Description
These Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a flavorful twist on traditional cornbread, combining sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños in a crispy, golden waffle form. Perfect for a savory brunch or a comforting snack, they offer a delightful balance of heat and cheesy richness with a tender crumb and crunchy exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs then add the buttermilk and melted butter. Mix well to blend all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add cheese and peppers: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeño pepper, and chives or green onions if using, ensuring even distribution without overworking the batter.
- Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or melted butter to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook waffles: Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve hot: Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and serve immediately. Optionally, top with sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot honey, or your favorite brunch accompaniments for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- To make these waffles gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Buttermilk can be substituted with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
- Leftover waffles reheat well in a toaster or oven to regain crispiness.
