Grain Free Zucchini Lemon Waffles | Recipes to Nourish (2024)

Published: May 30, 2016 · Modified: Aug 20, 2019 by Emily Criswell · I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article · 43 Comments

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Grain Free Zucchini Lemon Waffles are a funsummertime breakfast. They're the perfect blend of savory and sweet, super easy to make and a delicious way to use up summer squash.

Healthy waffles for breakfast packed with zucchini!

I had not had wafflesfor many, many years until recently. I had been paranoid about buying a waffle maker for so many years because most of them are made with non-stick coatings {which is a toxic mess, no thanks!}.

I missed having waffles and my oldest daughter had been begging for me to get a waffler maker. I stood my ground for a long time. The questions kept coming, "... but WHEN are you going to get a waffle maker?"

This of course made me think about my momand all of the fond memories I have of her making heart shaped waffles for me as a young girl. She used a mainstream blueberry waffle mix and often added chocolate chips for an extra special treat.

I loved those waffles so much. They were tasty, but the best part about them is that my mom made them for me with so much love.

So ... I gave in. I kept looking and looking until I found a more eco-friendly alternative to the common non-stick coated waffle makers. I finally found a saferwaffle maker that has a natural ceramic coating that is super easy to clean and is free of PTFE and PFOA chemicals.

Let's just say my family is super happy that we have a waffle maker now! Now don't get me wrong, we still love buttermilk and pumpkin pancakes, but waffles are the new hit in our home.

I've been making all kinds of waffles ... blueberry, lemon, pumpkin, vanilla, chocolate chip, and more. While I love all of those, I was kind of craving a waffle that was a bit more savory.

Since summertime is on the way, that means zucchini season is starting. Bingo! That meansZucchini Lemon Waffles are a must!!!

My family loves to enjoy these waffles for breakfast with lots of grass-fed butter and organic maple syrup. They're also lovely for lunch. We also like to use them as a "sandwich bread" and make yummy sandwiches with them.

Zucchini Lemon Waffles

Yield: 6-7 medium waffles

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Grain Free Zucchini Lemon Waffles are a fun summertime breakfast. They're the perfect blend of savory and sweet, super easy to make and a delicious way to use up summer squash.

Ingredients

2 cups grated zucchini, loosely packed {about 2 small zucchini}
Zest of 1 organic lemon
¼ cup grass-fed butter, ghee, or healthy fat of choice, melted
1 cup Otto's cassava flour*
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt (<-- this is my favorite sea salt)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup raw, organic or grass-fed milk
2 pastured or organic eggs

Instructions

Remove ends of zucchini and finely grate.
Place grated zucchini in a clean dish towel or in a large fine mesh sieve. Squeeze out/press out as much water as possible. Set aside.
Zest lemon with a microplane. Set aside.
Melt butter, remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl combine cassava flour, baking soda and sea salt. Stir to combine. Add all remaining ingredients. Use a handheld mixer on low speed and mix until fully incorporated and combined. [Blender Method: Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend just until combined.]
Preheat waffle iron.
Pour about ¼ - ½ cup batter {depending on the size of your waffle maker} onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook according to your waffle maker's manufacturer instructions. My waffle makerdoes not require greasing first, but some do. Make sure you check your waffle maker's manual to determine if you need to grease the waffle iron first. I cook mine on the hot setting for a crisper outside for about 5 minutes.
Serve immediately or cool and store for later. Make sure to top them with some good-for-you healthy fat like grass-fed butter or ghee and a nice drizzle of organic maple syrup.

Notes

I use thissafer, eco-friendlywaffle makerthat has a natural ceramic coating that is super easy to clean and is free of PTFE and PFOA chemicals.
You Will Need:Standing Grater,Microplane Rasp Zester,Large Mixing Bowl,Hand Held Mixer, Blender, or Whisk,Waffle Maker
Storage:Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat on a low setting in the oven or place back in the waffle iron to reheat.
*Please note, I do not recommend any other brand of cassava flour. Otto's cassava flour is my favorite flour to use these days for many reasons. I love that cassava flour isaresistant starchwhen eaten cool{resistant starch = prebiotics that feed probiotics + supports digestion and the gut}.I have not tried making this with any other flours. I do not recommend substituting the cassava flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Both will change the consistency.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 246Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 309mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 5g

This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circ*mstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Are you onPinterest? I pinlots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Breakfast andGluten Free Treats too! Come follow along.

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About Emily Criswell

Emily Criswell is a chocolate- and sweet treat-loving, holistic-minded mom of 4. She's a 4-time cookbook author -The Art of Great Cooking withYour Instant Pot {ranked in Amazon's top 10 new releases - gluten free recipes}, Amazing Mexican Favorites with Your Instant Pot{ranked as a #1 New Release BEST SELLER!}, Low-Carb Cooking with Your Instant Pot, The Big Book of Instant Pot Recipes, food photographer, homeschooler and the founder of Recipes to Nourish, a gluten-free blog focusing on real food and natural living. She works to empower her readers by showing them that there is a healthier way to eat and live. Her passion is to make healthy, natural living as uncomplicated and enjoyable as possible.Find Emily’s latest recipes and natural living tips atRecipes to Nourish. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest, Twitterand YouTube plus grab her free eBookHolistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy. Read more >>About Emily.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Megan Stevens
May 30, 2016 at 9:16 am

These look amazing!!! Such a good idea. That texture- perfect! Tim is looking for a cast iron waffle iron for me... Hopefully he'll find it soon (a used one) so I can use all of summer's bounty with this recipe. SO love this recipe idea!!!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 30, 2016 at 9:49 am
  
  How fun! It will be so nice to use a cast iron one. 🙂
  Reply
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  Fried Zucchini Cakes Recipe 100+ AMAZING Keto Vegan Recipes For Weight Loss Paula Deen's Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar - Recipe Diaries Laksa Soup Recipe | ChefDeHome.com
Renee Kohley
May 30, 2016 at 12:01 pm

Super fun flavor idea Emily! We will be trying this!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 30, 2016 at 12:51 pm
  
  I'm so excited about zucchini season. I know your family loves zucchini too. These are a nice change from the sweet waffles. 🙂
  Reply
Desirae
May 31, 2016 at 8:25 am

These sound so good. I have never tried anything with zucchini, as I am not a big fan of it, but I always wonder how it is in other food. I might have to try these
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 9:14 am
  
  The zucchini flavor is really hidden in these, especially when you top it with maple syrup 🙂 I love to use grated zucchini like this because my oldest daughter won't eat it otherwise.
  Reply
Beth
May 31, 2016 at 9:17 am

We have a toddler and I'm so excited to introduce her to the world of Sunday morning waffles! Thanks for sharing your find, I'll definitely be buying one.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 10:00 am
  
  So fun! Introducing waffles to my little one was so much fun. You're going to love it, their little expressions of something new and exciting = priceless. I hope you enjoy the waffle maker as much as we do. 🙂
  Reply
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
May 31, 2016 at 9:29 am

Oh my gosh I LOVE waffles. But like you, I never make them. I totally dig this recipe - and your photos make me want to grab one straight out of my screen! I must try!!!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 10:00 am
  
  Thanks so much for your kind words Chrissa! xo
  Reply
Debs
May 31, 2016 at 9:34 am

I have never even heard of cassava flour. These sound fabulous, I will have to give it a try! The zucchini plants are already in the ground
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 10:01 am
  
  It's my favorite flour now 🙂 I've been using it for about 6 months now and I'm so happy with it. So awesome that you have your own zucchini growing! Enjoy it.
  Reply
Anya
May 31, 2016 at 10:03 am

I'm so excited for this recipe! I picked a few zucchini off our plants so this is perfect timing. Besides, I feel like I totally deserve that waffle maker for finishing another year of homeschooling. Or a new car. Yeah, I think I deserve a new car, but I'll settle for a waffle maker. 😉
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 10:04 am
  
  LOL you deserve it all Anya xo Congrats to the end of this homeschooling year. I hope you get to enjoy some waffles in your near future. Love that you have zucchini growing!
  Reply
linda
May 31, 2016 at 11:35 am

So pretty Emily and I loved the photo you posted on FB of your daughter looking at these. I bet she couldn't wait to eat them!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 4:05 pm
  
  Aww thank you Linda xo I'm so glad I captured that photo of her.
  See Also
  Healthy Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
  Reply
Rae
May 31, 2016 at 11:57 am

What a clever way to use up those zucchini that we all seem to trip over all summer!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 4:04 pm
  
  LOL so true! Thanks! 🙂
  Reply
Marjorie
May 31, 2016 at 12:20 pm

Such a fun way to use up that garden zucchini! Pinning to try! I need to check out that waffle maker too 🙂
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  May 31, 2016 at 4:03 pm
  
  I love the waffle maker Marjorie! 🙂 We use a ton of zucchini during the summer, so I thought I better get creative. I hope you get to try some.
  Reply
Denay DeGuzman
May 31, 2016 at 8:22 pm

I need to share this delicious waffle recipe with my niece ASAP! She needs to maintain a grain-free diet which is often a challenge. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful breakfast inspiration. 🙂
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:07 pm
  
  Thanks so much Denay! I hope she enjoys it. 🙂
  Reply
Celeste
June 01, 2016 at 8:13 am

These are the perfect waffles for summer! Now I need to go pick up some zucchini so we can have these for brinner!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:07 pm
  
  Thanks Celeste! So cool that you have your own zucchini growing.
  Reply
Carly @ FitLiving Eats
June 01, 2016 at 8:41 am

I love love love zucchinis and can't way to try this recipe! I am a sucker for lemon pancakes, so I bet I would love this one!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:08 pm
  
  Thanks Carly! My family loves to top ours with grass-fed butter, maple syrup and a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice. It adds a really nice extra layer of lemon flavor.
  Reply
Gluten Free With Emily
June 01, 2016 at 8:43 am

WHEN are you going to get a waffle maker?” Ha! I ask everyone that all the time! Do you like the more eco friendly one you bought? I too have been looking for safer waffle makers and wanted to get your feedback
Thanks!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:09 pm
  
  LOL 😉 Yes, I love this waffle maker Emily. I put off buying one for so many years because I was so worried about the Teflon non stick coating on others.
  Reply
Heather with WELLFITandFED
June 01, 2016 at 9:20 am

These look amazing. Paleo waffles tend to not work out so well but these look REAL!!!! Nice work. I will definitely try these.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:11 pm
  
  Thanks Heather! I LOVE Otto's cassava flour for all things Paleo and grain free. I can't eat coconut and honestly I'm not a fan of coconut flour, and I don't do well with too many nuts, so I don't use almond flour often. Cassava flour is the closet flour I have found to regular flour. It's awesome! I hope you get to try some.
  Reply
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
June 01, 2016 at 10:25 am

Lemon and waffles? Love it! These look amazing.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:11 pm
  
  Thanks Chrystal! 🙂
  Reply
Amanda
June 01, 2016 at 12:32 pm

I love this! I need to get a waffle maker!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 02, 2016 at 12:11 pm
  
  Thanks Amanda! I hope you're able to. They're so much fun. 🙂
  Reply
Andrea Wyckoff
June 03, 2016 at 6:54 am

These waffles look scrumptious! I love that they are grain-free and made with zucchini too! I just picked up some fresh zucchini at the farmers market yesterday, oh how I love summer!!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 04, 2016 at 9:10 pm
  
  Thanks Andrea! xo I hope you enjoyed the farmers market. Love summer produce!
  Reply
Christina
June 14, 2016 at 10:45 am

What the heck? YUMMY! I think i will make these TONIGHT!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 14, 2016 at 12:59 pm
  
  I hope you get to. They're so yummy 🙂
  Reply
Maya | Wholesome Yum
July 01, 2016 at 11:38 am

Hi Emily, I just wanted to let you know I featured this recipe in my Low Carb Gluten-free Zucchini Recipes roundup. I hope you'll get some visits coming your way!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  July 11, 2016 at 12:27 pm
  
  Thanks so much Maya! xo
  Reply
Jessica
September 25, 2019 at 7:28 am

Have you ever tried doing these as pancakes instead of waffles?
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  October 02, 2019 at 12:03 pm
  
  Hi Jessica, I haven't. I bet it would work, but you might have to adjust the batter a bit and I'm not sure what adjustments would be needed since I haven't made them as pancakes.
  Reply

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