Cornbread Waffles with Chili – The Ultimate Comfort Combo

Hi there, food lover! 👋

When the weather cools and families gather around the table seeking warmth and familiarity, few dishes honor tradition quite like cornbread and chili. These two classics have comforted generations, each carrying stories of humble kitchens, slow simmering pots, and the steady rhythm of home cooking. Today, we bring these beloved staples together in a delightful, heartwarming fusion: Cornbread Waffles with Chili. 🧇🌶️

This pairing blends the rustic charm of old-fashioned cornbread—a staple across many rural homes—with the bold, slow-cooked richness of chili. In the past, cooks relied on cornmeal for its affordability and hearty nourishment, especially in regions where wheat was scarce. It was baked, fried, griddled, and shared as one of the most dependable foods around. Chili, too, has its roots in tradition: a simmering pot of beans, tomatoes, and spices, often prepared for long days of work or communal gatherings. Combined, they create a meal that feels rooted in history and family, with each bite bringing warmth that stretches back through time.

Turning cornbread into waffles adds a pleasing texture—crisp edges giving way to tender crumb—while offering a sturdy base for a ladleful of rich, aromatic chili. This is the kind of dish that fills the house with comforting aromas, invites everyone to gather round, and provides the sort of satisfaction that only timeless cooking methods can bring. As you prepare this recipe, you’re embracing a way of cooking that honors those who stirred cast-iron pots and baked by the glow of the hearth. So, let’s bring that spirit into your kitchen today with a meal that is hearty, humble, and steeped in tradition. 🍽️🔥

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Ingredients

For the Cornbread Waffles

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional for mild sweetness)

For the Chili

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water or broth

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Pickled jalapeños

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by preparing the chili, since a slow simmer draws out its fullest flavor. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, releasing its aroma without allowing it to brown.
3. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no trace of pink remains.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and your chosen water or broth.
5. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
6. Allow the pot to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let the chili cook for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally, giving the flavors time to meld in the old-fashioned way.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Classic chili should have depth, warmth, and balance.
8. Prepare the cornbread waffles while the chili simmers. Preheat your waffle iron.
9. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
10. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla if using.
11. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until incorporated. The batter should remain slightly lumpy—traditional cornbread never demands over-mixing.
12. Lightly oil the waffle iron, then spoon in the batter. Cook until golden with crisp edges.
13. Transfer the waffles to a warm plate or keep in a low oven until serving time.
14. To serve, place a warm cornbread waffle on a plate and ladle a hearty helping of chili over the top.
15. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if desired.
16. Enjoy slowly, appreciating each comforting bite.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 50 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️