Name: Cornbread Waffle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 3/4 cups buttermilk; 1/4 cup melted butter; Optional: 1/4 cup diced jalapeños, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Golden, crispy, and just the right amount of fluffy, these Cornbread Waffles are a savory twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Whether you’re pairing them with fried chicken, chili, or just a dollop of sour cream and jalapeños, they bring Southern comfort to your plate with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The cornbread batter delivers a rich texture and buttery corn flavor, while the waffle iron gives it irresistible crisp edges. This dish is perfect for brunch, a fun dinner idea, or even as a base for pulled pork. No syrup needed here—though a drizzle of hot honey is a game changer.

What Kind of Cornmeal Should I Use?

Use fine or medium-ground yellow cornmeal for the best texture. Fine-ground cornmeal will give you a smoother, more unified waffle, while medium-ground adds a bit more crunch and character. Avoid coarse cornmeal unless you want a gritty bite. Stone-ground cornmeal also works great if you’re going for a more rustic, hearty vibe.

Ingredients for the Cornbread Waffle

Yellow Cornmeal – This is the heart of your waffle. It adds that distinct cornbread flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.

All-Purpose Flour – Balances the texture by softening the cornmeal’s grit and helps the waffle hold together well.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The power duo that makes these waffles light and airy.

Buttermilk – Tangy and creamy, it reacts with the baking soda for lift and adds rich flavor.

Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture.

Butter (melted) – Gives the waffles that warm, buttery finish and helps with browning.

Sugar – Just a small amount to balance out the savory profile.

Salt – Enhances all the flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.

Optional Add-ins: Jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, or green onions for a spiced-up or more savory twist.

How To Make the Cornbread Waffle

Step 1: Prep the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions. Lightly grease it with oil or nonstick spray to ensure the waffles release cleanly and get that crispy golden finish.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined for a consistent batter.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the buttermilk and melted butter, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix. If you’re using any optional add-ins like jalapeños or shredded cheddar, fold them in now.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Scoop the batter into the preheated waffle iron, using enough to just fill the grid without overflowing. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes depending on your iron.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Carefully remove the waffle and serve immediately while it’s crispy. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the iron as needed between batches.

How to Serve and Store Cornbread Waffles

Cornbread Waffles are incredibly versatile and work beautifully across meals. For breakfast, top them with a poached egg, avocado slices, or even a dollop of honey butter. At brunch, they make a bold base for fried chicken, chili, or pulled pork. For a spicy kick, garnish with sliced jalapeños and sour cream—like in the photo above.

To store leftovers, let the waffles cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well: stack between parchment and store in a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore that signature crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these waffles without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute with whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

Are these waffles sweet or savory?

They lean savory but have just a hint of sweetness. You can reduce or omit the sugar entirely if serving with savory toppings.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter fresh for fluffiest results. However, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight jar.

What toppings work well with these?

Savory toppings like chili, shredded BBQ chicken, avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños are all fantastic. For a fun twist, try hot honey or maple butter.

How do I keep waffles warm for a crowd?

Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest of the batch. This keeps them crisp instead of soggy.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture.

Want More Cornbread-Inspired Ideas?

If these Cornbread Waffles made your taste buds dance, you’ll want to explore these other cozy, corn-kissed dishes from the site:

Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for a dessert-style cornbread hybrid.
Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread with that irresistible sweet-savory balance.
Cheesy Cauliflower Patties if you’re into crispy edges and veggie-packed bites.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a spicy soup that pairs well with savory waffles.
Bold and Spicy Homemade Slap Ya Mama Seasoning — sprinkle some over your waffles for a serious flavor punch.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you’ll always have it on hand when the craving strikes.

And I’d love to hear how you served your cornbread waffles! Did you go spicy with jalapeños and sour cream or top them with fried chicken? Drop a comment and share your spin on it.

Check out more delicious recipe inspiration daily on Pinterest @hallarecipes.