Golden, crispy on the outside and soft inside, these savory corn cheese waffles are a flavor-packed twist on classic waffles. Loaded with corn, veggies, and cheese, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick savory snack.
1 Waffle Maker (or non-stick pan if making pancakes)
1 Measuring Cups & Spoons Set
1 Spatula
Ingredients
½cupfrozen corncoarsely ground
½cupfrozen corndefrosted
½–¾ teaspoon saltto taste
2tablespoonsspring onionschopped
¼cupgreen capsicumfinely chopped
½teaspoonItalian seasoning
¼teaspoonground black pepper
½cupgrated cheesecheddar or any melting cheese
¼cupall-purpose flourmaida
¼cupwhole wheat flouratta
1large egg
⅓cupmilk
¼teaspoonbaking powder
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Waffle Maker: Before starting, plug in your waffle maker and allow it to preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly heated waffle iron ensures the batter cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden crust. If your machine has an indicator light, wait until it signals readiness. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray, butter, or a brush of oil to prevent sticking and make waffle removal easier.
Process and Prepare the Corn: Take half of the frozen corn and grind it coarsely in a food processor or blender. This creates a thicker base that holds the batter together while still leaving texture. Keep the other half of the corn kernels whole and thawed, so you get bursts of sweetness in every bite. Combining ground and whole corn provides both creaminess and crunch.
Combine Vegetables and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground corn, thawed corn kernels, chopped spring onions, and finely diced green capsicum. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mixing the vegetables and spices together first helps distribute the flavors evenly, ensuring every waffle is well-seasoned and filled with a balanced mix of ingredients.
Fold in the Cheese: Add the grated cheese of your choice—cheddar, mozzarella, or any good melting cheese—into the vegetable mixture. Stir gently so the cheese is evenly spread throughout the batter. The cheese not only enhances flavor but also creates a delightful gooey texture once cooked, making the waffles rich and satisfying.
Incorporate the Flours and Baking Powder: Next, add both the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour to the bowl. Sprinkle in the baking powder to help the batter rise slightly and keep the waffles airy. Stir carefully to combine, making sure the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the vegetable mixture. This prevents clumps and ensures the final waffles have the perfect balance of structure and fluffiness.
Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately: In a small bowl or measuring jug, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. This step helps blend the liquids properly before adding them to the main batter. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together, while the milk creates a creamy consistency, ensuring the waffles are soft inside while still crisping up on the outside.
Mix Wet and Dry Components: Pour the whisked egg and milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and vegetables. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold everything together until you achieve a thick but pourable batter. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the waffles dense. The goal is to create a well-combined mixture with visible chunks of corn and melted cheese distributed throughout.
Cook the Waffles to Perfection: Once the waffle maker is hot and greased, pour a ladleful of batter onto the center of the plates. Spread it slightly with the back of the ladle to cover the surface evenly, but don’t overfill—this prevents spillage when the lid is closed. Close the waffle maker and cook for 6–7 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown, crisp on the outside, and fully cooked inside. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your machine.
Remove and Repeat: Carefully lift the lid and use a spatula or fork to remove the waffle from the maker. Place it on a plate or wire rack to maintain its crispness. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, lightly greasing the waffle plates if necessary between batches. The aroma of corn and cheese will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a bite right away!
Serve Hot with Toppings: Serve the savory corn cheese waffles immediately while they are warm and crisp. They are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with toppings like sour cream, salsa, green chutney, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zing. For a heartier meal, pair them with sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or a fresh salad on the side.
Notes
These waffles can be made with or without a waffle maker—just pour the batter onto a non-stick pan for a savory pancake version.
For best texture, use both ground and whole corn. The ground corn binds the batter while whole kernels add sweetness and crunch.
You can swap in other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach for variety. If using water-rich vegetables, squeeze out excess liquid first.
Cheese choice matters: cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella adds stretchiness, and processed cheese melts easily for a creamier finish.
Make the batter just before cooking for the crispiest waffles, as leaving it too long can soften the texture.