Cornbread Waffle

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Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, this Cornbread Waffle recipe brings a delicious Southern twist to your breakfast, brunch, or even dinner table. Made with a base of golden cornmeal and just the right hint of sweetness, these waffles are savory perfection—especially when topped with sliced jalapeños, melted cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey or your favorite sauce.

Whether you’re pairing it with fried chicken, chili, or enjoying it solo with butter and maple syrup, cornbread waffles are the ideal comfort food with a crisp edge. They’re hearty, full of flavor, and easily customizable to suit your spice level or meal occasion. This is a dish that can go sweet or savory, and that’s part of what makes it so versatile and irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Waffle

• Combines the best parts of cornbread and waffles into one irresistible bite.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or savory dinners.
• Pairs wonderfully with both sweet and spicy toppings.
• Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat.
• Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make perfect cornbread waffles, having the right tools makes all the difference:

• Waffle Maker: Essential for achieving that golden crisp exterior and fluffy interior. A Belgian waffle maker works best for a thick, satisfying texture.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry.
• Whisk: Helps you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy and consistency.
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape the bowl clean and fold ingredients gently without overmixing.

Each tool plays a role in delivering the perfect waffle consistency and flavor. Don’t skip preheating your waffle iron—it ensures even cooking and those crispy golden edges.

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Preparation Tips

Always preheat your waffle maker fully before adding the batter; this guarantees the waffles will crisp up beautifully without sticking. Let your batter rest for a few minutes after mixing to hydrate the cornmeal and improve texture. If you’re adding extras like chopped scallions, cheese, or jalapeños, fold them in gently just before cooking to keep the batter light. Finally, avoid lifting the waffle maker lid too soon—wait until steam mostly stops escaping to prevent tearing your waffle apart mid-cook.

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Ingredients for this Cornbread Waffle

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter or neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for a cheesy twist)
• 1-2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing the waffle maker

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Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Maker

Plug in and fully preheat your waffle iron. A hot waffle maker ensures even cooking and that crispy golden crust that makes cornbread waffles so good. Lightly grease with oil or cooking spray right before pouring the batter.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.

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Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter or oil until fully combined. If using milk and lemon juice instead of buttermilk, let it sit for 5 minutes before mixing in.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay and help keep the texture tender.

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Step 5: Fold in Optional Add-Ins

If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, or jalapeños, gently fold them into the batter at this stage. This adds extra flavor and texture to your waffles without making them too dense.

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Step 6: Cook the Waffles

Ladle the batter into your greased and preheated waffle iron. Spread the batter out evenly, close the lid, and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions (usually 4–6 minutes) or until the steam slows down and the waffle is deeply golden and crisp.

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Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot off the waffle maker. Top with anything from maple syrup and butter to savory toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, fried chicken, or even chili. For a spicy bite, garnish with extra jalapeño slices and green onions.

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Notes

Cornbread waffles are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. You can go all-in on the savory by adding chopped bacon, smoked paprika, or chives, or lean toward sweet with a drizzle of honey and a pat of butter. For a crispier texture, let the waffles rest on a wire rack after cooking rather than stacking them—this helps avoid sogginess.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not preheating the waffle iron: This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy waffles.
• Overmixing the batter: It can result in tough waffles due to gluten development in the flour.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can harden the melted butter, leading to clumpy batter.
• Opening the waffle iron too soon: This might split your waffle apart. Wait until steam almost stops escaping.
• Skipping the grease: Always grease your waffle iron even if it claims to be non-stick.

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Storage Instructions

Let any leftover waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then stack with parchment paper between each and place in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crisp again.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1 large waffle (without toppings):

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cornbread waffles gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Are these waffles sweet or savory?

They lean savory, especially if you skip the sugar and add cheese, onions, or jalapeños. But you can sweeten them up if you prefer.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to cook the waffles fresh, but you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead and combine them just before cooking.

How do I keep waffles warm for serving?

Place them on a wire rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep them warm and crispy while you finish the batch.

Can I use this batter for pancakes instead?

Yes! The batter works well for pancakes, though the texture will be slightly different without the waffle iron’s crisping effect.

How spicy are the jalapeños?

Fresh jalapeños add a mild to medium heat. You can remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the spice or skip them entirely.

What are the best toppings for these waffles?

Fried chicken, maple syrup, hot honey, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, or chili all make excellent topping choices.

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Conclusion

Cornbread waffles are a delightful fusion of Southern charm and breakfast indulgence. Their adaptability, satisfying texture, and bold flavors make them a crowd-pleaser for any meal of the day. Whether served sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, this recipe is a keeper for comfort food lovers. Make a batch, play with toppings, and enjoy a crispy twist on a classic favorite.

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