Step 1

1 Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees

Step 2

2 Place a towel-lined platter near your workspace

Step 3

3 Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet and transfer to the oven (no need to wait for it to be preheated)

Step 4

4 Roast the bacon for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it is crisped

Step 5

5 Transfer to the prepared platter, let cool for about 2 minutes and then coarsely chop

Step 6

6 While the bacon cooks, preheat a waffle maker to medium-high heat

Step 7

7 (If making more than a couple of waffles at a time, once the bacon is cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 200 degrees so you can keep the waffles warm as you prepare them

Step 8

8 )

Step 9

9 In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cheese, eggs, flour, scallions, butter, baking powder, salt, if using, and pepper

Step 10

10 Add the bacon and stir until well combined

Step 11

11 For a Belgian waffle maker, add about 1 1/2 cups of the batter (you may need less, depending on your waffle maker) and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp

Step 12

12 Transfer the waffle to a plate or place on a baking sheet in the warm oven

Step 13

13 Repeat with the remaining batter

Step 14

14 Serve waffles with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with sliced scallions or chives, if desired