There is something utterly irresistible about combining the comforting, golden goodness of cornbread with the crispy, textured delight of waffles, all jazzed up with sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños. This Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe brings together a perfect balance of cheesy richness and a gentle kick of heat, resulting in a savory treat that works wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, or even a creative dinner option. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the waffle iron, tender crumb from the cornbread, and bursts of flavor that’ll have you craving more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy cornbread with a spicy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance that makes these waffles stand out.
- Cornmeal: Provides that classic gritty texture and subtle sweetness that’s the foundation of cornbread.
- All-purpose flour: Supports structure and tenderness in the waffle batter.
- Sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy elements.
- Baking powder: Gives lift, ensuring your waffles come out light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Buttermilk: Supplies tanginess and moisture, reacting with the baking powder to create an airy crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the waffle’s rich texture.
- Melted butter: Adds moisture and a luscious, buttery note that enhances flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers a punch of cheesy goodness that melts beautifully inside the waffles.
- Fresh diced jalapeños: Bring fresh, zesty heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
How to Make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures a hot cooking surface for crispy waffles with that perfect golden crust every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the base of your waffle batter, making sure all the components are evenly distributed before adding moisture.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter, mixing until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The buttermilk adds tang and tenderness, while the eggs and butter bring richness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are fine and will ensure your waffles stay tender and light.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Jalapeños
Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the diced jalapeños (with seeds removed if you want less heat). These add bursts of gooey cheese and spicy flavor throughout each waffle.
Step 6: Prepare the Waffle Iron
Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or butter. This little step prevents sticking and helps achieve those crisp, golden edges that make waffles so delightful.
Step 7: Cook the Waffles
Pour about half a cup of batter per waffle onto the hot iron. Close the lid and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the waffles are crisp, golden, and firm to the touch. Check by lifting the lid gently; they should release easily without sticking.
How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
These waffles are fantastic on their own, but to take things up a notch, top them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast to the spicy jalapeños. Fresh chopped scallions or cilantro add a fresh, herby note that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty brunch, or pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a comforting dinner, they make a fantastic side alongside barbecue chicken or pulled pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the waffles with layers of sliced avocado and fried eggs for a savory breakfast stack. Or, use them as a base for a spicy chicken and cheese sandwich that will impress any crowd. The possibilities with this Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, they maintain their flavor and texture and are ready when you need a quick meal or snack.
Freezing
These waffles freeze beautifully. Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen waffles keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp exterior—reheating in the oven or toaster gives the best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen jalapeños instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Frozen jalapeños will work fine. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before folding them into your batter so your waffles stay nice and crispy.
How spicy are these waffles?
The heat level depends on how much jalapeño you add and whether you include the seeds. This recipe uses deseeded jalapeños for mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust to your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results might vary slightly. Make sure your gluten-free blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for best texture.
Is buttermilk necessary?
Buttermilk adds a lovely tang and reacts with the baking powder for fluffier waffles, but if you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I add other cheeses or ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for more spice or mozzarella for gooey meltiness. You could also toss in corn kernels or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe is such a rewarding experience because it combines unexpected elements into an irresistible dish that’s full of comforting, bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a special treat for yourself, these waffles bring warmth, texture, and just the right amount of spice to the table. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a cherished addition to your cooking repertoire!
Print
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles offer a crispy, cheesy delight with a spicy kick. Perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack, they combine the rich flavors of sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños with the comforting texture of traditional cornbread, all made effortlessly in a waffle iron for a unique twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions to ensure it’s ready for the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender waffles.
- Fold in add-ins: Gently fold the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños into the batter to distribute flavor evenly without overworking the batter.
- Prepare the waffle iron: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook the waffles: Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the waffle iron for each waffle. Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until waffles are golden brown, crispy, and firm to the touch.
- Check doneness and serve: Open the waffle iron carefully; waffles should not stick and should hold their shape. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat; leave some seeds if you prefer more spice.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor; mild cheddar works too but is less intense.
- For extra crispiness, cook the waffles a little longer but monitor closely to prevent burning.
- These waffles can be frozen and reheated in a toaster for a quick snack or breakfast.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep waffles fluffy and tender.
