1. Preheat your waffle iron: Plug in your waffle iron and let it heat up fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly spray or brush the grids with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.

2. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk them together until well combined and relatively smooth. Don’t worry if there are still small cottage cheese curds; they will blend in during cooking.

3. Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until no dry streaks remain and a thick batter forms. Let the batter sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the psyllium husk to absorb moisture and thicken.

4. Pour batter onto the waffle iron: Once the waffle iron is hot, pour about 1/2 cup of batter (or the amount recommended by your waffle iron for one waffle) onto the center of the hot grids.

5. Cook until golden and crispy: Close the lid and cook for 4-7 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crispy to your liking. Cooking time will vary based on your waffle iron model. You’ll know it’s done when the steam stops escaping and the waffle lifts easily from the iron.

6. Remove and repeat: Carefully remove the cooked waffle with a fork or tongs and place it on a wire rack to prevent it from getting soggy. Repeat with the remaining batter until all waffles are cooked.

7. Serve immediately: Enjoy your fresh, warm protein waffles with your favorite toppings!