Cornbread Waffles: A Tasty Twist on a Classic (20 minutes)
Short introduction
Cornbread waffles combine the classic flavors of Southern cornbread with the fun shape of waffle. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. This unique recipe is a great way to enjoy the comforting taste of cornbread while also providing a fun and convenient way to serve up a delicious meal.
Why you’ll love it
Cornbread waffles offer several benefits that make them perfect for any meal. They are quick and easy to make, which is ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. The crispy texture and savory corn flavor make them versatile enough to pair with both sweet and savory toppings. Plus, they are gluten-free if you substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, there are several easy substitutions and variations to consider:
- Gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk) and replace buttermilk with a mixture of vinegar and non-dairy milk.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste. You can also experiment with honey or maple syrup instead.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
Step 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 5
Grease the waffle iron if necessary and pour the batter onto the hot iron, using about one ladle’s worth for each waffle.
Step 6
Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Step 7
Serve immediately with your choice of toppings like fried chicken, chili, or garnished with sour cream and jalapeños for a savory kick.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure the waffle iron is preheated to the correct temperature before pouring in the batter. This ensures a crispy exterior.
- Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy. Some lumps are perfectly fine.
- Common mistakes: Not greasing the waffle iron can lead the waffles to stick, so be sure to oil it lightly as needed.
How to serve
Cornbread waffles are great on their own, but they can be served in many ways. Try them topped with spicy chili for a comforting meal, or stack them with fried chicken for a southern-style feast. They can also be served with maple syrup, butter, or fresh fruit for a sweeter breakfast option.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover cornbread waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster for a couple of minutes until they turn crispy again, or warm them briefly in an oven at 350°F (175°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using it.
Q2: How can I keep waffles warm while making the rest?
A: Place cooked waffles on a baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F or 93°C) while you prepare the remaining ones.
Q3: Can I freeze these waffles?
A: Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat directly from the freezer.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
If you are counting calories, a serving of cornbread waffles is relatively low in calories while providing carbs and a bit of protein from the eggs and buttermilk.
Conclusion
Cornbread waffles are a delightful recipe that brings together the comfort of cornbread with the fun of waffles. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these waffles are versatile and easy to make. Whether you enjoy them with savory toppings or a drizzle of syrup, cornbread waffles will quickly become a favorite in your household. Try making them today!
Links to related recipes
Cornbread Waffles
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 2 tablespoons sugar Adjust to taste or substitute with honey or maple syrup.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk Can be replaced with non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar.
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions.
- In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
Cooking
- Grease the waffle iron if necessary and pour the batter onto the hot iron, using about one ladle's worth for each waffle.
- Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your choice of toppings like fried chicken, chili, or garnished with sour cream and jalapeños for a savory kick.