16 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
9 large eggs, room temperature, divided use
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 fully cooked boneless ham steak (12 ounces), cubed
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange onions and asparagus on a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; toss with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Roast until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly; reserve 1/4 cup vegetable mixture for topping.
Preheat a greased waffle iron. Separate 3 eggs. Whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt. Add milk, 3 egg yolks and melted butter; mix gently but thoroughly. Stir in remaining onion and asparagus mixture and 3/4 cup shredded cheese
In another bowl, beat 3 egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Fold into waffle mixture. Bake waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook ham until heated through; keep warm. In same skillet, fry remaining eggs until yolks are set. To serve, top waffle with ham and 1 egg. Sprinkle with reserved onion, asparagus and remaining cheese.
