If you love the cozy warmth of cornbread combined with a little spicy kick and cheesy goodness, then you are going to fall in love with the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe. This unique twist on classic waffles brings together the crumbly texture of cornbread and the melty richness of sharp cheddar, all balanced perfectly with tangy pickled jalapeños. Whether you’re aiming to spice up your brunch routine or looking for a savory treat that doubles as a snack or side, these waffles deliver warmth, flavor, and a touch of southern charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but are absolutely crucial for creating that perfect harmony of flavors and texture in your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe. Each one adds a distinct note, from the crispy edges to the fluffy inside with a spicy zing.
- Cornmeal: Provides the signature grainy texture and authentic cornbread flavor that’s essential for these waffles.
- All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal and helps create a light, airy batter.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give your waffles that delightful rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together perfectly.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the batter for a moist result.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Provides rich flavor and helps crisp the edges of the waffles.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the batter.
- Honey (optional): Just a touch for subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully into the waffles, giving a sharp, savory burst.
- Pickled jalapeños, chopped: Bring a tangy, spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Cooking spray or melted butter: Essential for greasing the waffle iron to prevent sticking while ensuring crispiness.
How to Make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Before you start mixing, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A well-heated iron ensures your waffles cook evenly with a golden crust. Lightly grease it using cooking spray or melted butter to keep your waffles from sticking and to enhance crispiness.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniform. This creates the base of your batter, making sure the leavening is well distributed so your waffles rise perfectly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey (if you decide to add that gentle sweetness). Aim for a smooth mixture; this blend is what adds moisture and richness to your batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk just until everything is combined—overmixing can make your waffles tough, and we definitely want light and fluffy with a tender crumb. Next, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly throughout the batter, giving each waffle a perfect cheesy, spicy balance.
Step 5: Cook Your Waffles
Spoon about 125 to 160 milliliters of batter (adjust based on your waffle iron size) onto the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and set, usually around 4-5 minutes per batch. The wait is worth it when you get that crispy exterior giving way to moist, flavorful insides with each bite.
Step 6: Serve While Hot
Carefully remove the waffles and serve immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast of crunchy and melty textures. Top with a dollop of butter, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, or even a drizzle of honey for a contrasting hint of sweetness.
Step 7: Add Substantial Complements
For a truly memorable meal, pair your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe with hearty options like fried eggs, crispy bacon, or a spicy salsa. These additions transform the waffles into a fulfilling and balanced dish that will impress any brunch guest or satisfy your savory cravings.
How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some sliced green onions add fresh brightness that perfectly complements the rich and spicy waffles. A little drizzle of honey can bring in a lovely sweet contrast that balances the heat of the jalapeños.
Side Dishes
Try pairing these waffles with crispy bacon, sausage links, or even some fresh fruit salad for a combination of savory and sweet. A fried or poached egg on top can also add extra protein and richness, making your plate a truly complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe high and insert a few extra jalapeño slices between layers for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with bowls of salsa or guacamole on the side, or create a waffle sandwich with pulled pork, slaw, and pickles for a fun and crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover waffles, let them cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. They remain tasty and ready for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
To enjoy these waffles later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can last up to two months. This way, you can bring the spicy cornbread waffle goodness back to life anytime you want with minimal hassle.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen waffles in a toaster or oven to reclaim their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want them to maintain that perfect crunchy exterior. A couple of minutes on medium heat works wonders, making them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make these waffles without pickled jalapeños?
Absolutely! You can substitute with fresh jalapeños or mild green chilies if you prefer less tang or spice. Just adjust the quantity to your heat tolerance and keep the flavor balance in mind.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or a mild mozzarella for a gooey texture without overpowering the dish.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
You can, but buttermilk adds acidity which reacts with the baking soda for better rise and a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How spicy are these waffles?
The pickled jalapeños give a pleasant, balanced heat that isn’t overwhelming. However, heat level depends on how many jalapeños you use and their spice on the Scoville scale. Feel free to adjust to your personal preference.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. The waffles will still turn out wonderfully crisp and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the fusion of cheesy cornbread and spicy jalapeños cooked into crispy waffles, and I can’t recommend the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe enough for your next breakfast, brunch, or anytime snack. It’s straightforward, bursting with flavor, and impressively versatile. Grab your waffle iron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve up some seriously irresistible waffles your family and friends will ask for again and again.
Print
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles combine the savory flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and spicy pickled jalapeños with the grainy texture of cornmeal in a crisp, golden waffle. Perfect for a flavorful breakfast or brunch, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cornbread by turning it into easy-to-make waffles with a bit of heat and cheesy richness.
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
Instructions
- Preheat and grease waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent the waffles from sticking during cooking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is uniform and lumps are broken down.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey (if using) until fully combined and smooth to ensure even distribution of wet elements.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk just until combined, being careful not to overmix which can lead to dense waffles. Then, fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly throughout the batter.
- Cook the waffles: Spoon about 125–160 ml of batter onto the preheated waffle iron, adjusting according to your appliance size. Close the lid and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes or until waffles are golden brown and fully set.
- Serve warm: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve immediately to enjoy their crispy texture. Top with butter, extra cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of honey if desired for added flavor.
- Optional accompaniments: Enhance your meal by serving the waffles alongside fried eggs, crispy bacon, or a spoonful of spicy salsa to make it more substantial and satisfying.
Notes
- To avoid overmixing the batter, stir until just combined to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Adjust the amount of chopped jalapeños to suit your heat preference; remove seeds for milder waffles.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 240 ml of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For extra crispy waffles, allow the waffle iron to fully preheat and avoid opening it frequently during cooking.
- Waffles can be kept warm in a low oven (around 95°C/200°F) while you finish cooking batches.
- These waffles freeze well; reheat in a toaster or oven for best texture.
