Step 1: Prepare the potatoes. Peel and grate the Russet potatoes using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
Step 2: Remove excess moisture. This is the most crucial step for crispy waffles! Gather the towel around the potatoes and twist and squeeze out as much liquid as humanly possible. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your Crispy Potato Waffles with Toppings will be. Transfer the dried potatoes to a large bowl.
Step 3: Combine ingredients. To the dried potatoes, add the flour, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder. Pour in the 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter or oil. Mix everything together thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated and the mixture is cohesive. The mixture for Crispy Potato Waffles with Toppings should hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Preheat waffle iron. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grids with additional melted butter or oil, even if it's non-stick. This ensures maximum crispiness and prevents sticking for your Crispy Potato Waffles with Toppings.
Step 5: Cook the waffles. Place a generous scoop (about 1/2 cup for a standard waffle iron) of the potato mixture onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and very crispy. Cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron. Resist the urge to open the lid too early, as this can interrupt the crisping process of the Crispy Potato Waffles with Toppings.
Step 6: Repeat and serve. Carefully remove the cooked potato waffle and transfer it to a wire rack to keep it crispy while you cook the remaining batches. If making a large quantity, you can keep cooked waffles warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven set to 200°F (95°C). Serve immediately with your favorite Crispy Potato Waffles with Toppings.