Step 1: Preheat your waffle iron
Before you even start mixing your ingredients, get that waffle iron heating up. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that will let you know when they’re ready. A hot iron ensures that beautiful, golden-brown exterior forms instantly on contact.

Step 2: Mix the base ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, eggs, milk, and flour. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. This batter will be thicker than pancake batter but should still be scoopable. Don’t worry if it looks a little chunky—those cheesy bits will melt beautifully.

Step 3: Add the seasoning and extras
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re using chives or green onions, now’s the time to fold them in. The same goes for turkey or beef bacon—just make sure it’s cooked and diced before mixing it in. These extras give your waffles an edge in both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4: Grease the waffle iron
Even if your waffle iron is non-stick, it’s a smart move to lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a quick swipe of oil using a brush or paper towel. This not only ensures easy release but also helps in achieving that crispy, golden crust.

Step 5: Scoop and spread the batter
Use a large spoon or measuring cup to scoop the batter into the center of the waffle iron. Spread it out slightly to cover the surface, but don’t overfill—potato batter doesn’t expand the way pancake batter does, but you still want to avoid spillage.

Step 6: Cook until golden and crisp
Close the waffle iron and let the batter cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Cooking time can vary depending on your waffle iron, so peek carefully after 4–5 minutes. Avoid opening too early or too often, or you’ll risk tearing the waffle.

Step 7: Remove and repeat
Once your waffle is cooked, use a fork or tongs to carefully remove it and transfer it to a plate or a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the iron between batches if needed.

Step 8: Serve hot with your favorite toppings
Now’s the fun part. Serve these beauties fresh off the iron with toppings like sour cream, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or a fried egg. You can even use them as the “bread” in a sandwich or stack them up for a waffle tower. The sky’s the limit.