Eggo Waffle Crust
Take your toasted Eggos and fit one into each section of a cupcake baking pan. Fit another cupcake pan on top of this one so the waffles are molded into the cupcake indents, then bake. Cool the waffles (and be sure to leave the second pan on top). Fill your Eggo cups with warm applesauce, chopped nuts, sliced apples, and a bit of cinnamon.
5. Eggo Waffle Berry Parfait
Toast your waffles until they are a little on the crispy side. Take a cup and fill with layers alternating between yogurt (I personally prefer Greek) and berries with cut-up cubes of Eggo. It might be a good idea to eat this one immediately after assembly unless you enjoy your waffles soggy.
6. Chocolate Covered Eggo Waffles On a Stick
Toast your waffles and allow them to cool. Dip in melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white, whatever your heart desires). Top with chopped almonds or sprinkles. Store in the fridge and serve lukewarm or cold.
7. Nutella & Banana Eggo Waffle Paninis
Yet another Eggo classic. Toast waffles, then allow them to cool. Butter one side of each and sandwich a healthy amount of Nutella and sliced bananas between the sides without butter. Pan fry. Slice down the middle and serve warm.
8. S’mores Eggo Waffle Bites
Cook Eggos to your desired toastiness. Cut into small squares, then use these squares to make mini s’mores sandwich bites with a bit of Hershey’s chocolate and marshmallows in between. If you want to really take this recipe to the next level, try throwing these bad boys on a pan and baking them until the marshmallows turn golden.
9. Strawberry Shortcake Eggo Waffle Tower
Toast a few Eggos, and while they’re still warm, build a tower constructed with Cool Whip and sliced strawberries. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Devour.
10. Eggo Waffle PB & J’s
Toast two Eggos, spread peanut butter and jelly on each side, and sandwich together. Simple.
11. Birthday Cake Eggo Waffle Snack Mix
Cut your Eggos into cubes after toasting and cooling them off. Bake in the oven until crispy. Drizzle with melted icing and sprinkles. Allow the icing to harden and serve at room temp.
Season 2 might be far away, but it’s never too early to make preparations for a viewing party. When Summer 2017 rolls around, wow your compadres with these recipes and remind them how awesome Eggos can be. In the meantime, re-watch season 1 episodes, eat Eggo waffles, and keep your curiosity door open.