Jalapeno Cheddar Waffles

Waffles are a breakfast staple loved by many. But plain waffles can get boring after a while. That's why getting creative with waffle recipes is so much fun! Jalapeno cheddar waffles put a spicy, cheesy spin on traditional waffles that will wake up your taste buds. The combination of creamy cheddar and spicy jalapenos takes waffles to a whole new level of flavor. Keep reading to learn all about making these indulgent spicy cheddar waffles at home!

Ingredients You'll Need

Jalapeno cheddar waffles have a simple list of ingredients, but each one packs a punch of flavor. Here's what you'll need:

For the Waffle Batter:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 eggs

- 1 3/4 cups milk

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For Serving:

- Butter

- Maple syrup

- Sour cream

- Chopped fresh cilantro

- Extra shredded cheddar cheese

- Diced jalapenos

Directions

Making these spicy cheddar waffles is easy as can be. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

2. Whisk in the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese.

3. Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined (do not overmix). The batter will be slightly lumpy.

4. Heat the Waffle Iron

Heat your waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Make sure it is fully heated before adding any batter.

5. Cook the Waffles

Ladle the batter onto the hot waffle iron, using about 1/2 cup batter for a standard round waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until the waffles are golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

6. Serve Immediately

Transfer the hot, fresh waffles to plates. Top with butter, maple syrup, sour cream, cilantro, extra cheese and jalapenos if desired. Enjoy!

Flavor Variations

Part of the fun of making these waffles is customizing them with different mix-ins. Here are some tasty flavor variations to try:

Chorizo Cheddar:

Swap the jalapenos for chopped chorizo sausage. Smoky, spicy, and delicious!

Buffalo Chicken:

Trade the jalapenos and cheddar for shredded cooked chicken, hot sauce, and blue cheese crumbles.

Chili Cheese:

Use chili powder instead of jalapenos and top with shredded pepper jack cheese.

Pesto Provolone:

Stir some pesto into the batter and use provolone cheese for a herby, cheesy flavor.

BBQ Bacon:

Add crumbled bacon to the batter and top with BBQ sauce and shredded colby jack cheese.

Make-Ahead Tips

For convenience, you can make these waffles ahead of time and reheat them later. Here are some tips:

Make Extra Batter:

Whisk up a double batch of batter so you have extra to refrigerate. It will keep for 2-3 days.

Cook Ahead:

Cook up a stack of waffles and let cool completely. Freeze in a zip top bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

To reheat frozen waffles, bake at 300F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.

Freshen Up:

For the best texture, brush reheated waffles with butter or oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Jalapeno cheddar waffles are delicious on their own, but why stop there? Jazz them up with fun toppings and sides!

Savory Toppings:

- Sausage or bacon

- Sauteed peppers and onions

- Guacamole or sliced avocado

- Salsa

- Poached or fried eggs

- Chili

Sweet Toppings:

- Whipped cream

- Fresh fruit like berries

- Bananas or plantains

- Nut butter

- Chocolate chips or syrup

- Honey

Side Dishes:

- Breakfast meats like sausage, bacon, or ham

- Hash browns or home fries

- Fresh fruit salad

- Yogurt or cottage cheese

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover jalapeno cheddar waffles, here are some tips for storing them:

Counter:

Leftover waffles left at room temperature will stay fresh for 1-2 days.

Refrigerator:

Store leftover waffles in a zip top bag or airtight container. They will keep for 3-5 days chilled.

Freezer:

Let cool completely, then freeze waffles in freezer bags. They will keep frozen for 2-3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, place frozen waffles in toaster or oven at 300F until warmed through.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about jalapeno cheddar waffles:

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of milk?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for the milk. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe.

Do I need a waffle maker to make these?

You do need a waffle iron to make the waffles. If you don't have one, try looking for one at a thrift shop!

How spicy are they?

The level of spice can vary. For a milder heat, use less jalapenos. For extra kick, add an extra tablespoon or two.

Can I freeze the leftover batter?

Yes, you can freeze leftover batter for 2-3 months. Thaw in fridge before using.

What's the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar works great, but any melty cheese like monterey jack or pepper jack can be used.

Conclusion

Jalapeno cheddar waffles are an amazing savory breakfast treat that will impress your taste buds. With a crispy exterior and spicy, cheesy interior, these waffles are bursting with flavor. The jalapeno peppers provide a nice heat while the cheddar cheese adds creamy richness. Once you whip up a batch following the simple recipe and directions, get creative by customizing with different fun add-ins like sausage, bacon or fresh avocado. Make a bunch ahead of time and freeze so you can enjoy the convenience of reheating for quick breakfasts. Top them with anything from savory meats to sweet fruits and syrups. No matter how you like your waffles, this jalapeno cheddar version will become your new go-to for spicing up lazy weekend mornings.