As a frequenter of Waffle House, I’ve come to love their wide selection of pork-based breakfast meats. Crispy bacon, juicy sausage patties, and smoky ham are staples that perfectly complement fluffy waffles and scrambles.
But what if you’re trying to avoid pork for dietary religious. or personal reasons? Does Waffle House offer any turkey-based proteins as an alternative?
I decided to do some digging to find out if you can get turkey bacon or sausage at your favorite yellow-roofed restaurant chain. Here’s what I discovered.
The Traditional Waffle House Breakfast Meats
First, let’s do a quick overview of the regular breakfast meat offerings at Waffle House since 1955:
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Bacon – Smoky, salty Smithfield bacon. Available in single strips or side orders.
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Sausage Patties – Plump pork sausage patties from Smithfield. Grilled or steamed.
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Country Ham – Salty, cured Smithfield ham cut into steaks or slices.
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Pork Chops – Boneless grilled or breaded fried pork chops.
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Steak – USDA choice ribeye steak available grilled or smothered.
As you can see, the traditional breakfast meats at Waffle House are centered around pork. No turkey in sight.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean turkey options are off the table. Let’s look at some ways you may be able to get turkey bacon or sausage.
Can You Substitute Turkey Meat at Waffle House?
While turkey bacon and sausage are not standard Waffle House offerings, some restaurants may allow substitutions upon request.
A few things to keep in mind if you want to sub turkey meat:
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Availability varies – Not all locations will have turkey on hand. Supply and staffing issues may impact what’s possible.
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Ask politely – Kindly request the substitution. Explain your diet or preference. Don’t demand or expect it.
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Expect to pay extra – There will likely be an upcharge since it’s a special request. Probably $1-2 more.
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Turkey may be pre-cooked – For food safety reasons, you may get pre-cooked turkey reheated rather than cooked fresh.
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Limits apply – Don’t expect huge portions. Probably just 1-2 strips of bacon or 1 patty.
So while Waffle House won’t advertise turkey bacon or sausage, some flexibility is possible on a case-by-case basis. But manage expectations appropriately.
Ordering Veggie-Based Alternatives
Another option is substituting in some of the vegetarian or veggie-based sides at Waffle House. A few ideas:
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Egg or omelette – Load up your eggs with veggies, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, etc.
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Hash Browns – Ask for sautéed onions and peppers mixed in.
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Grits – Grits make a satisfying protein substitute when customized with butter and cheese.
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Broccoli Casserole – This cheesy veggie casserole can fill the breakfast meat void.
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Fruit – Fresh strawberries, blueberry compote, bananas and apples provide nutrients.
While these won’t mimic the taste and texture of turkey bacon or sausage, they can help balance your meal.
Will Waffle House Ever Offer Turkey?
The odds seem low that turkey bacon and sausage will become part of the regular Waffle House menu anytime soon. Here are some of the challenges:
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Not part of their core brand – Pork has been their specialty since day one. No real pressure from customers to change.
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Higher costs – Turkey is more expensive. Would have to raise prices, which they avoid.
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Shorter shelf-life – Turkey doesn’t keep as long as salty, cured pork. More waste.
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Food safety risks – More susceptible to bacterial growth if not handled properly.
Unless consumer demand changes drastically, don’t expect turkey to replace the traditional smoked pork flavors that Waffle House is known for.
But as we’ve covered, you still have some options to get turkey or substitute other proteins. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Bottom Line: Special Request Required
While turkey bacon and sausage are not standard options, Waffle House aims to please their customers. Some locations may accommodate special requests or substitutions, but be understanding if they can’t.
For the best shot at getting turkey meat, visit during less busy hours and ask politely. Be willing to pay a little extra. Otherwise, pile your plate high with their ample veggie sides.
Waffle House has built their brand on greasy, pork-infused southern comfort food. But with some creativity and flexibility, you may be able to craft a turkey bacon or sausage dish to satisfy your preferences.
No matter what’s on your plate, you can count on friendly service with a smile at your neighborhood Waffle House. I know I’ll be back soon—regardless of whether I can get turkey or not!
