Hello, food adventurers! I’m Ilya Kazakov, and today I’m excited to share with you my Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles recipe that will blow your taste buds away.
Ilya Kazakov is a Russian-born adventurer who has a passion for exploring new flavors and creating innovative dishes in the kitchen. With a background in chemistry, his meticulous approach to cooking allows him to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, resulting in unique and mouthwatering recipes. When he’s not in the kitchen, Ilya can be found hiking in the mountains or capturing breathtaking landscapes through his camera lens. His love for food and nature is reflected in the way he combines bold flavors and artistic presentations in his culinary creations.
Ilya Kazakov currently resides in Canada and grew up in Russia.
Originally hailing from Russia, I grew up surrounded by hearty and bold flavors that have greatly influenced my cooking style. These cornbread waffles are a fusion of my heritage and my love for experimenting with new and exciting ingredients.
Legend has it that the cornbread waffle, a beloved Southern staple, was popularized during the Gold Rush era when miners needed a portable and filling meal. Adding cheddar, jalapeños, and a chili honey drizzle gives this classic a modern and zesty twist that is sure to impress any brunch crowd.
What you need
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with my Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Chili Honey Drizzle! These waffles are a flavor explosion, combining the sharp tang of cheddar cheese, the fiery kick of jalapeños, and the sweet heat of chili honey. First, we mix up a savory batter loaded with cheddar and jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of spice and cheese. Then, we cook these golden beauties in a waffle iron until crispy and irresistible. Finally, we top them off with a luscious chili honey drizzle that takes these waffles to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, this dish is a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss!
Ingredients:
- Cornmeal – Adds hearty corn flavor and a slightly grainy texture to the waffle batter. Can be substituted with fine polenta for a similar result.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the waffles. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Baking Powder – Acts as the leavening agent, helping the waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the honey drizzle.
- Milk – Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the waffles. Any type of milk, dairy or non-dairy, can be used.
- Egg – Acts as a binder and helps create structure in the waffles. Can be substituted with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Adds a rich, savory flavor and gooey texture to the waffles. For a milder flavor, you can use mild cheddar or another cheese of your choice.
- Jalapeño – Brings a spicy kick to the waffles and complements the cheesy flavor. Adjust the amount to control the heat level.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps crisp up the waffles in the waffle iron. Can be substituted with a neutral oil like vegetable oil.
- Honey – Sweetens the drizzle and balances the spiciness of the jalapeños. Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used as alternatives.
- Chili Powder – Infuses a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the honey drizzle. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds a pop of freshness and vibrant color to the dish. Can be skipped if cilantro is not preferred.
Utensils:
- Waffle Iron – Essential for making waffles; can be replaced with a griddle for a different texture.
- Mixing Bowl – Needed for combining the dry and wet ingredients; can use multiple bowls for easier mixing.
- Whisk – Useful for whisking the batter until smooth; a fork can be a substitute if a whisk is not available.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensure accurate measurements of the ingredients for the best results; can be eye-balled for a more rustic approach.
- Cheese Grater – Needed to grate the cheddar cheese; pre-grated cheese can be used as a time-saving option.
- Knife – To finely chop the jalapeño; scissors can be used as an alternative for easy chopping.
- Cutting Board – Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients; can be replaced by a plate in a pinch.
- Saucepan – Used for making the chili honey drizzle; a small pot can be used as a substitute.
- Spatula – Helps in lifting the waffles out of the waffle iron; tongs can be used as an alternative.
Jalapeño – A Spicy Kick to the Waffles
Ah, the jalapeño, a little green powerhouse of flavor! These spicy peppers bring a zesty kick to the cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles, adding a fiery burst to each bite. Not only do they provide heat, but they also impart a unique flavor profile that elevates the waffles from basic to extraordinary. While some may shy away from jalapeños due to their perceived spiciness, fear not, for in this recipe, the jalapeño finds its perfect match in the cheesy, savory batter, creating a harmonious blend of heat and flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Cheddar Cheese – The King of Cheeses
Ah, cheddar cheese, the undisputed king of cheeses! This sharp and flavorful cheese plays a starring role in the cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles with its rich and creamy goodness. Grated and melted into the waffle batter, cheddar cheese brings a depth of flavor and gooey texture that is simply irresistible. Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it a beloved choice in many dishes. While some may argue about its indulgent nature, a little indulgence now and then is just what we need to elevate a simple waffle to a gourmet delight.
What to serve it with?
I love serving my Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with a generous dollop of creamy avocado salsa on top. The buttery texture of the avocado salsa complements the spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar in the waffles perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. This pairing is dear to me because it adds a refreshing and healthy twist to the indulgent waffles, showcasing my commitment to balancing richness with freshness in my culinary creations. The creamy avocado salsa also provides a cooling contrast to the heat of the chili honey drizzle, enhancing the overall dining experience and making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Summary
As I sign off, I invite you to try these Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Chili Honey Drizzle and top them with a luscious avocado salsa for a burst of flavor like no other. Let me know in the comments below what creative twists or additions you would try with this recipe – I’m always eager to hear your unique culinary ideas and inspirations. Until next time, happy cooking and may your kitchen be filled with adventurous flavors!
Here’s the recipe:
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
Equipment
- Waffle iron
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- cutting board
- Saucepan
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup, grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1, finely chopped Jalapeño
- 4 tablespoons, melted Butter
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
- For garnish Fresh Cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Waffle Batter - In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the grated cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeño. - Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough waffles. The lumps in the batter will yield lighter, fluffier waffles.
- Cook the Waffles - Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or melted butter. Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden brown and crispy. - To keep waffles warm while cooking batches, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature.
- Make the Chili Honey Drizzle - In a saucepan, heat the honey and chili powder over low heat, stirring until well combined. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. - Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. For a milder drizzle, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely.
- Serve and Enjoy - Drizzle the warm chili honey over the crispy cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. - The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in this dish is a true delight for the taste buds. Feel free to customize the drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
