If you love the cozy comfort of cornbread combined with a spicy, cheesy twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden waffles infused with sharp cheddar cheese and just the right kick of pickled jalapeños, creating a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dinner, these waffles bring a unique, savory flair to your table that’s as exciting as it is comforting. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure and make some magic happen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the gritty texture of cornmeal to the sharp zing of cheddar and the spicy tang of jalapeños, all coming together to create a truly satisfying treat.
- Cornmeal: Adds a hearty texture and that unmistakable cornbread flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and lightness to the waffles.
- Baking powder: Helps give the waffles a fluffy rise.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing savory and spicy notes.
- Buttermilk: Brings a gentle tang and moisture, making the waffles tender.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the waffles beautifully.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the fluffy texture.
- Honey (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a bold, melty creaminess with an irresistible bite.
- Pickled jalapeños: Provide a bright, zesty heat that wakes up every taste bud.
- Cooking spray or extra melted butter: Prevents sticking and enhances crispness on your waffle iron.
How to Make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Start by heating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s important to grease it lightly using cooking spray or melted butter to ensure the waffles release easily once cooked, preserving their perfect shape and crispy edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination sets the base of your cornbread waffle, giving it that classic texture and flavor you love.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and optional honey. The buttermilk adds tang, while the melted butter ensures a golden crust, and the eggs bring structure to your batter.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring just until combined. It’s key here not to overmix, since you want light, tender waffles instead of dense and tough ones. A few lumps are perfectly okay.
Step 5: Fold In the Cheddar and Jalapeños
Now for the flavor punch! Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly throughout the batter. This step transforms the waffles, giving them their signature cheesy-spicy character.
Step 6: Cook Those Waffles
Carefully spoon about 125 to 160 milliliters of batter onto your hot waffle iron—adjust according to your appliance’s size. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and set. This is the moment they develop their irresistible crispiness.
Step 7: Serve While Warm
Remove your savory waffles with care and serve them immediately. Their warm, melty, spicy-cheesy goodness is best enjoyed fresh, though you can jazz them up with your favorite toppings too.
Step 8: Add Optional Complements
Try enhancing your meal by pairing these waffles with fried eggs, crispy bacon, or a spoonful of spicy salsa for a hearty, satisfying plate that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with garnishes can elevate each bite. Consider adding a pat of creamy butter melting on top, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a dollop of cooling sour cream, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-spicy contrast.
Side Dishes
For a truly delightful meal, pair these waffles with sunny-side-up or scrambled eggs, crispy skillet bacon, or a fresh, zesty avocado salad. The contrast between spicy waffles and these sides makes every forkful even more exciting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box can turn your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles into something spectacular. Stack them high for a waffle sandwich with sliced turkey, arugula, and chipotle mayo. Or break into bite-sized pieces and serve as a fun appetizer with a smoky salsa dip. Perfect for brunch parties or weekend treats!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the waffles fresh and flavorful, ready to reheat for a quick meal or snack.
Freezing
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles freeze beautifully. Layer waffles with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes for a convenient option when you want to enjoy this recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat and restore that crispy texture, toast leftover waffles in a toaster or air fryer until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the waffles soggy and diminish their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without pickled jalapeños?
Definitely! You can substitute fresh jalapeños for a fresher heat or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder waffle. Just keep in mind the pickled jalapeños add a unique tang and brightness that fresh ones won’t replicate exactly.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal thanks to its bold flavor and great melting qualities, but you could experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for extra spice.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but you’ll miss out on the slight tang and tender texture buttermilk provides. If you don’t have buttermilk, try mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
How spicy are these waffles?
The heat level depends on the amount of jalapeños you add and your tolerance for spice. Pickled jalapeños typically have a milder, vinegary heat, but feel free to adjust based on your preference or opt for a milder pepper.
Can these waffles be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe is a vibrant and irresistible way to bring a savory twist to your brunch or dinner table. With its perfect balance of cheesy richness, spicy kick, and tender crumb, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Don’t wait to give it a try—once you indulge, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these waffles in your life.
Print
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a savory twist on classic cornbread, featuring sharp cheddar cheese and spicy pickled jalapeños. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they make a perfect breakfast or brunch choice with a kick of flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 130 g cornmeal
- 130 g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 240 ml buttermilk
- 60 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Add-ins
- 120 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 45 g pickled jalapeños, chopped
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing the waffle iron
Instructions
- Preheat and grease waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent the batter from sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and uniform in texture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey (if using) until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Fold in cheese and jalapeños: Gently fold the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños into the batter until evenly distributed throughout.
- Cook the waffles: Spoon about 125–160 ml of batter onto the preheated waffle iron, adjusting the amount depending on the size of your appliance. Close the lid and cook for 4–5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and set.
- Serve immediately: Carefully remove the waffles and serve hot. Enhance with butter, extra cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of honey as preferred.
- Optional accompaniments: Serve alongside fried eggs, crispy bacon, or spicy salsa for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Adjust the amount of chopped jalapeños to control spiciness according to your taste.
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best melting and flavor.
- Waffles are best enjoyed immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk and vinegar mixture and use vegan butter and cheese alternatives.
