Cheesy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Creamy Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip – A Flavorful Gluten-Free Delight

When you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and a little bit adventurous, this recipe for Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip will be your new go-to. This dish brings together the irresistible crunch of cornbread waffles with the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness of turkey chile con queso dip, making it a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking up a special brunch for the family, preparing for a fun weekend dinner, or putting together a hearty appetizer for a gathering, this dish has everything you need to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

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The waffles themselves are light yet hearty, with the perfect balance of textures. The sweet cornmeal, slightly nutty oat flour, and millet flour combine to form the base, creating a deliciously gluten-free alternative to traditional cornbread. The sharp cheddar cheese adds depth and richness, while the minced jalapeño provides just the right amount of heat without overpowering the flavors. The waffles have a crisp exterior with a soft and tender interior, offering a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy turkey chile con queso dip.

This turkey dip is a masterpiece in its own right. Ground turkey is seasoned with a blend of spices that include cumin, chili powder, and paprika, bringing out deep, warm flavors. The addition of creamy cheese, milk, and a bit of sweet rice flour creates a velvety smooth sauce, enveloping the turkey and creating a rich, indulgent dip. The tomatoes add a burst of freshness and acidity, which cuts through the richness and adds balance to the dish. Together, the waffles and the dip come together in perfect harmony, providing a hearty, comforting meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

Ingredients

For the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles:

• ¾ cup cornmeal
• ¼ cup sweet rice flour (make sure it’s not “white rice flour” or “brown 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 minced yellow onion (from about ½ medium onion)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (from 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 ground black pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons sweet rice flour
• 1¾ cups milk
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Optional: lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

For the Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, sweet rice flour, oat flour, millet flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. This dry mixture will form the base of your waffle batter, giving the waffles a nice, light texture while keeping them gluten-free.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until fully combined. The eggs provide richness and structure, while the milk gives the waffles the right consistency. Once combined, add the melted butter and whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
3. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Use a whisk to ensure there are no lumps and the batter is smooth and well-mixed. It should have a pourable consistency that is thick enough to hold its shape in the waffle iron.
4. Once the batter is well combined, fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and the minced jalapeño. The cheese will melt during cooking, infusing the waffles with savory richness, while the jalapeño will add just the right amount of heat to elevate the dish.
5. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re using an electric waffle iron, lightly spray the iron with canola oil for easy release. For stovetop waffle irons, make sure to heat both sides of the iron for at least 3 minutes on medium heat, and lightly spray both the top and bottom plates with canola oil to prevent sticking.
6. Once the waffle iron is ready, pour about ¼ cup of the batter into the center of each waffle square, depending on the size of your iron. Close the waffle iron and cook for 90 seconds. Flip the iron and cook for another 90-120 seconds until both sides of the waffle are golden brown and crispy.
7. Carefully remove the waffles from the iron and place them on a wire rack. The wire rack will help them crisp up as they cool, preventing them from becoming soggy.
8. Serve the waffles immediately for a hot, crispy treat. If you prefer to make them ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container and reheat them in a toaster for the best results.

For the Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip:

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are softened and fragrant. The garlic and onion will provide the savory base for the dip.
2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The turkey will absorb the flavors of the onions and garlic, creating a savory, flavorful mixture.
3. Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture to coat the turkey with the spices, letting the spices bloom for another 1-2 minutes. These spices will give the turkey a rich, complex flavor profile that complements the cheese in the dip.
4. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to heat through. The tomatoes add a fresh, juicy component to the dip that contrasts the richness of the turkey and cheese. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
5. In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the sweet rice flour and whisk it until smooth. This will serve as the thickening agent for the cheese sauce. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles slightly, allowing it to reach the right consistency without burning.
6. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure that the flour mixture is fully incorporated. Pour the milk in three parts, allowing the mixture to smooth out between each addition. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This will create a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats the turkey mixture beautifully.
8. Fold the turkey mixture into the cheese sauce and stir gently until everything is well-combined. The creamy, cheesy sauce will envelop the turkey and spices, creating a rich and hearty dip that is perfect for pairing with the cornbread waffles.

Tips and Variations:

• Add More Spice: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. You can also adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or finely chopped vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or cauliflower. These options will still provide a satisfying texture and absorb the flavors of the spices and cheese.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, swap the butter, milk, and cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cheese. Be sure to adjust the thickness of the sauce by using a bit more rice flour if needed.
• Make It Ahead: The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more milk to reach the desired consistency.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese in the dip. A mixture of cheddar and pepper jack cheese would add a nice kick. You could also try adding a bit of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh, smoky twist.
• For a Fun Presentation: Consider serving the dip in a fondue pot or slow cooker to keep it warm and gooey throughout the meal.

Serving Suggestions:

These Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip make for a perfect main dish or appetizer. They are hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, yet fun and interactive enough to be enjoyed at a gathering. For an extra pop of freshness, serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the waffles or dip, adding a citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp salad or roasted vegetables to provide some contrast to the indulgent flavors.

Conclusion:

Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip is a dynamic dish that combines bold flavors and satisfying textures in one delightful package. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a party, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. The waffles are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and the dip is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The heat from the jalapeños adds just the right amount of spice without overpowering the dish, and the turkey chile con queso dip brings everything together in a savory, cheesy embrace. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in no time, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.