Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite brunch star: Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. These savory, cheesy waffles deliver a festival of flavor with every bite thanks to sharp cheddar and tangy jalapeños, balanced by that unmistakable cornbread heartiness. Crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and dotted with vibrant pops of spice, they’re just as welcome at a leisurely weekend breakfast as they are as a fun dinner side. Whether you love a bit of heat with your comfort food or simply crave a bold and satisfying twist on classic waffles, this dish checks all the boxes — and then some!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles come together with kitchen staples and a short shopping list. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the rich taste, golden color, and irresistible texture that make these waffles so special.
- Cornmeal: Lends that classic cornbread flavor and gives the waffles their signature crumbly, tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal for structure, ensuring the waffles bake up fluffy, not gritty.
- Baking powder: Essential for lift—this helps the waffles puff up and turn out light rather than dense.
- Baking soda: Teams up with buttermilk to enhance rise and add a hint of tang.
- Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop and keep the balance right.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, working with the leaveners for a tender crumb and classic cornbread taste.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Boosts richness and helps create that crave-worthy golden waffle exterior.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness, helping everything hold together.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For creamy, tangy pockets of cheese in every bite—use the sharpest cheddar you love.
- Pickled jalapeños, chopped: Brings bold, zippy flavor and a welcome kick. Adjust the amount for your perfect spice level.
- Honey (optional): Adds a whisper of sweetness, highlighting the savory and spicy notes beautifully.
- Cooking spray or melted butter for the waffle iron: Keeps those golden waffles from sticking and provides even browning.
How to Make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Waffle Iron
Start by firing up your waffle iron—it’s essential to get a nice, hot surface for crisp, golden results. Give the plates a light coating of cooking spray or a swipe of melted butter to guarantee your waffles slide right out and stay intact. This little prep step makes all the difference when it’s go-time!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Giving these dry ingredients a good whisk ensures that your batter will be evenly mixed, helping the waffles bake up tender with just the right amount of rise.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey, if you’re using it. This creamy mixture brings richness, moisture, and flavor to the batter, with the honey offering a subtle sweet note that echoes classic cornbread.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in the Good Stuff
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir gently—just enough to incorporate everything. Don’t worry about a few lumps; overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Fold in the sharp cheddar and chopped pickled jalapeños for pops of gooey cheese and bright, zesty heat in each bite.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Spoon your batter into the preheated waffle iron (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup, depending on your machine), spreading gently to the edges. Close the lid and cook until your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through—usually 4 to 5 minutes, but trust your eyes and nose.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully lift out the hot waffles and serve immediately. On their own, they’re sensational, but you can add extra toppings—think a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a drizzle of honey for the ultimate flavor celebration!
How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
Garnishes
The right garnishes make these Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles truly shine. Try chopped fresh cilantro for freshness, an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese for more melty goodness, or a few more pickled jalapeño slices for extra heat. A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of tangy sour cream adds contrast and elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your waffles with crispy bacon, fried or poached eggs, or even a scoop of chili for a hearty and memorable meal. For a brunch spread, scrambled eggs, avocado slices, or a crisp mixed greens salad bring balance and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the waffles into wedges and stack them high for a fun, shareable appetizer, or use them as the base for eggs Benedict with a Southwest twist. You can also sandwich pulled pork or grilled chicken between two waffles for a savory, Southern-inspired meal that people will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They stay surprisingly tender and flavorful, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, and you can pull out just what you need for an easy, delicious meal any time.
Reheating
Reheat waffles straight from the fridge or freezer in a toaster or oven at 350°F until hot and crispy—just 5 to 10 minutes does the trick. This brings back the signature crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and cheesy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Absolutely! Fresh jalapeños add a clean, grassy heat to your Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. Just be sure to dice them finely, and consider removing the seeds if you want to dial down the spice.
What kind of cheddar works best?
Sharp cheddar is the best choice for bold, cheesy flavor that stands out. If you want a milder taste, feel free to use medium cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
How spicy are these waffles?
It’s totally customizable. The pickled jalapeños add a manageable kick you can easily adjust up or down depending on your spice tolerance. For extra heat, add fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
Can I make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon to ensure the waffles hold together well.
How do I keep waffles crispy if making a big batch?
To keep Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles crisp while you finish a batch, place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F). This way, they stay hot and crunchy until it’s time to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun and flavor-packed way to shake up your brunch routine, these Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are the answer. Whether you love cheesy, spicy dishes or just want something delightfully different, give this recipe a try—you’re going to want to make them again and again!
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Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 4–6 waffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a savory and slightly spicy twist on classic waffles. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños gives these waffles a delicious kick, perfect for a unique breakfast or brunch treat.
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 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
For Cooking:
- 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. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour an appropriate amount of batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook according to the machine’s instructions until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve hot. Enjoy on their own or with toppings like butter, cheese, sour cream, or honey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles, savory waffles, breakfast recipe, brunch recipe, cheesy waffles
