Description
Delight in these crispy, cheesy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles that combine the classic flavors of cornbread with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Perfectly golden and packed with sharp cheddar, they’re an irresistible twist on breakfast or a savory snack.
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 the waffle iron: Follow your waffle iron manufacturer’s instructions to preheat it appropriately before cooking the batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the waffles tender.
- Incorporate add-ins: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños carefully to distribute evenly without overworking the batter.
- Prepare the waffle iron: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Pour batter and cook: Pour about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle onto the preheated waffle iron, then close the lid.
- Cook until golden and crispy: Cook the waffles for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown, firm to the touch, and easily lift off without sticking. Adjust timing based on your waffle iron.
Notes
- For milder waffles, remove all jalapeño seeds; keep some seeds for extra heat.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast with the jalapeños, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
- Serve waffles with butter, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a savory-sweet finish.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough waffles; a few lumps are okay.
