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Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles

Revolutionary breakfast meets Southern comfort in these Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles. Featuring the beloved flavors of cornbread with melted sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños, these crispy-outside, tender-inside waffles redefine what breakfast can be.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 waffles
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 315
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal medium grind
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 2-3 medium jalapeños seeded and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped, optional
  • cooking spray or melted butter for waffle iron
  • salted butter pats for serving
  • honey or maple syrup for serving
  • sour cream for serving
  • additional fresh chives for garnish

Equipment

  • Waffle iron
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Cooking spray or pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Use medium-high heat setting if available.
  2. In large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
  3. In separate medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth and well combined with no egg streaks visible.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Batter should be slightly lumpy – don't overmix.
  5. Fold in grated cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and fresh chives (if using) until evenly distributed. Batter will be thick but pourable.
  6. Lightly spray or brush waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter, even if using non-stick surface.
  7. Pour appropriate amount of batter into center of waffle iron (typically 1/2 to 3/4 cup). Spread slightly if needed, avoid overfilling.
  8. Close waffle iron and cook for 4-6 minutes until waffles are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time varies by waffle iron.
  9. Carefully remove waffle using tongs or fork. Cheese may make waffles slightly more delicate than sweet waffles.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, or keep warm in 200°F oven on wire rack for up to 15 minutes if making multiple batches.
  11. Top with desired accompaniments such as butter, honey, sour cream, or additional jalapeños and serve immediately.

Notes

Jalapeño heat varies - taste test and adjust. Remove seeds for milder heat. Cheese makes waffles more delicate when hot. Don't overmix batter to maintain tender texture. Best served immediately while crispy.