Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, cheesy cornbread waffle topped with a hearty chili that dances on your taste buds like a salsa party. This delightful combination of flavors and textures isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any table. delicious Frito corn salad The golden-brown exterior of the waffle gives way to a soft interior, while the rich aroma of melted cheese wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist.
I still remember the first time I made Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili for friends during game night. Their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and suddenly my cooking skills went from zero to hero in minutes. cozy pumpkin dinner rolls Perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings, these waffles promise a warm hug in every mouthful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- The flavor profile bursts with savory goodness, bringing together cheese, corn, and spices seamlessly
- The visual appeal is off the charts; who can resist those golden waffles?
- You can enjoy them as a main dish or snack, making them versatile for any occasion
My friends couldn’t get enough of these cheesy delights, asking for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cornmeal: Look for finely ground cornmeal for that perfect texture and flavor balance in your waffles.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a light and fluffy texture; whole wheat flour can work too if you prefer.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness; it’s the secret behind those airy waffles!
- Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor; feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack.
- Eggs: These bind everything together beautifully—opt for large eggs for best results.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness; you can substitute with almond milk if dairy-free is your jam.
- Corn Kernels: Fresh or frozen works great! They add sweetness and texture—don’t skip this ingredient!
- Chili Powder: Adjust based on your spice preference—this adds warmth and depth to your dish.
- Ground Cumin: A pinch of this magic spice elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your cornbread batter.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Waffle Iron: Start by preheating your waffle iron according to its manufacturer’s instructions. A hot waffle iron ensures crispiness on the outside while keeping things soft inside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined—this will create a flavorful base.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients along with melted butter. Stir just until combined; don’t overmix or you’ll lose that fluffiness!
Toss in Corn & Cheese: Fold in corn kernels and shredded cheddar cheese gently into the batter. You want every bite packed with cheesy goodness without deflating that beautiful mixture.
Scoop & Cook: Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with non-stick spray or oil. Scoop about one cup of batter onto the center of the iron (adjust based on size) and close it tightly. Cook until golden brown—around 5-7 minutes should do it!
Serve Hot: Carefully remove waffles from the iron (don’t burn yourself!) and serve immediately topped with hot chili. Garnish with sour cream or fresh herbs if desired—enjoy every cheesy bite!
These Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili are not just a meal; they’re an adventure waiting to happen at your dining table! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress everyone without breaking a sweat! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe.
You Must Know
- Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili are not just a meal; they’re an experience
- The crispy edges and gooey cheese create a delightful crunch, while the chili adds warmth to every bite
- This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy dinner on a chilly night
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the chili first; let it simmer while you whip up the cornbread batter. This way, both components will be hot and ready to serve together.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding jalapeños for heat or fresh herbs like cilantro for brightness. You can also swap in different cheeses based on your preference.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. crispy air fryer potato skins Reheat in a toaster oven for crispy waffles or microwave for quick warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili, ensure your skillet is preheated for crispiness
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain fluffiness, and let the chili cool slightly before serving for richer flavors
- Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent burning
Creating these delightful Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili reminds me of rainy Sundays spent with family, where we’d gather around and dig into comfort food that warmed our souls. homemade hamburger helper.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese for the waffles?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work beautifully in this recipe.
What can I serve alongside these waffles?
Pair them with a fresh salad or some avocado slices for a refreshing contrast.
How do I adjust spiciness in the chili?
Add more spices gradually; start with small amounts of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (approximately four waffles) 1x
Description
Cheesy Cornbread Waffles with Chili is a delightful fusion of flavors that elevates any meal. Imagine crispy, cheesy waffles topped with a hearty chili that warms the soul. Perfect for game nights or cozy dinners, this dish combines comfort and excitement in every bite. With a simple preparation process, you’ll impress your guests while enjoying the scrumptious blend of cheesy goodness and savory spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and milk; then add to dry ingredients along with melted butter. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in corn kernels and shredded cheese.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron and scoop about one cup of batter onto it. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot topped with chili and optional garnishes like sour cream or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added heat, consider mixing in jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese. Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in a toaster oven for best results.