If you love chili, cornbread, and waffles, why not combine all three into one delicious, savory dish? This Chili Cornbread Waffle recipe is the ultimate comfort food experience. With cheesy chili stuffed inside a perfectly crispy cornbread waffle, it’s a fun twist on classic flavors. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch idea, or a unique dinner, this recipe will hit all the right notes.
What is a Chili Cornbread Waffle?
A Chili Cornbread Waffle is a creative fusion dish that layers savory chili and gooey cheese between two layers of cornbread batter, then cooked to perfection in a waffle iron. The result is a crunchy, golden waffle on the outside, filled with warm, flavorful chili and melty cheese on the inside. Top it off with butter and a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got a sweet and savory meal that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- For the chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or your preferred protein)
- 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for stuffing)
- For the cornbread batter:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- Toppings:
- Butter
- Honey
- Sour cream (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chili Cornbread Waffles
1. Prepare the Chili
Start by cooking your chili. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add your ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Next, add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in your chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the kidney beans and diced tomatoes, mixing well. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Once cooked, set aside and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Cornbread Batter
While the chili is simmering, mix up the cornbread batter. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make your waffles tough instead of light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Waffles
Now, the fun part—assembling the waffles. Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. Pour a thin layer of cornbread batter onto the bottom of the waffle iron.
Next, spoon some of the prepared chili into the center of the batter, spreading it out evenly but leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese around the outside edge of the chili to help bind the layers together. Finally, top with another layer of cornbread batter, covering the chili and cheese completely.
4. Cook the Waffles
Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy, usually 5-7 minutes depending on your waffle iron. You’ll know it’s ready when the cornbread waffle pulls away easily from the iron and has a firm texture on the outside.
5. Serve and Garnish
Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and transfer it to a plate. While the waffle is still hot, brush it with melted butter and drizzle honey over the top for a perfect sweet and savory balance. For an extra layer of flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some chopped green onions on top.
Customizing Your Chili Cornbread Waffle
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer something other than beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless option like lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Spice Level: If you love heat, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the chili or even the cornbread batter. For a milder version, stick with the basics or use a low-heat chili powder.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar works great, but you can switch it up with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda.
- Add Veggies: Bulk up your chili by adding bell peppers, corn, or even spinach. You can also sneak in some extra veggies into the cornbread batter for added nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something undeniably satisfying about combining chili and cornbread in waffle form. Here’s why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser:
- Unique Presentation: This isn’t your average waffle breakfast. The presentation is fun, and it’s bound to impress guests or family members who’ve never had anything quite like it.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory, cheesy chili inside a sweet, crispy cornbread waffle creates a burst of flavors in every bite. The honey and butter topping adds a rich, satisfying finish.
- Customizable: You can tailor this dish to suit any taste, from meat lovers to vegetarians, and from spicy food enthusiasts to those who prefer a milder flavor.
Tips for Perfect Chili Cornbread Waffles
- Let the chili cool slightly before adding it to the waffle iron. This prevents the waffle from becoming soggy.
- Avoid overfilling the waffle iron. Be sure to leave some space around the edges when adding the chili and cheese, so it doesn’t spill out.
- Serve immediately. These waffles are best served hot and fresh from the iron. If you need to make them ahead of time, reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
The Chili Cornbread Waffle is an inventive, fun dish that combines two classic comfort foods into one satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, looking for a new twist on dinner, or simply craving something out of the ordinary, this recipe is sure to please. Serve it with a side of sour cream, extra honey, and butter, and watch as everyone digs into this flavorful, crispy, and gooey delight!
So why wait? Fire up your waffle iron and try this unique recipe today—your taste buds will thank you!
