Cornmeal Waffles

(6)

Tender, homemade cornmeal waffles are a Southern twist on the brunch classic.

Southern Living Cornmeal Waffles on a plate to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Yield:
16 waffles

These cornmeal waffles have a very Southern secret. When added to waffles, cornmeal adds crunch and a toasty flavor to this breakfast favorite. With crispy edges, a fluffy interior, and a slightly coarse texture, these waffles are everything we dream of waking up to.

Thanks to a blender, this waffle batter not only comes together lightning-fast, but it remains light and airy. While you're cooking these waffles one by one, store the completed waffles in a preheated oven to keep them crisp and warm. No waffle iron? No worries. Use the batter to make pancakes in a skillet or on a griddle.

Learn how to make cornmeal waffles. This recipe yields eight waffles, and if you have some leftover, they freeze well and reheat beautifully in the toaster oven.

What Do Cornmeal Waffles Taste Like?

Cornmeal gives these waffles a decidedly Southern twist, along with a crisp exterior and fluffy center. With buttermilk for tenderness and a mild tangy flavor, sugar to add a touch of sweetness, and all-purpose flour to balance the coarse texture of the cornmeal, these waffles have a comforting, rustic flavor and texture.

They can skew sweet when paired with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, roasted peaches, or fresh berries and whipped cream, or savory, with a side of eggs, sausage, or crispy bacon. You can even add shredded Cheddar cheese into the mixture before cooking for gooey pops of cheese throughout, or chopped herbs for flecks of green throughout.

Ingredients for Cornmeal Waffles

Cornmeal waffles are easy to whip up, and require just nine basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. To make cornmeal waffles, you'll need:

  • Large eggs: Binds the waffle batter.
  • Whole buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slightly tangy flavor. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, use one of these substitutes.
  • Unsalted butter: For a rich, tender waffle.
  • All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal to create a light and fluffy texture on the interior.
  • Plain yellow cornmeal: Adds a crisp texture and earthy flavor to the waffles.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the waffles to balance the savory flavor of the cornmeal.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents to give the waffles their lift.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Southern Living Cornmeal Waffles ingredients

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Cornmeal Waffles

Quick, easy, and versatile, these cornmeal waffles come together in no time. The batter can be made in minutes in a blender, or whisked by hand. No waffle maker? No problem. They can be cooked on a griddle for cornmeal pancakes. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Prepare oven and waffle iron: Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Preheat waffle iron.
  • Step 2. Make waffle batter: Blend eggs in a blender until frothy. Add buttermilk and butter; pulse to combine. Add remaining ingredients and pulse to combine.
  • Step 3. Cook waffles: Spray to coat hot waffle iron. Pour some batter into the iron. Cover and cook until golden brown. Transfer waffles to the wire rack and keep warm in oven. Repeat until all batter is used.

Cornmeal Waffle Variations

To add some extra interest and flavor to these waffles, consider these additions:

  • Herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, thyme, and other herbs can add a bright freshness and flecks of green throughout.
  • Spices: A hint of spice can really help bring the flavor of these waffles home. Add paprika, black pepper, or cayenne pepper for a savory warmth, or go sweet with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or other favorite spices.
  • Cheese: Add shredded Cheddar, pepper Jack, or other favorite cheeses to the batter before cooking.
  • Veggies: Opt for a savory touch by mixing finely diced bell peppers, green onions, corn kernels, sauteed mushrooms, or chopped spinach into the batter.
  • Fruits: Dot in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, shredded coconut, or chopped peaches or apples.
  • Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy touch.
  • Protein: Add crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or diced ham to the batter for a salty, meaty addition.

Can I Make Cornmeal Waffles Ahead?

These waffles can be made ahead and frozen for a quick breakfast on the go, or the batter can be made ahead so they can be cooked fresh for brunch:

  • To cook the waffles ahead: Freeze the cooled waffles on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag and store for up to two months.
  • To prepare the batter ahead: Prepare the batter ahead, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and stir gently before cooking as directed.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Cornmeal Waffles

Store leftover waffles well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to two months. (Freeze until solid on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container.) Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or toaster until warmed through and toasty.

What To Serve With Cornmeal Waffles

Cornmeal waffles can be skewed sweet or savory, depending on what you choose to serve them with. Top with maple syrup, honey, fresh berries, a fruit compote, roasted fruits, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or powdered sugar for a sweet touch to balance the earthiness of the cornmeal. You can also pair them with fried or poached eggs, salsa, crispy bacon, breakfast potatoes, ripe avocados, chili, or fried chicken.

Have extra waffles on hand? Turn them into a unique dessert by pairing with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle of caramel, or skillet-fried peaches.

More Recipes Using Cornmeal You'll Love

Cornmeal isn't just for cornbread (or waffles). From cakes to pies, okra or crab sandwiches, these recipes have cornmeal included for an earthy flavor and crisp texture:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 cups whole buttermilk

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup plain yellow cornmeal

  • 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

  • 2 tsp. baking powder

  • 1 tsp. baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Directions

  1. Prepare oven and waffle iron:

    Preheat oven to 200°F. Set a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

    Southern Living Cornmeal Waffles putting the cooling rack on the baking sheet

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Make waffle batter:

    Process eggs in a blender until frothy, about 15 seconds. Add buttermilk and melted butter. Pulse until combined, about 10 pulses. Add flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pulse until fully combined, about 5 pulses, stopping to scrape down sides of blender as needed.

    Southern Living Cornmeal Waffles batter in the blender

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. Cook waffles:

    Lightly coat hot waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup batter per waffle in center of waffle iron. Cover with lid, and cook until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove waffle from waffle iron, and place on prepared baking sheet. Transfer to preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat process with remaining batter, letting waffle iron reheat and recoating it with cooking spray in between batches.

    Southern Living Cornmeal Waffles after cooking

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the secret to making crispy waffles?

    Cornmeal adds a crisp texture to these cornmeal waffles, but to further ensure a crisp texture, make sure to preheat the waffle iron and cook the waffles until a deep golden brown.

  • Is there a difference between pancake and waffle batter?

    This cornmeal waffle batter can be cooked in a waffle maker, or on a griddle for cornmeal pancakes. In this recipe, there is no difference between pancake and waffle batter.

  • Should you let waffle batter rest?

    Giving waffle batter time to rest (for about 10 to 15 minutes) can help relax any gluten created by mixing, resulting in more tender waffles.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

Related Articles