Ditch The Oven — Make Boxed Cornbread In This Appliance For A Delicious Breakfast Twist

Cornbread is a simple kitchen staple that pairs with everything from chili to fried chicken to baby-back ribs. From the traditional loaf style to muffins to mini loaves, cornbread is a versatile last-minute side dish that bakes in 30 minutes or less. To satisfy your cornbread craving even sooner, here is one clever hack that will change the game: Make your cornbread in a waffle maker.

Cornbread waffles are tender, crispy, and have a delicate sweet corn flavor. For breakfast lovers, they can be served with a smear of honey butter or topped with a perfectly fried egg, but these versatile waffles can also work just as well for lunch or dinner. Use them as a base for pulled pork and coleslaw, or make an open-faced taco by topping the waffle with seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo — you could also use that idea for breakfast tacos.

By using a waffle maker, you can prepare cornbread without taking up valuable oven space during dinner prep. Cornbread cooks much faster in a waffle maker than in the oven and can be served with everything from savory to sweet toppings. They are also a convenient handheld meal, whether you're eating breakfast in the car or having a midday snack by the soccer pitch.

Making cornbread waffles is simple. Construct them from scratch with your favorite homemade cornbread recipe or by using a store-bought mix like Jiffy Cornbread. Then, heat up your waffle maker and spray both plates with nonstick cooking spray. Cook until your waffle maker indicates it's time to lift the lid and remove your fresh cornbread delights — just like you would normal waffles.

While traditional cornbread mixes typically call for oil, milk, and eggs, consider adding sour cream and butter to your cornbread batter to boost richness and creaminess. Using a mix of milk and buttermilk is a cornbread secret that Ree Drummond swears by. The acidity of the buttermilk offers a tender crumb, while the milk cuts the tangy bite.

If you like spice, add canned diced jalapeños to your cornbread batter; a handful of shredded cheddar cheese may balance out the spiciness. With those in mind, a platter of cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles are perfect for game day, especially if you're serving chili or a beef dip. You can also make a variety of cornbread waffle sandwiches, such as ham and manchego cheese or turkey and avocado, or serve waffle triangles alongside dips like hummus or cowboy caviar.