Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’ Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup: Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’. This dish is a celebration of hearty, soul-warming chili piled atop crisp-and-tender cornbread waffles, then showered with your favorite toppings for layers of flavor and fun. It’s a playful yet deeply satisfying meal that’s just as perfect for casual family dinners as it is for lively game day gatherings. Every bite brings together savory, spicy, crunchy, creamy, and fresh elements, making it a highlight on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’ lies in just a handful of ingredients—but each one matters for the overall flavor, texture, and color. You can easily find everything at the store, and every component plays a starring role, from the spiced cornbread base to the vibrant fresh toppings.

• Chili: Use two (30 ounce) cans of your favorite chili, or go all-out and make it from scratch—the chili adds a hearty, savory layer that’s the heart of this dish.
• Cornbread Mix: Two (7 ounce) packets of Martha White Mexican Style Cornbread Mix bring spiced, flavorful corn essence and yield those irresistible waffles.
• Milk: One and one-third cups of milk binds the cornbread mix and creates that tender, fluffy interior beneath the golden crust.
• Eggs: Two large eggs give your waffles structure and help them puff up beautifully in the iron.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy dollop on top tempers the richness of the chili and adds a creamy note.
• Shredded Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness for balance—don’t skip this finishing touch!
• Diced Tomatoes: Bright pops of tomato provide color, juiciness, and a little acidic lift to every forkful.
• Shredded Cheese: Your favorite cheese melts over the hot chili for pure comfort—cheddar is classic, but anything goes.

How to Make Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron and Warm the Chili

Before anything else, get your waffle iron sizzling! Set it to medium-high (a “4” if it’s numbered), or higher for extra crispiness. While it’s heating, pour your canned chili into a pot and warm it over medium heat until steaming, or pop it in the microwave until hot. This way, you can quickly assemble everything right when your waffles are done.

Step 2: Prepare the Cornbread Batter

In a medium bowl, combine both packets of cornbread mix with the milk and eggs. Stir just until there are no dry patches left—it should come together smoothly, but a few lumps are perfectly fine. This easy batter will soon transform into golden, fluffy waffles that steal the show.

Step 3: Grease the Waffle Iron

Once your waffle iron is fully heated, coat the plates thoroughly with nonstick spray. This ensures that your cornbread waffles will release beautifully, staying intact and crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Cornbread Waffles

Pour one generous cup of batter into the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid and let the magic happen! Depending on your iron, you’ll either hear a beep or see a light when it’s done. Cook to your preferred golden-brown shade—go a little longer for extra crunch.

Step 5: Assemble with Chili and All the Fixins’

Stack those warm cornbread waffles on plates and ladle over the piping-hot chili. Then comes the fun: pile on sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and a heavy sprinkle of cheese. Serve Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’ immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’

Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’ Garnishes

Garnishes are a big part of what makes this dish fun and customizable. Set out bowls of sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese so everyone can build their dream stack. For extra zip, try sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or even avocado!

Side Dishes

Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’ shine on their own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad, quick-pickled onions, or a bowl of seasoned black beans. Fresh fruit, like orange slices or grapes, makes a nice cool contrast to the spicy, savory main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve mini waffles for a party appetizer bar, topped with spoonfuls of chili and fixins’ as “waffle sliders.” Or try cutting waffles into quarters for a fun, shareable platter. For individual flair, let guests customize their own waffle at a toppings bar—it’s always a hit at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’, don’t worry—they store beautifully. Place cooled waffles and chili separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the waffles from getting soggy and ensures a quick, fresh tasting meal.

Freezing

Waffles freeze surprisingly well! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer bag and store for up to two months. The chili can also be frozen in sturdy containers. Just let both components cool completely before freezing to preserve their flavors and textures.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated waffles into your toaster or oven until hot and crisp—much better than the microwave for texture. Warm the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave, then top the waffles and dive in. It’s almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade chili adds a personal touch and extra depth of flavor, so feel free to use your favorite recipe. Just be sure it’s thick enough to sit nicely atop the waffles.

Can I substitute regular cornbread mix if I can’t find the Mexican style?

Of course—you’ll still get delicious results with classic cornbread mix! Add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños if you want a similar kick to the Mexican style variety.

How can I make Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’ gluten free?

Look for a certified gluten-free cornbread mix and double-check that your chili is gluten free as well. The toppings are naturally gluten free, so it’s easy to adapt this recipe for everyone.

Do the waffles get soggy under the chili?

Not if you serve immediately! The cornbread waffles stay crisp on the edges and tender inside, especially if you ladle on the chili right before serving. If you’re worried, toast leftover waffles before topping them with chili.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes! This recipe is super flexible—cut everything in half for a cozy dinner for two, or double up for a hungry crowd. Just be sure not to overcrowd your waffle iron if you’re making a big batch.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that bring people together and burst with texture and flavor, you simply have to try Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’. It’s fun, easy, and so rewarding from first bite to last—perfect for treating yourself or feeding a crowd. Fire up that waffle iron, gather your favorite toppings, and let the good times roll!

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