Laura Mariano
A Bold Twist on Southern Comfort
Welcome to the world of crispy edges, gooey cheddar, and fiery jalapeños—where cornbread meets waffle iron for a spicy, savory upgrade. These cornbread waffles are golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving breakfast-for-dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s fast, fun, and full of personality—just like the best comfort food should be.
Perfect for spice lovers and cornbread fans alike, these waffles pair beautifully with chili, fried chicken, or a drizzle of honey. They’re easy to make, easy to freeze, and even easier to devour.
What Are Cornbread Waffles? (And Why Add Jalapeños & Cheddar?)
Cornbread waffles are exactly what they sound like: cornbread batter cooked in a waffle iron for a crispy, golden twist on a Southern classic. They’re hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—ideal for savory toppings or stand-alone snacking.
Adding sharp cheddar brings richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, while jalapeños add a spicy kick that cuts through the creaminess. The result? A perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
Unlike traditional cornbread, these waffles have built-in crunch and ridges that hold toppings beautifully. They’re great for layering with chili, pulled pork, or avocado—and just as tasty on their own.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Cornmeal: Fine grind yields a smoother texture, while medium grind adds rustic crunch. Choose based on your preference.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack adds extra heat and smoked gouda brings depth. Always use freshly grated cheese—it melts better and avoids clumping.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños offer bright heat; pickled ones add tang. Deseed for milder spice or leave seeds in for a fiery bite.
Liquid: Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness. Regular milk works too, but buttermilk gives a richer flavor.
Optional Add-ins: Scallions add freshness, bacon bits bring smoky crunch, and smoked paprika deepens the flavor profile.
Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and texture—it makes a noticeable difference in the final waffle.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and smoked paprika (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk (or milk), and melted butter or oil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Do not overmix—just stir until incorporated.
- Fold in grated cheese and chopped jalapeños. Add scallions or bacon bits if desired.
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with oil or cooking spray.
- Pour batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly. Cook until golden brown and crisp—usually 4–6 minutes depending on your waffle maker.
- Transfer waffles to a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps maintain crispness.
- Serve warm with toppings like sour cream, salsa, fried eggs, or honey drizzle.
Tip: Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the waffles light and tender.
Make-Ahead, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped waffles in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.
Tip: Cool waffles completely before freezing to prevent sogginess and ice crystals.
Customizing for Dietary Needs
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornmeal and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check baking powder for hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free: Swap cheddar for plant-based cheese and use almond, oat, or soy milk. Coconut oil or vegan butter works well too.
Vegan: Use egg substitutes like flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Combine with dairy-free swaps for a fully vegan version.
Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium cheese and skip added salt. Use unsalted butter and reduce processed add-ins like bacon.
These waffles are easy to adapt—just tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Breakdown & Healthier Tweaks
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles – Bold, Crispy & Irresistible!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Waffle iron
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1½ cups buttermilk (or milk)
- ¼ cup melted butter or oil
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (deseeded for less heat)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped scallions or cooked bacon bits
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and paprika.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry: Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in cheese and jalapeños: Add scallions or bacon if using.
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease.
- Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp (about 4–6 minutes per waffle).
- Cool on wire rack for maximum crunch.
- Serve warm with toppings like sour cream, salsa, fried eggs, or honey.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and texture.
- For gluten-free: use GF flour blend and cornmeal.
- For dairy-free: use plant-based milk and cheese.
- For vegan: use flax eggs and dairy-free swaps.
- Cool completely before freezing to avoid sogginess.
- Reheat in toaster or oven—not microwave—for crispiness.
- Try mini waffles for party platters or dipping.
