If you love a cozy, comforting dish with a kick of spice and a satisfying crunch, the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe is about to become one of your all-time favorites. This delicious combination brings together fluffy, cheesy cornbread waffles infused with jalapeños, paired perfectly with a rich, creamy turkey chile con queso dip that adds warmth and zest. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for everything from a weekend brunch to game day gatherings, offering layers of flavor and texture that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this dish is surprisingly simple thanks to straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, heat, and texture. From the variety of flours creating a tender waffle base to the spices that warm up the turkey dip, every element counts.
- Cornmeal: Provides that classic cornbread texture and a touch of rustic sweetness.
- Sweet rice flour: Helps keep the waffles tender and adds a subtle chewiness.
- Gluten-free oat flour: Adds a light nuttiness and moisture.
- Millet flour: Contributes a mild sweetness and slight grainy texture to round out the waffle.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the heat from jalapeños with a touch of sweetness.
- Baking powder: Makes sure those waffles rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
- Milk: Moistens the batter, helping create a tender waffle crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and keeps the waffles moist without overpowering.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Infuses the batter with savory, melty goodness.
- Jalapeño: Brings that signature spicy zip, balanced by removing the seeds.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics and turkey, adding depth of flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture in the dip.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dip with savory warmth.
- Ground turkey: A lean, protein-packed base for the chile con queso.
- Cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper: The spice blend that creates the chile con queso’s vibrant character.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a hint of acidity to balance the richness.
- Unsalted butter (for sauce): Used to craft the creamy cheese sauce base.
- Sweet rice flour (for sauce): Thickens the cheese sauce without lumps.
- Milk (for sauce): Creates a silky, smooth cheese sauce texture.
- Shredded sharp cheese (for sauce): Blends into the sauce for ultimate cheesiness.
- Lime wedges (optional): Add a fresh, zesty punch when served.
How to Make Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the cornmeal, sweet rice flour, oat flour, millet flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix forms the backbone of your waffle batter, balancing graininess, lift, and sweetness to set you up for incredible texture and flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Then stir in the melted butter, ensuring it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs. This helps create a rich, tender waffle base. The egg and milk combo makes sure your waffles stay moist and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and whisk until you get a smooth batter without lumps. Gently fold in the sharp cheddar cheese and minced jalapeño. The cheese will melt during cooking, and the jalapeño brings that perfect spicy kick that makes these waffles unforgettable.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
If you’re using an electric waffle iron, heat it up and lightly spray with oil if it’s not nonstick—then cook the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For a stovetop waffle iron, heat both sides over medium heat, lightly oil, and pour in a scant ¼ cup of batter per square. Cook for 90 seconds, flip, then another 90 to 120 seconds until golden and crisp. Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack to keep their crunch while you finish the batch.
Step 5: Prepare the Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the minced onion and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add ground turkey along with cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then stir in drained diced tomatoes and set the mixture aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in sweet rice flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in shredded sharp cheese until smooth and creamy. Finally, fold the turkey mixture into the cheese sauce, combining all those bold, hearty flavors into a luscious dip.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the piping hot cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles alongside generous bowls of the turkey chile con queso dip. Don’t forget to offer lime wedges on the side to brighten things up just before eating!
How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping the waffles or dip with fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar also complements the richness and heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
These waffles and dip shine as the star dish, but pairing them with a simple side salad or roasted sweet potatoes brings balance and freshness to the meal. Crisp vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell pepper also work well for dipping and add a nice crunch contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform the experience by serving small waffle “bites” with the dip skewered alongside as appetizers at your next party. For a brunch spread, set up a build-your-own waffle bar with the dip, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños to let everyone customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover waffles and dip in airtight containers and refrigerate. Waffles will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the turkey chile con queso dip keeps nicely for 4 to 5 days. This makes it perfect for quick snacks or next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze waffles by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. The turkey chile con queso dip can also be frozen but requires careful reheating to maintain its creamy consistency. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat waffles in a toaster oven or conventional oven to keep them crisp instead of soggy. The turkey chile con queso dip is best warmed slowly over low heat with occasional stirring to prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe already incorporates gluten-free flours like sweet rice flour, oat flour, and millet flour, making it a perfect choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy are the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the jalapeño, especially with the seeds removed. You can adjust the heat by adding more jalapeño or leaving it out for a milder waffle.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in the chile con queso dip?
Yes! Ground beef works just as well and will lend a slightly richer flavor, though turkey keeps the dish a bit lighter and leaner.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! The recipe makes about 16 servings, making it ideal for gatherings, brunch parties, or family dinners.
What kind of cheese works best in the dip?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the star here, providing a tangy, meltable cheese sauce that pairs wonderfully with the turkey and spices. You can experiment with a blend if you like, but sharp cheddar is the classic choice.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about pairing fluffy, cheesy cornbread waffles with a spicy, creamy turkey chile con queso dip. This Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe brings warmth, zest, and a touch of fun to your table, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it might just become your new favorite comfort dish to serve again and again.
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Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles paired with a hearty Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip make for a savory, spicy, and cheesy dish perfect for brunch or a comforting snack. The waffles offer a golden, crispy texture with the kick of fresh jalapeño, while the turkey chile con queso dip adds protein-rich warmth with a creamy cheese sauce infused with southwestern spices.
Ingredients
For the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup sweet rice flour
- ¼ cup gluten-free oat flour
- ¼ cup millet flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 large jalapeño, seeds removed and minced
For the Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)
- ½ lb ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons sweet rice flour
- 1¾ cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheese
- Optional: lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, sweet rice flour, oat flour, millet flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined, then add the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter and whisk thoroughly.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the minced jalapeño.
- Cook Waffles (Electric Waffle Iron): Preheat the electric waffle iron and lightly spray with oil as needed. Pour batter into the iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions until golden and crisp.
- Cook Waffles (Stovetop Waffle Iron): Heat both sides of the waffle iron over medium heat for 3 minutes. Lightly spray with oil, then pour about a scant ¼ cup of batter into each waffle square. Cook for 90 seconds, then flip and cook an additional 90-120 seconds until golden brown. Transfer waffles to a wire rack to crisp up. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve or Reheat Waffles: Serve immediately or reheat in a toaster for a crispy finish.
- Cook Turkey Mixture: In a skillet, heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced yellow onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant. Add ground turkey along with cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in sweet rice flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk, continuing until the sauce thickens smoothly. Stir in shredded sharp cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Dip: Fold the cooked turkey mixture into the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the warm turkey chile con queso dip alongside the cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles. Garnish with optional lime wedges for added zest.
Notes
- Removing seeds from the jalapeño reduces heat, but leave some seeds in for extra spice.
- The batter can be cooked using either an electric waffle iron or a stovetop waffle iron depending on what’s available.
- Use gluten-free flours to keep the waffles gluten-free, suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Serve lime wedges on the side for a bright, fresh contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
