Description
Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a deliciously crispy and cheesy twist on traditional cornbread. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeños, these waffles bring a perfect balance of spicy heat and savory richness. Ready in just 35 minutes, they make a fantastic savory breakfast, brunch, or snack option that’s easy to prepare using a waffle iron.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crispy waffles.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed ensuring your waffles rise perfectly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the waffles light and tender.
- Fold in Cheese and Jalapeños: Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to evenly distribute the flavors without breaking down the batter texture.
- Grease Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle onto the waffle iron and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown, crispy, and firm to touch.
- Check for Doneness: Lift the lid carefully to check if the waffles are cooked through and not sticking; if needed, cook a minute longer for an extra crispy texture.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or include them if you prefer spicier waffles.
- Serving the waffles immediately ensures they remain crispy.
- These waffles can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while cooking additional batches.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor.
- Use buttermilk or substitute with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if necessary.
