Make Cornbread In Your Waffle Maker For Absurdly Crispy Edges

Using a waffle maker to whip up some cornbread can enhance the texture of the food. While the interior of the cornbread will remain soft and fluffy, the appliance will ensure that the edges come out perfectly crispy. Plus, it's easy to make waffles using store-bought cornbread mix.

For the right consistency, you'll want to upgrade your boxed cornbread mix by thickening it with eggs, milk, and shortening. You may also want to toss in a little extra flour or add veggies, cheese, or herbs. The batter should be thin enough to spread out and fit the waffle mold, but thick enough to hold its shape once cooked.

The batter can then be poured into the waffle maker. As it cooks, the appliance will first cook the exterior of the cornbread, and the heat will spread to the inside. This process ensures that the cornbread waffles come out extra crispy on the outside, as the heat continues to directly cook the surface. Some waffle makers have a light to indicate when the waffle is fully cooked, or they can be removed when steam stops emanating from the appliance.

Another benefit of making cornbread in a waffle maker is that it creates an excellent — and versatile — vessel for your favorite sauces. The waffles can be served with a bit of sour cream or hot sauce for a savory twist; however, they're sweet enough to serve as a replacement for sweeter breakfast fare, eaten simply with butter and maple syrup.

If you want to transform your cornbread into the central serving base for a lunch or dinner dish, adding some protein on top can bulk it up. The divots in the waffles can hold chili, baked beans, or hearty stews, the moisture from which may soak into the bread, spreading extra flavor throughout the dish. Or, for a sweeter dessert option, you can top it with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

If you don't have cornbread mix on hand, making golden cornmeal waffles from scratch can achieve the same flavors. But if waffles aren't really your thing, there are plenty of other ways to alter the format in which your cornbread bakes.

Cornbread mix can be transformed into quite a few different breakfast foods. If you prefer pancakes, the mix can be turned into flapjacks using the same ingredients as for waffles. Though they may not crisp up as much as waffles, cornbread pancakes can still serve as the base for various fillings.

Cornbread muffins are an easy way to bake the bread — just prepare your mix with an egg and some milk, then pour it into a muffin tin. You can also include veggies, cheese, or meats in the batter before baking, or stuff them in the center.

You can even use cornmeal to create crepes, lending the corn flavor to both savory and sweet fillings. Shredded chicken, steak, or pulled pork can make for a hearty filling, while fruits and whipped cream offer a colorful, sweet option. If you're looking for a new way to use a box of cornbread mix, consider transforming it into a twist on your favorite breakfast foods.