The Build Your Own Biscuit at Waffle House puts you in control of your breakfast. Start with a warm, freshly baked biscuit, then add your choice of proteins, eggs, cheese, and sides. Every ingredient cooks to order on the flat top griddle, creating a personalized meal that matches your appetite and taste preferences.
Building your own biscuit costs $4.50 to $8.00 depending on your selections. The base biscuit contains 250 calories. Add bacon, sausage, ham, eggs, or cheese to create your ideal combination. Available 24 hours a day at all Waffle House locations.
See what’s available by visiting the Waffle House menu, including breakfast selections and current prices.
Why Build Your Own Biscuit?
Waffle House understands that no two customers want the same breakfast. The Build Your Own option gives you complete freedom. You choose every component, creating a biscuit that fits your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
This flexibility matters for people following specific eating plans. Need more protein? Add extra eggs and bacon. Want lower carbs? Skip the biscuit base and order just the fillings. Watching calories? Choose city ham and tomatoes instead of sausage and hashbrowns.
The short-order cooking system at Waffle House means your custom biscuit arrives hot and fresh within minutes. The cook prepares each element separately on the griddle, then assembles your exact order.
Starting With the Biscuit Base
Every Build Your Own creation starts with the classic Southern biscuit. These biscuits bake fresh throughout the day. The exterior develops a golden crust while the interior stays soft and flaky.
The biscuit dough contains wheat flour, butter, and buttermilk. This traditional recipe creates that signature Southern texture. Each biscuit weighs about 3 ounces before baking.
What’s Inside the Classic Biscuit?
The base biscuit provides 250 calories with 4 grams of protein. The main ingredients are enriched wheat flour, butter, buttermilk, and baking powder. Salt and sugar round out the flavor.
| Component | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
| Classic Biscuit | 250 | 4 | 32 | 11 |
Can You Order Without the Biscuit?
Yes. Some guests prefer a low-carb approach. Order your protein, eggs, and sides as a plate instead of a biscuit sandwich. This removes 250 calories and 32 grams of carbs from your meal.
The cook will prepare everything the same way but serve it as separate components. You still get the fresh ingredients and made to order quality.
Selecting Your Protein
Protein choices define the character of your biscuit. Waffle House offers five options, each with distinct flavor profiles and nutritional values.
Bacon Options
Hickory smoked bacon comes in regular or large portions. Regular bacon includes two strips totaling 90 calories. Large bacon doubles the portion to four strips and 180 calories.
The bacon cooks directly on the flat top griddle until crispy. The Maillard reaction creates those characteristic brown edges and smoky flavor. Bacon contains no gluten but does include pork and sodium nitrate for curing.
Sausage Choices
Mild pork sausage links offer a savory, slightly spiced taste. Regular portions include two links (150 calories). Large portions double to four links (300 calories).
The sausage contains ground pork with seasonings that may include soy. Each link grills until browned on all sides. The high heat griddle seals in the natural juices.
Ham Varieties
City Ham: wet cured and pre cooked. Milder flavor with less salt. Contains 120 calories per serving. The ham slices grill briefly to add char marks and warm through.
Country Ham: Dry cured with salt. Intense, salty taste preferred by Southern cooking enthusiasts. Contains 130 calories per serving. The curing process gives country ham its distinctive red color.
Protein Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein Choice | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Allergens |
| Bacon (regular) | 90 | 6 | 0 | 7 | Pork |
| Bacon (large) | 180 | 12 | 0 | 14 | Pork |
| Sausage (regular) | 150 | 8 | 2 | 12 | Pork, Soy |
| Sausage (large) | 300 | 16 | 4 | 24 | Pork, Soy |
| City Ham | 120 | 14 | 2 | 6 | Pork |
| Country Ham | 130 | 12 | 1 | 8 | Pork |
How Do You Add Eggs?
Eggs from Rose Acre Farms cook to your exact preference. Choose scrambled or fried. Each preparation method creates different textures and appearances.
Scrambled: The cook blends the egg in a small container, then pours it onto the griddle. The blending process incorporates air, creating fluffy scrambled eggs. One scrambled egg contains 90 calories.
Fried: Cracked directly onto the griddle. You can specify sunny side up, over easy, over medium, or over well. A single fried egg contains 80 calories. The yolk remains runny on the sunny side up and over easy preparations.
Can You Add Multiple Eggs?
Absolutely. Many customers order two or three eggs on their biscuit for extra protein. Each additional egg costs about $1.50 and adds 80 to 90 calories depending on preparation.
Eggs provide bioavailable protein, meaning your body absorbs and uses it efficiently. They also contain choline, essential amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Choosing Your Cheese
Three cheese varieties complement different protein choices. Each cheese melts differently on the hot griddle.
American Cheese: Mild, creamy flavor. Melts smoothly and evenly. Contains 50 calories per slice. The most popular choice for biscuits.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy taste. Adds a more pronounced flavor than American. Contains 60 calories per slice. Pairs well with bacon and sausage.
Swiss Cheese: Nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Contains 70 calories per slice. Works exceptionally well with ham.
Cheese Nutrition Table
| Cheese Type | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Allergens |
| American | 50 | 3 | 1 | 4 | Dairy |
| Cheddar | 60 | 4 | 0 | 5 | Dairy |
| Swiss | 70 | 5 | 1 | 5 | Dairy |
The cook places cheese directly on your protein while it’s still on the griddle. The residual heat melts the cheese perfectly before assembly.
What Sides Complete Your Biscuit?
Sides turn your biscuit into a complete meal. Waffle House offers three traditional Southern breakfast sides.
Stone-Ground Grits
Creamy, smooth texture with a mild corn flavor. Contains 100 calories per serving. Grits cook slowly with water until they reach the right consistency. Some locations add butter, which introduces dairy.
Grits provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The stone-grinding process preserves more nutrients than industrial processing.
Crispy Hashbrowns
Shredded potatoes from Basic American Foods scattered thin across the griddle. Contains 150 calories per regular serving. The flat top griddle technique creates maximum surface contact for that signature golden-brown crunch.
You can customize hashbrowns using the famous Waffle House lingo. Order them scattered (spread thin), smothered (with onions), covered (with cheese), or any combination you prefer.
Fresh Sliced Tomatoes
The lowest calorie option at just 20 calories per serving. Tomatoes provide a fresh, acidic contrast to rich proteins and cheese. They contain no gluten or dairy.
Tomatoes work particularly well for guests managing their carbohydrate intake. The glycemic index of tomatoes is significantly lower than grits or hashbrowns.
Side Options Comparison
| Side Choice | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Allergens |
| Grits | 100 | 2 | 21 | 1 | May contain Dairy |
| Hashbrowns | 150 | 2 | 18 | 8 | May contain Soy |
| Sliced Tomatoes | 20 | 1 | 4 | 0 | None |
Popular Build Your Own Combinations
Regular customers have identified winning combinations through years of experimentation. These builds balance flavor, texture, and nutrition.
The Classic Southern
Components: Biscuit base, country ham, scrambled egg, American cheese, grits
Why It Works: This combination delivers authentic Southern diner culture. The salty country ham pairs with mild American cheese. Creamy grits complement the flaky biscuit. Total calories: approximately 610.
The High Protein Builder
Components: Biscuit base, large bacon, two fried eggs, cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes
Why It Works: Maximum protein with lower carbs than other combinations. Two eggs plus four bacon strips provide about 24 grams of protein. Tomatoes replace starchy sides. Total calories: approximately 580.
The Hearty Traveler
Components: Biscuit base, large sausage, scrambled egg with cheese, hashbrowns scattered and covered
Why It Works: High calorie count keeps you full during long drives. The Interstate Oasis reputation of Waffle House makes this ideal for road trips. Total calories: approximately 950.
The Keto Adapted Option
Components: No biscuit base, bacon, two fried eggs, Swiss cheese, sliced tomatoes
Why It Works: Removes the biscuit to drop carbs below 10 grams total. High fat from eggs, bacon, and cheese maintains ketosis. Total calories: approximately 440.
How Do You Order Your Custom Biscuit?
Walk up to the counter or sit at a booth. Tell your server you want to build your own biscuit. Start with these steps:
Step One: State your protein choice and size. Example: “Large bacon” or “Regular sausage.”
Step Two: Specify your egg preference. Example: “Two scrambled eggs” or “One fried egg over easy.”
Step Three: Add cheese if desired. Example: “Add American cheese” or “Cheddar cheese on top.”
Step Four: Choose your side. Example: “Hashbrowns scattered and covered” or “Grits with butter.”
Step Five: Mention any modifications. Example: “Extra crispy bacon” or “Light on the salt.”
The cook receives your order and begins preparation immediately. Most custom biscuits arrive within 5 to 7 minutes.
What Are the Total Calories in Your Build?
Calculate your total by adding each component. Use the nutrition tables provided earlier in this guide.
Example Calculation:
- Biscuit base: 250 calories
- Regular bacon: 90 calories
- One scrambled egg: 90 calories
- American cheese: 50 calories
- Grits: 100 calories
- Total: 580 calories
Most custom biscuits range from 400 to 900 calories depending on your selections. The lowest calorie build (biscuit, city ham, one egg, tomatoes) totals about 470 calories. The highest (biscuit, large sausage, two eggs with cheese, hashbrowns) exceeds 950 calories.
Is the Build Your Own Biscuit Gluten Free?
No. The biscuit base contains wheat flour and cannot be prepared gluten free. However, you can create a gluten free meal by eliminating the biscuit.
Order your proteins, eggs, and sides as a plate. All proteins (bacon, sausage, ham) contain no gluten. Eggs are naturally gluten free. Grits and tomatoes also lack gluten.
The Warning: Waffle House cooks all items on a shared flat top griddle. Cross contamination with bread products occurs regularly. If you have celiac disease, inform your server so the cook can take extra precautions.
What About Cross Contamination?
The high volume short order cooking environment makes complete separation difficult. Toast, biscuits, and other wheat products share the same griddle surface as eggs and proteins.
The cook uses the same spatulas throughout service. Flour particles from biscuits can transfer to other foods. This creates risk for people with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Can You Make It Keto Friendly?
Yes, with simple modifications. Remove the biscuit base to eliminate 32 grams of carbohydrates. Focus on proteins, eggs, cheese, and low carb sides.
The Keto Build: Two fried eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, and sliced tomatoes. Skip grits and hashbrowns. This combination provides high fat and protein with minimal carbs.
A low-carb, keto-adapted biscuit packs about 5–8 grams of carbs, 25–30 grams of protein, and 30–40 grams of fat, varying with protein and cheese selections.
Does Adding Cheese Help With Keto?
Absolutely. Cheese contains less than 1 gram of carbs per slice while adding 4 to 5 grams of fat. This improves your fat to protein ratio for maintaining ketosis.
Swiss and cheddar cheeses contain slightly more fat than American cheese. Choose these varieties when optimizing for a ketogenic diet.
Allergen Information for All Components
| Ingredient | Contains | Safe For |
| Biscuit Base | Wheat, Gluten, Dairy | Not gluten free or dairy-free |
| Bacon | Pork | gluten free, dairy-free |
| Sausage | Pork, Soy | Dairy-free only |
| City Ham | Pork | gluten free, dairy-free |
| Country Ham | Pork | gluten free, dairy-free |
| Eggs | Egg | gluten free, dairy-free |
| American Cheese | Dairy | gluten free only |
| Cheddar Cheese | Dairy | gluten free only |
| Swiss Cheese | Dairy | gluten free only |
| Grits | May contain Dairy | Often gluten free |
| Hashbrowns | May contain Soy | Often dairy-free |
| Tomatoes | None | gluten free, dairy-free |
Always inform your server about severe allergies. The kitchen staff can take additional steps to minimize cross contact during preparation.
How Does Pricing Work?
The base biscuit starts at approximately $2.50. Each additional component adds to the final cost:
- Protein (regular): $2.00-$2.50
- Protein (large): $3.50-$4.50
- One egg: $1.50
- Cheese slice: $0.50
- Side: $2.00-$2.50
A complete Build Your Own Biscuit typically costs between $5.50 and $8.00. Complex builds with large proteins and multiple eggs can reach $10.00.
Pricing varies by location. Urban restaurants and tourist areas charge slightly more than small-town locations across the Southern United States.
What Makes This Better Than Pre Made Biscuits?
Pre made biscuit sandwiches on the Waffle House menu offer convenience but limit your choices. The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit includes specific portions of each ingredient.
Building your own lets you adjust every element. Want extra protein? Add more. Prefer less fat? Choose city ham over sausage. Need specific dietary accommodations? Customize accordingly.
The made to order approach ensures freshness. Your biscuit assembles right after each component finishes cooking. Nothing sits under heat lamps waiting for service.
When Can You Order a Build Your Own Biscuit?
Waffle House operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Order your custom biscuit at any time. The full menu remains available during all hours.
This constant availability serves shift workers, travelers, and anyone with non-traditional schedules. The 24 hour diner culture of Waffle House means your breakfast never waits for specific serving times.
Tips for First Time Builders
Start simple on your first visit. Order a basic combination like bacon, egg, and cheese with grits. This helps you understand the portion sizes and flavors.
Watch the cook work from the counter seats. The open kitchen layout lets you see short-order cooking in action. You’ll notice how the flat top griddle handles multiple orders simultaneously.
Ask your server for recommendations. Staff members know which combinations customers order most frequently. They can suggest builds based on your preferences.
Don’t hesitate to modify it during ordering. The flexible system encourages adjustments. If you change your mind about a side or want to add extra cheese, just speak up.
How Does It Compare to Fast Food Breakfast?
Major fast food chains offer breakfast sandwiches with fixed ingredients. You might choose between two or three preset combinations. Customization options remain limited.
Waffle House provides genuine made to order cooking. Each ingredient is prepared separately on the griddle. The cook assembles your exact specifications without restrictions.
Quality differs significantly. Rose Acre Farms eggs, Hickory smoked bacon, and freshly baked biscuits surpass typical fast food ingredients. The flat top griddle creates textures and flavors impossible with commercial warming equipment.
Price competitiveness varies. Fast-food breakfast sandwiches cost $4 to $6 for basic versions. The Waffle House Build Your Own option costs $5.50-8.00 but includes larger portions and higher quality components.
What About Nutritional Balance?
A balanced Build Your Own biscuit includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The eggs provide essential amino acids. The biscuit delivers quick energy. The protein choice adds satiety.
For Active Individuals: Choose larger protein portions and hashbrowns. This combination provides calories and nutrients for physical demands.
For Weight Management: Skip the biscuit base. Focus on eggs, lean proteins like city ham, and tomatoes. This reduces calories while maintaining protein.
For Sustained Energy: Include grits or hashbrowns for complex carbohydrates. These digest slower than simple sugars, preventing energy crashes.
Related Waffle House Menu Items
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: Pre-made version with standard portions. Faster service but less customization.
Sausage Biscuit: Simple combination for quick meals. Contains sausage and biscuit only.
City Ham Biscuits: Features grilled city ham on a fresh biscuit. Add eggs and cheese if desired.
All-Star Special: Complete breakfast with eggs, protein, hashbrowns, grits, and toast. More components than a single biscuit.
Making Your Perfect Biscuit Choice
The Build Your Own Biscuit option reflects the core philosophy at Waffle House: food prepared exactly how you want it. No preset combinations limit your choices. Every component cooks fresh to order.
This flexibility accommodates dietary restrictions, personal preferences, and appetite levels. Whether you need a quick 400-calorie breakfast or a substantial 900-calorie meal, you control every variable.
The tradition of short-order cooking at Waffle House dates back to the first location in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Founders Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner built the business on customization and quality. That commitment continues in every Build Your Own Biscuit served today.
Try building your perfect biscuit on your next visit. Start with one combination, then experiment with different proteins, eggs, cheeses, and sides. You’ll discover why millions of customers trust Waffle House for their customized breakfast needs.
FAQ’s
How Much Does a Build Your Own Biscuit Cost at Waffle House?
A Build Your Own Biscuit usually costs between $5.50 and $8.00, depending on your selections. The base biscuit starts around $2.50. Adding proteins, eggs, cheese, and sides increases the final price. Larger protein portions and multiple eggs cost extra.
Can You Order a Build Your Own Biscuit Without the Biscuit Base?
Yes. You can request your proteins, eggs, and sides served on a plate instead of inside a biscuit. This removes about 250 calories and 32 grams of carbs. The kitchen prepares the food the same way but serves each item separately.
What’s the Healthiest Build Your Own Biscuit Combination?
A lighter option skips the biscuit base and includes city ham, one fried egg, and sliced tomatoes. This combination comes in at about 220 calories with 16 grams of protein and roughly 7 grams of carbs.
Can You Add Extra Bacon or Sausage to Your Biscuit?
Yes. You can order a large protein portion to get double the standard amount. Additional proteins can also be added for an extra charge. Some guests choose to add both bacon and sausage to one biscuit.
Is the Build Your Own Biscuit Available All Day?
Yes. Waffle House serves its full menu 24 hours a day throughout the year. You can order a custom biscuit at any time, whether it is early morning or late at night.
What Cheese Melts Best on a Waffle House Biscuit?
American cheese melts the most smoothly and evenly. It is placed on the hot protein while it is still on the griddle. Cheddar and Swiss also melt well but have a stronger flavor.
Can You Order a Build Your Own Biscuit for Takeout?
Yes. All Waffle House locations offer takeout. Your custom biscuit can be packaged for travel. Some locations also provide delivery through third-party apps, depending on availability.
How Many Calories Are in a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit?
A biscuit with regular bacon, one scrambled egg, and American cheese contains about 480 calories. Adding grits or hashbrowns will increase the total calorie count.
What’s the Difference Between City Ham and Country Ham?
City ham is wet-cured and has a milder flavor with less salt. Country ham is dry-cured with heavy salt, giving it a stronger taste, firmer texture, and deeper red color.
Can You Get Turkey or Chicken Instead of Pork?
No. Waffle House biscuit proteins are limited to pork options such as bacon, sausage, city ham, and country ham. Poultry options are not available for Build Your Own Biscuit orders.
Does the Biscuit Contain Dairy?
Yes. The biscuit contains butter and buttermilk. Guests with dairy allergies should avoid the biscuit base. The proteins and eggs do not contain dairy unless cheese is added.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Custom Biscuit?
Most custom biscuit orders are ready within 5 to 7 minutes. The cook prepares all components on the flat-top griddle at the same time. More complex orders may take slightly longer.
Can You Order Just the Biscuit Without Any Fillings?
Yes. You can order a plain biscuit for around $2.50. It is served with butter and jelly on the side and is commonly ordered with coffee.
What’s the Most Popular Build Your Own Combination?
The most popular choice is a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit with a side of hashbrowns. Many guests order their hashbrowns scattered, smothered, and covered.
Are the Eggs Real or Powdered?
Waffle House uses real eggs sourced from Rose Acre Farms. Scrambled eggs are blended before cooking for a fluffy texture, while fried eggs are cracked directly onto the griddle.