Is there anything better than CHOCOLATE WAFFLES for breakfast? Probably not. Well, except for maybe veggie-packed ones! This fluffy, delicious chocolate waffle recipe are Paleo and gluten-free. They look and tastes like dessert, but are the perfect healthy breakfast to dazzle your family.

veggie-loaded chocolate waffles on a plate with raspberry sauce

I woke up with the sun to an empty bed last Sunday morning. 

This is a rare occurrence. I’m typically startled awake before the sun has even had a chance to kiss the sky by my 5-year-old calling to me to help her create something or 2 hungry kitties wanting to know where their breakfast is. Or during the week, I’m up before dawn to shower, pack lunches and steal a few minutes with my husband before we both hit the ground running off to work and to life. 

Yep. Sleeping in is a rare thing for me. So when I woke up needing sunglasses and had enough room to lay starfish-style in my bed, I was a bit confused. Utterly confused, in fact. And then I heard it…

I heard laughter coming from the living room as my husband played with our daughter. I quietly crept across the room and poked my head around my bedroom door. My eyes were met with the sight of purring kitties as they munched out of their full food bowls. And then the smell of fresh coffee brewing hit me in my nostrils. Everything was moving right along while I slept. I wasn’t being beckoned for or rushing about. I quietly crawled back into bed, pulled the covers over my head and soaked up the moment.

veggie-loaded chocolate waffles on a breakfast tables with coffee and butter

The gift of sleep and relaxation that had been bestowed upon me by my husband may seem small to some…but it meant the utter world to me. The gift of time to myself. To wake up slowly. To not be needed for a bit so I could enjoy a few extra moments of sleep and peace. That simple gesture was more loving then beautiful flowers or fancy jewelry. It was something I’d been craving for days. And now I had it.

But the funny thing about getting what you need is that, sometimes, you find yourself not needing it anymore.

And that’s exactly what happened. As I laid in my sunny, quiet, un-needing, empty bed….I listened to my family. My wonderful amazing family that I worked tirelessly for. The family that is truly the center of my universe. And I missed them.

I probably could have loafed in my bedroom for another hour before anyone came knocking. My husband had gifted me that peace, quiet, and self-care time. But suddenly, I felt refreshed, rested, desperately wanting to find out what had them giggling and to cook up a breakfast that would make them feel as loved as they had made me feel. And so I hopped out of bed, threw on my robe, joined the day and made these waffles…waffles that were met with smiles, hugs and that would fuel our day of fun and togetherness.

Want to make sure you always have spinach on hand for these Paleo Chocolate Waffles? Check out my tips & tricks for keeping spinach fresh all week!

Suggested adaptions for making chocolate waffles (with veggies)

  • Make them as pancakes. Just portion out the batter on a hot griddle or pan with a little cooking oil over medium heat and cook 2-3 minutes per side
  • Sub banana with 1/2 cup applesauce.
  • Skip the chocolate. Leave the cocoa out if you prefer!
  • Up the chocolate and toss chocolate chips into the mix for an extra fun veggie-loaded breakfast!

Other veggie-loaded breakfast recipes you are going to love

5 from 1 vote

Paleo Chocolate Waffles (with veggies)

Yield: 4 waffles
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast
Author: Taesha Butler
Is there anything better than CHOCOLATE WAFFLES for breakfast? I think not. Well, except for maybe veggie-packed ones! This fluffy, delicious chocolate waffle recipe looks and tastes like dessert, but is the perfect healthy breakfast to dazzle your family with.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 large handful baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup almond butter or Organic Sun Butter for a nut free option
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa or  cacao powder
  • 1 large very ripe banana
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tbsp  avocado oil (or another cooking fat with a high smoke point)

Equipment

  • waffle maker

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, combine all ingredients except avocado oil.
  • Pulse until mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Heat up waffle iron and brush the avocado oil on both the top and bottom griddle. Pour about 1/3-1/2 cup of batter onto the griddle, just enough to coat the bottom griddle.
  • Close and flip waffle iron, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
  • Enjoy warm with extra maple syrup, nut butter, honey or chia jam. Let leftovers cool and store in fridge for up to 4 days or in freezer for a month.
Calories: 472kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 18g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 164mg, Sodium: 207mg, Potassium: 691mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 283IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 221mg, Iron: 4mg