If you follow Tyler, The Creator, you know he’s not exactly a "by the book" kind of guy. Whether it’s his evolution from the chaotic energy of Goblin to the polished, soulful arrangements of CHROMAKOPIA or his high-fashion ventures with GOLF le FLEUR*, the man has a very specific, often eccentric, taste.
But when it comes to breakfast? He’s surprisingly approachable.
The Tyler The Creator waffles saga isn't about some $50 artisanal brunch plate in West Hollywood. It’s about a specific, almost aggressively simple way of preparing a childhood staple that went viral years ago and somehow still remains a go-to for fans who want a 10/10 breakfast without the effort of making batter from scratch.
Honestly, the way he talks about syrup—he’s basically a connoisseur. He’s gone on record saying syrup is one of his favorite things in the world, alongside his inhaler and his music. When you love syrup that much, the waffle is really just a delivery vehicle.
The "Greatest Cooking Show" Origins
Most people first saw the waffles on a 2016 episode of The Greatest Cooking Show of All Time, a GOLF Media production hosted by Bonnie Lalich. The show was peak Tyler: bright colors, slightly awkward banter, and "regular ass" cooking.
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In that episode, Tyler basically threw the rulebook out the window. Most people think you need a toaster for Eggos. Tyler disagrees. He went straight for the stove, arguing that a pan gives you a level of control and "flip" that a vertical toaster just can't match.
It sounds like a small distinction. It’s not.
By pan-frying the waffles, you’re essentially "toasting" them in fat—specifically butter—which creates a crust that's vastly superior to the dry, sometimes cardboard-like texture of a standard toasted Eggo.
How to Make Tyler The Creator Waffles
If you want to recreate this at home, don't overthink it. This is "low-brow" brilliance. Here is the breakdown of how he actually does it, based on the original tutorial and his various interview snippets.
What You'll Need
- Frozen Waffles: He specifically uses Buttermilk Eggos.
- Butter: A lot of it. Don't be shy.
- Cinnamon: The secret weapon.
- Syrup: Maple is the standard, but Tyler just wants it sweet.
The Process
- Skip the toaster. This is the most important rule. If you use a toaster, you’ve already failed the Tyler method.
- Butter the frozen waffle. Spread a generous amount of butter on both sides while the waffle is still cold/frozen.
- The Pan Heat. Toss them into a pan over medium heat. You want the butter to melt and sizzle, frying the exterior of the waffle.
- The Cinnamon Dusting. While one side is browning, sprinkle cinnamon directly onto the upward-facing side.
- The Flip. Flip it over so the cinnamon side hits the pan. This caramelizes the spice into the butter and the waffle's crevices.
- Repeat. Do the same for the other side.
The result is a waffle that tastes, in Tyler’s own words, "like Nickelodeon on Saturday." It’s nostalgic, sugary, and has that specific crispiness that only comes from frying bread in butter.
Moving Beyond the Eggo: The "Nuts + Bolts" Era
While the cinnamon Eggos are the most famous version, Tyler’s obsession with waffles went deeper in his Viceland series, Nuts + Bolts. In the third episode of the show, he actually met with Dominique Ansel—the legendary pastry chef behind the Cronut—to learn the "science" of breakfast.
It’s a hilarious contrast. You have a world-renowned chef talking about aeration and batter consistency, while Tyler is asking if the waffle maker or the waffle came first.
During that journey, he eventually conceptualized "Breakfast Sushi." It’s essentially a waffle bar rolled in powdered sugar, topped with breakfast sausage and bacon, and wrapped in a thin strip of fried egg. He even served it with a "wasabi" green butter and mint-infused syrup.
It sounds wild. It probably is. But it shows that his love for the waffle format isn't just a bit; he’s genuinely interested in how you can push a simple carb-and-syrup combo into new territory.
Why the Internet is Still Obsessed
You might wonder why people are still talking about a rapper making frozen waffles ten years later. Part of it is the "Tyler effect"—everything he touches becomes a subculture. But the other part is that the recipe is actually good.
Most celebrity recipes are overly complicated or involve ingredients nobody has in their pantry. Tyler’s waffles are the opposite. They represent the "starving artist" or "late-night studio session" vibe. It’s food for people who want something that tastes like a 10/10 but only have five minutes and five dollars.
There’s also a bit of a "life hack" element to it. Once you’ve had an Eggo fried in butter and cinnamon, going back to a regular toaster feels like a massive downgrade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you're going to do this, do it right. Don't use low-calorie syrup. Tyler has explicitly warned against this. You need the full-sugar, thick-viscosity stuff to really lean into the flavor profile.
Also, watch your heat. If the pan is too hot, the cinnamon will burn and turn bitter before the waffle is heated through. You’re looking for a golden-brown caramelization, not a blackened crust.
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Actionable Next Steps
- Try the Pan-Fry Method: Next time you’re reaching for the toaster, grab a skillet instead. Use salted butter to balance out the sweetness of the syrup.
- Experiment with the "Breakfast Sushi" Concept: If you’re feeling adventurous, try rolling a thin waffle around a sausage link with a bit of egg. It’s a game-changer for hosting friends.
- Watch the Source Material: If you haven't seen the Nuts + Bolts episode on breakfast, it’s worth a watch just for the interaction between Tyler and Dominique Ansel. It’s a masterclass in how to stay curious about "simple" things.
Waffles are basically just a canvas. Whether you're doing the "regular ass" cinnamon version or trying to build a breakfast empire with high-end chefs, the goal is the same: make it taste like happiness.