These spinach bone broth waffles are loaded up with all kinds of healthy fats, fiber, protein and vitamins. This recipe is perfect for baby-led weaning but will also be enjoyed by the adults in the family! They are gluten free, dairy free and absolutely fabulous!
These waffles are sponsored by the awesome folks at Bob's Red Mill!
Did I really add bone broth to these waffles?
I sure did. And for good reason, too... let me fill you in.
From all of the research I have done over the past several months (since our journey with baby-led weaning began), it has become apparent to me how beneficial it is for our little one's to get in plenty of: fiber, healthy fats & adequate protein.
This isn't always easy, and sometimes we need to get a bit creative.
Sophie was very much into the homemade meat purees I was making for the first few months. Now, they are a bit touch and go.
I thought it would be fun to make something more FUN to eat and a bit more palatable but still filled with all of the important nutrients she needs to nourish her brain and body.
I decided to use bone broth in the batter because it giver her an extra protein boost, supports digestive health, and boosts immune function (source.) Sounds like a big win, yeah? ๐
This is officially the first recipe I have published on my site that is meant for babies and toddlers. It's pretty exciting, and it brings me a TON of joy being able to share my creations like this.
I realized pretty soon after creating it for babies and toddlers, that the rest of the family loves it, too.
I decided to rephotograph the waffles about a year later, and boy are they awesome.
They may not SOUND good, but just trust me. You are going to love how jam-packed of nutrients they are! ๐
What can I substitute for the bone broth?
You can instead use a non-dairy milk with a thin consistency. I'm thinking something like:
Unsweetened almond milk
Cashew milk
Coconut milk
I wouldn't use canned coconut milk though because that will completely alter the texture of the waffles, and the batter will turn out too thick.
Do not substitute chicken/beef broth for the bone broth because that will alter the flavor greatly. Bone broth is not as sodium-forward and offers a lighter taste but more nutrient-dense punch than chicken or beef broth.
What about the flaxseed meal? Is it necessary?
Here is the dealio. I absolutely love flaxseed meal, and it is absolutely perfect in these bone broth waffles.
It is a wonderful binder in baked goods, and it brings a ton of fiber to the table.
Whenever Sophie is feeling a little constipated, I make her a homemade pear and flaxseed puree. That *always* does the trick, so I'm a firm (haha) believer in using a little bit of flaxseed here and there (whenever you can!)
Flax seeds also contain a very high amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which is imperative for healthy brain function and proper development.
Oh, and a big bonus- they just so happen to be the cheapest when you compare them to hemp seeds and chia seeds. Let's save a few dollars here if we can, yeah? ๐
Can I use something instead of cassava flour?
You can use regular flour. You can alternatively use almond flour, too. All you need to do is keep an eye on the consistency of the batter.
You want it to be pourable but thick. I would add about ยผ cup of flour at a time if you are substituting and just watch the batter.
I created these spinach & bone broth waffles using cassava flour because I wanted it to be gluten free and nut free. If you are unsure if your little one can tolerate nuts yet, you don't need to worry about it with these waffles.
Another great benefit of using cassava is that it has a very fine texture. You don't need to worry about the batter getting clunky or lumpy.
The flavor is completely neutral, too! A lot of wins here ๐
Well, what are you waiting for? If you are new to baby-led weaning or if you're a seasoned-pro and have a toddler or three, these waffles are perfect for you and your family.
My husband cracks jokes (but seriously) wants to know when the next time I'm making them will be.
I'm not sure who gets to eat more of the bone broth waffles... Tim or Sophie. Sigh.
More paleo waffle & pancake recipes like this:
Coconut Flour Pumpkin Pancakes
Spinach Bone Broth Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups cassava flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
- ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 organic eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ยผ cup ghee or coconut oil, melted
- 3 large handfuls spinach
- 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal see notes
- 1 ยฝ cups bone broth see notes
Instructions
- In a food processor high-speed blender, combine all of the ingredients together on high until smooth and creamy throughout.
- Heat up about 1 tablespoon of extra oil on a waffle griddle, pour in a ladle of batter and cook until down on both sides! Times will vary depending on your waffle iron, just watch them closely.
- You can also make pancakes and cook them a few mins each side. Serve warm or right out of the refrigerator. They make great vessels for nut butter, yogurt, spreads, etc. You can serve them plain though, and they are fabulous!
Dina says
Iโve made these healthy and nutritious waffles many times now! The recipe makes enough for a weeks worth of waffles for me and I just store in the fridge! I use buckwheat flour instead of cassava so the taste is quite different but I enjoy them(especially with a little maple syrup). Thanks for sharing such a creative waffle:)
Monica Stevens Le says
OH, I love that. I need to try with buckwheat flour now... love that taste!
Alyssa says
Made these as pancakes and they are delish! So glad I have a good non-soup recipe now to use up some bone broth. Honestly amazed at the sweetness level with no added sweetener, too!
Monica Stevens Le says
Right? Just from the bananas? They're so wonderful!
Cassady says
Any suggestions for flour swaps? There are so many varieties in my pantry already I canโt bring myself to go out and buy another just to try this recipe.
Monica Stevens Le says
Soooooo you can use regular flour... that's really the only 1:1 sub for cassava. You can try using almond flour as well... just make sure the batter is thick but pourable ๐
Berit says
I made these a while back and loved them, but now Iโm wondering if I could make these into muffins?! What do you think ๐ awesome recipe!
Monica Stevens Le says
Good question. I truly have NO IDEA. Can you update me? ๐
Kathy Gold says
The are delicious and they freeze and reheat perfect!
I can't wait to make again.
Lacey says
My entire family LOVES these. Even my husband who does not like โhealthy foodโ. I make big batches, throw them in the freezer , take them out on busy mornings and throw them in the toaster!!!
Heather says
Yum! I tried these this morning! my 8 month old son seemed to really like them! so did I!
Monica Stevens Le says
That makes me SO happy. Yes, these waffles can truly be loved by the whole family- yay!
Christene Dorsett says
Delicious!! Full grown adults no babyโs...good option for quick easy to grab and go!!
Monica Stevens Le says
Haha, this is so awesome! They can be enjoyed by the whole family ๐
Lori Lee says
My daughter loves these. She dose not always eat the meat I offer her so getting some great nutrition and protein in from the bone broth is genius. They turned out great and freeze super well. I might take one for myself some mornings too
Monica Stevens Le says
I totally share with Sophie whenever she has them! ๐
Helene says
Hi... do they make an unsalted beef bone broth or is it ok to use regular bone broth?
Monica Stevens Le says
Hi there. I used chicken bone broth in this recipe... you could use regular, you won't really taste it. Looking forward to hearing what you think!
Lisa says
These are a must make! My 8 month old gobbles these up each and every time. (Mom sneaks a few bites too)