Preheat waffle iron. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place baking sheet lined with cooling racks in oven.
Cook 6 strips bacon until crisp; drain and set aside.
Mix the following ingredients well in a large bowl:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar (light brown is best)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Make a well in the center of the combined ingredients, set aside.
Whisk eggs in a small bowl, pour into center of dry ingredients
Add butter and buttermilk, and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined; this mixture will be lumpy. If too stiff, add a bit of buttermilk
Gently fold in bacon, cheese and onions
Coat waffle iron well with melted butter or cooking spray
Proceed making waffles, keeping finished waffles warm and crisp in oven on the baking sheet
Serve with warmed maple syrup, or maple-mustard sauce.