I’ve always loved experimenting in the kitchen, and this recipe for Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles is one of my all-time favorites. It started on a quiet Sunday morning when I wanted a twist on traditional cornbread. Instead of baking it in a pan, I decided to transform it into waffles, giving it a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft, cheesy, and full of flavor. Adding jalapeños brought the perfect kick, and the sharp cheddar melted beautifully throughout, creating a combination that’s comforting yet exciting. From the very first bite, I knew this would become a staple in my recipe collection.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy these waffles as a savory breakfast, a side for chili, or even as a base for a spicy chicken sandwich. Their bold flavor pairs wonderfully with a touch of honey or a dollop of sour cream, and they can be easily doubled for a crowd. The spice level is adjustable, so whether you like a gentle warmth or a fiery punch, these waffles can cater to your taste.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is that it’s affordable. With simple pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk, plus the addition of sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for families, meal prepping, or impressing friends without needing fancy ingredients.
The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are straightforward: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and turkey bacon. All of these combine to make a waffle that’s crispy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, delivering a taste that’s unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, these Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a fun and delicious recipe to try. Their bold flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptability make them a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Get ready to enjoy waffles in a whole new way—you won’t regret it.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles is easier than you might think, and the process is both fun and rewarding. To begin, gather all your ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeños, and turkey bacon. Having everything ready before you start will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your waffle iron to the desired temperature, usually medium-high. Greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray ensures that the waffles won’t stick and will release easily once cooked.
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Cook the turkey bacon first. Place the strips in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled slightly, chop the turkey bacon into small pieces.
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Prepare the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the leavening is evenly distributed and your waffles rise perfectly.
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Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and melted butter. Whisk until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until combined. Overmixing can make the waffles dense, so stop as soon as the batter is smooth.
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Incorporate the flavorful additions. Fold in the sharp cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and chopped turkey bacon. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter so that every bite has a perfect balance of cheese, spice, and smoky bacon flavor.
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Cook the waffles. Spoon enough batter onto the preheated waffle iron to cover the surface without overflowing. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually 4–6 minutes, until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the edges.
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Repeat the process for the remaining batter, ensuring the waffle iron is lightly greased each time. Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.
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Serve immediately or allow them to cool slightly before stacking. These waffles are excellent on their own or served with a drizzle of honey, a dollop of sour cream, or alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty meal.
Quick and Easy Tips
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Chop the jalapeños finely to spread their flavor evenly without overwhelming the dish.
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Use pre-shredded cheddar to save time.
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The batter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Customization Ideas
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Adjust the spice by removing seeds from the jalapeños or adding extra for more heat.
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Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want a creamier, spicier flavor.
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Mix in corn kernels for extra texture.
Popular With Many People
These waffles are a hit for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, and casual dinners. Their unique combination of crispy edges, cheesy interior, and a kick from the jalapeños makes them irresistible to both adults and kids. Guests often return for seconds, and leftovers can be reheated in a toaster or oven without losing crispness.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll create Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles that are both impressive and satisfying. The process is straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious.
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Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles You’ll Love
These Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles are a bold twist on traditional cornbread. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and spiced with fresh jalapeños, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side dish. The addition of turkey bacon adds a smoky, hearty flavor, making these waffles irresistible to both kids and adults.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high and lightly grease it.
- Cook the turkey bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and turkey bacon until evenly distributed.
- Spoon batter onto the preheated waffle iron, close the lid, and cook 4–6 minutes or until golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining batter, lightly greasing the waffle iron each time.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with honey or topped with sour cream.
Notes
Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spice.
Waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven while retaining crispiness.
Leftover waffles can be frozen individually for convenient future meals.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
FAQs
Q: Can I make these waffles ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the waffles when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How can I reduce the spice level?
A: Simply remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers. You can also balance the heat with a touch of honey or sour cream when serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Pepper jack adds extra spice, while mild cheddar keeps the flavor classic. You can even experiment with smoked cheeses for a deeper taste.
Q: Are these waffles gluten-free?
A: Not as written, since they include all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend while keeping the cornmeal the same.
Q: Can I freeze leftover waffles?
A: Yes, these waffles freeze very well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
Q: What can I serve with these waffles?
A: They pair wonderfully with eggs, fresh salad, or even as a base for a spicy sandwich. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of sour cream also complements the flavors beautifully.