Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles combine the classic southern comfort of cornbread with a spicy kick and cheesy richness, delivering a unique and flavorful twist perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these waffles are enhanced with sharp cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños for a balanced blend of heat and creaminess.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 waffles 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 for a touch of sweetness)
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (adjust for spice preference)
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for the waffle iron
- Prepare the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron following the manufacturer’s guidelines, then lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the waffles.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly until evenly combined for a consistent texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey until smooth to create a uniformly blended wet mixture that will keep the batter moist and flavorful.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—do not overmix—leaving some lumps intact. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly to distribute flavor and heat.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of batter (adjust based on your waffle iron size) onto the preheated iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the waffles with a spatula and serve them hot. They can be enjoyed plain or topped with butter, extra cheese, sour cream, or honey for added richness and sweetness.
- Enjoy: These flavorful waffles pair wonderfully with fried eggs, crispy bacon, or a spicy salsa for a complete and satisfying meal any time of day.
Notes
- You can adjust the quantity of jalapeños to control the heat level according to your preference.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor impact; mild cheddar will give a subtler taste.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- These waffles can be kept warm in a low oven if making in batches.
- Leftover waffles freeze well and can be reheated in a toaster or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle (assuming 6 waffles per recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cornbread waffles, cheddar jalapeño waffles, spicy cornbread, savory waffles, breakfast waffles, brunch recipes, easy waffles