Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a spicy and savory twist on classic cornbread, made with sharp cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these waffles are great for breakfast, brunch, or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for the waffle iron
Instructions
- Prepare the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey (if using) until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour an appropriate amount of batter (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup, depending on your waffle iron) onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook according to the machine’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve hot. They’re delicious on their own, or you can top them with butter, additional cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor.
- Enjoy: Pair your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with fried eggs, bacon, or even a spicy salsa for a delightful meal!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- Use pickled jalapeños for extra tang and flavor; fresh jalapeños can be substituted but will be less pickled in taste.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough waffles; small lumps are fine.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, use 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Use cooking spray or melted butter to ensure waffles don’t stick to the waffle iron.
- For a sweeter balance, include the optional honey or serve with a drizzle of honey on top.
- Leftover waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven for crispiness.
