When I first used a sandwich maker, I lived in a rented apartment and was instantly smitten with it. The trouble with having a sandwich maker is that you end up eating much bread when you make crisp sandwiches. And so did I.
After a few years, I realized I should eat less bread, so I gave up on the sandwich maker until recently, when I bought a new one to make yummy sandwiches for my daughter. My sandwich maker quickly became a decorative piece I only touched to clean the dust, since she doesn’t like toasted bread very much. After that, I realized I could make so many different things with just the sandwich maker, and without turning on the stove.
You can use both the grill and a triangle toaster if you have a sandwich maker with interchangeable plates. Also, there are machines with waffle plates, and yes, we highly recommend them. We also have compiled a guide that will help you choose breakfast sandwich maker, if you are looking for the best one.
Use the sandwich maker for other things than sandwiches if you are lazy and creative! Here’s what I’ve tried until now:
Things You Can Do with a Sandwich Maker Besides Making Sandwiches
Fritters
You will make fritters in your sandwich maker by mixing the mixture just like you do on the stove, but you will not need to use too much oil. Therefore, you might say cooking with the sandwich maker is healthier, at least sometimes.
Don’t forget to grease the triangular-shaped plates before adding the fritter mixture inside. We made potato fritters, but you can also try other vegetables.
French Toast
French toast doesn’t require a stove. In a sandwich maker, you can easily make this delicious breakfast. Make sure you butter the sandwich maker. You can dip both sides of the bread into the egg mixture (made with beaten eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and maybe cinnamon). While you’re doing that, preheat the sandwich maker. Butter the toasting surfaces when they are hot. Place each egg-coated bread slice gently in the open sandwich maker using a flat spatula. Once it is ready, close it and let it cook. Depending on your machine, it may take about five minutes. Initially, you’ll need to check the French toast often, but once you get used to it, you’ll know when it’s golden and cooked thoroughly. French toast can be served with sweet or salty toppings.
Pizza Pockets
Pizza pockets can be made in the sandwich maker. Besides being quick and easy, it’s also delicious. It takes just a few seconds to roll out pizza dough in squares the size of a sandwich maker plate. It will be bigger if you use the grill, and it will be smaller (about a square slice of bread) if you use the triangles.
Spread sauce on one square and top with shredded mozzarella and salami. Place it into the sandwich maker, cover it with the second square, and let it do its thing. Keeping the toppings to a minimum is the secret!
Pastries
The process of toasting pastries in your sandwich maker is similar to making pizza pockets. As we did, you can thaw some puff pastry in your fridge and use it. The filling was bacon, Cheddar cheese, and spring onions, but you can be creative with your ingredients! Even sweet fillings, such as grated apples, can be added. You’ll get a taste similar to apple pie.
Omelet
If you use the triangle-shaped plates, you can make an omelet in your sandwich maker. Vegetables can also be added to your quick and easy omelet.
Before adding the eggs to your machine, preheat it. Butter the sections and, when the butter melts, pour the beaten egg into the triangles. When adding cheese or vegetables, that’s the time. If you are shredding or slicing them, make sure they are thinly sliced. After that, close the lid and let them cook for a minute or two until some browning appears on the surface.
Fried Eggs
What if you don’t want sunny side up eggs because you don’t want to fry them in too much oil, but also don’t want boiled eggs? Why not fry the eggs in your sandwich maker? Spray oil, a spatula, and eggs are all you need. Place the eggs in the triangular holes (use plates with edges to prevent the egg from running out the sides) and cover. Just make sure you preheat the machine before adding the eggs. The eggs will cook faster than in a skillet.
Alternatively, you can make two eggs and two sandwiches at once. It will be a delicious breakfast for you!
Donuts
However, salty foods aren’t the only ones you can prepare with a sandwich maker. If you don’t have a donut maker, you can still make donuts. Beat eggs, then add butter, vanilla, and milk to the batter. A pinch of salt, flour, baking powder, sugar, and your favorite spices should also be added. Ensure that you get the right consistency.
Remember to pre-heat the machine first, as we always say. Spray some oil on the plates, then pour batter into the sandwich maker, using the plates with edges. Bake your sandwich donuts for about 3 minutes, after which you can check if they are done.
When they are ready, they will be golden brown, and they will have a light and fluffy texture when cut. Donuts can be served with icing sugar, melted chocolate, honey, or Nutella. Just eat them warm!
Was this helpful?
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
