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To make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles, you'll need the following: - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar) - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled) - 1 tablespoon honey (optional) - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish) These ingredients blend together to create a waffle that is both savory and a bit spicy. The cornmeal gives a lovely texture, while the cheddar cheese adds rich flavor. If you don’t have some ingredients, here are easy swaps: - Cornmeal: You can use polenta or fine semolina for a similar texture. - All-purpose flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. - Buttermilk: Mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. - Vegetable oil: Use melted butter or olive oil instead. These substitutes work well without changing the taste too much! You can customize your waffles further: - Add-ins: Try adding cooked bacon bits or sweet corn for extra flavor. - Toppings: Serve with butter, syrup, or a dollop of sour cream. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, also brighten the dish. Feel free to get creative! These waffles are a great base for your favorite flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar) - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled) - 1 tablespoon honey (optional) - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish) Make sure to chop your jalapeños ahead of time. This helps the cooking process go smoothly. If you prefer a milder taste, use pickled jalapeños. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to avoid clumps. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk. Then, add the buttermilk and vegetable oil. If you like a hint of sweetness, mix in the honey. Stir until it is smooth. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Use a spatula to gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps in the batter are just fine. Next, add the cheddar cheese and jalapeños. Fold gently to mix them in. Preheat your waffle iron as per the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease the iron with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffles turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Carefully take out the waffles. Keep them warm in a low oven as you cook the rest of the batter. Serve the waffles hot. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy them plain, or add butter, syrup, or sour cream for extra flavor. To get the best waffles, start with fresh ingredients. Use sharp cheddar cheese for strong flavor. Diced jalapeños add a nice kick. Make sure not to overmix the batter. A few lumps help keep the waffles light and fluffy. Let your waffle iron preheat fully before pouring in the batter. This step ensures a crispy outside. One common mistake is mixing the batter too much. This leads to dense waffles. Another error is not greasing the waffle iron properly. If the waffles stick, it can ruin your breakfast. Also, remember to check the cooking time. If you open the iron too soon, the waffles may not cook through. Serve your waffles hot for the best taste. I love to top them with chives for a fresh touch. For extra flavor, try adding butter or sour cream. If you want sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup on top. You can also serve them with chili or a spicy salsa for a fun twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños provide a vibrant flavor and texture, but if you prefer less heat, opt for pickled ones instead. Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to rest for about 10 minutes can help improve the texture of the waffles, making them fluffier. Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can mix in other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles. Keep Waffles Warm: If making multiple batches, keep finished waffles in a low oven (around 200°F) to maintain their crispiness until ready to serve. {{image_2}} If you love heat, you can spice things up! Try adding more jalapeños. Use 1 cup of diced jalapeños instead of 1/2 cup. For even more kick, add chopped serrano peppers or red chili flakes to the batter. These options bring a fiery punch to your waffles. You can also serve them with hot sauce on top for extra flavor. While sharp cheddar is great, you can switch it up! Use Monterey Jack for a creamier taste. Pepper Jack adds both heat and flavor. For a richer experience, try Gruyère. Each cheese brings its own twist to the dish. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique blend. Want to try something different? Add a tablespoon of honey to the batter. This gives a nice sweetness that pairs well with the spicy jalapeños. You can also serve the waffles with maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings create a sweet and savory balance. Consider garnishing with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair. To keep leftover Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles fresh, first let them cool. Place the cooled waffles in an airtight container. You can stack them with parchment paper in between. This step helps to prevent sticking. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy your waffles again, you can easily reheat them. You have two quick options. The first is the toaster. Toast each waffle until it is warm and crispy. The second option is the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the waffles on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. Both methods help keep the waffles tasty and fresh. If you want to save some waffles for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Write the date on the bag for easy tracking. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, simply reheat from frozen using the toaster or oven. Enjoy your delicious waffles anytime! Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. This will help maintain the texture. Just remember that different brands may change the taste or texture a bit. Test it out and see what you like best! To make these waffles vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs. Use one tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. For the buttermilk, use plant-based milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. The vegetable oil is already vegan, so you’re good to go! You can serve these waffles with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Butter or vegan butter for spreading - Maple syrup for a sweet touch - Sour cream or a dairy-free alternative for creaminess - Salsa for a zesty kick - Chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness Feel free to mix and match your favorites! We covered everything you need for making great waffles. You learned about key ingredients, substitutes, and tasty add-ins. I also shared tips for perfect texture, common mistakes, and serving suggestions. You can create spicy, cheesy, or sweet variations for your taste. Lastly, we explored storage and reheating options to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy these waffles your way, and don’t be afraid to experiment! The fun is in trying new flavors and combinations. Happy cooking!

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles

Deliciously crispy cornbread waffles infused with sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add in the buttermilk and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth. If using honey, stir it in as well.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the batter, mixing gently to incorporate.
  • Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the iron (about 1/2 cup or as suggested by the manufacturer), lower the lid, and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, usually about 5 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the waffles and keep them warm in a low oven while you repeat with the remaining batter.
  • Serve the waffles hot, garnished with chopped chives, and enjoy on their own or with butter, syrup or a dollop of sour cream for an extra kick.

Notes

Serve with butter, syrup, or sour cream for added flavor.
Keyword cheddar, cornbread, jalapeño, waffles