Spice up your next waffle breakfast with this recipe - savory, fluffy waffles made with spicy serrano peppers, cheddar cheese and extra seasonings. Delicious!

Serrano-Cheddar Waffles Recipe
My wife is now VERY happy. Patty is a total waffle fanatic. I mean, I greatly enjoy some waffles, but she is crazy for them. Not long ago as I was pitching story ideas to Chile Pepper Magazine for their Breakfasts issue, I jotted several down, and Patty called out "Waffles! You gotta do waffles!"
I pitched a "Savory, Spicy Waffles" idea and Patty was GIDDY when they chose that one.
Hilarious.
So here we are, eating MORE spicy, savory waffles. You knew I had to make them spicy, right? But of course!

Sweet waffles are delicious, but when you bring in a savory-spicy element, they transform into something amazing. You can't get enough of these. Just ask Patty!
LOL.
The waffle batter is easy enough to whip together, and you'd be amazed at how adaptable it is. You can add all sorts of flavorful, sweet or savory elements and the batter just keeps on kicking.

In this case, I've added a good measure of shredded cheddar cheese, a few chopped spicy serrano peppers, and a bit of taco seasoning to kick up the flavor a notch.
SO GOOD!
The cheese permeates the entire waffle and you'll get the cheddar flavor in every bite. To be honest, you could pretty easily include even MORE cheese if you're in the mood for a cheesier waffle. Seriously. GO FOR IT!
Don't forget the serrano peppers. If serranos are too spicy for you, you can swap them out for jalapeno peppers, or core them out to tame the heat a bit. OR! If you're wild and crazy, toss in a fiery habanero or maybe a ghost pepper. Come on, you crazy chiliheads!
I know you LOVE your heat.
Serrano-Cheddar Waffles Ingredients
- Eggs. Large.
- Buttermilk.
- Butter. Melted.
- All-purpose Flour.
- Corn Meal.
- Baking Powder.
- Baking Soda.
- Salt.
- Cheddar Cheese. Shredded.
- Serrano Peppers. Chopped.
- Taco Seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper. To taste.
For Serving
- Maple Syrup.
- Mexican Crema.
Serrano-Cheddar Waffles - The Recipe Method
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter.
Add the cheese, serrano peppers and salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl whisk together the dry ingredients.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until nearly smooth; it’s OK if it is still lumpy.
Spray your waffle iron with a non-stick cooking spray and preheat it according to your model’s instructions.
Pour in the waffle mix as needed and cook 2-4 minutes, until cooked to your desired brownness.
Remove and set onto a plate. Top with Serrano peppers and serve with maple syrup and Mexican crema.

Drizzle on a bit of pure maple syrup and some Mexican crema or sour cream. Honey is nice here, too. Just for that touch of sweetness.
Get waffling, my friends! Savory waffles await you! If you make this, send pics. Patty will be very happy and excited. -- Mike H.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Sweet waffles are delicious, but when you bring in a savory-spicy element, they transform into something amazing. You can't get enough of these.
- The waffle batter is easy enough to whip together, and you'd be amazed at how adaptable it is. You can add all sorts of flavorful, sweet or savory elements and the batter just keeps on kicking.
- For a touch if sweetness, drizzle on a bit of pure maple syrup and some Mexican crema or sour cream. Honey is nice here, too.
Storage & Leftovers
Storing your Serrano-Cheddar Waffles in an airtight container in the fridge may allow to keep them for up to 2-3 days. To maximize the storage life, make sure to refrigerate them promptly and reheat properly.
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

Serrano-Cheddar Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 8 tablespoons melted butter 1/2 cup
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup corn meal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 serrano peppers chopped
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving: Maple syrup and Mexican crema
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter.
- Add the cheese, serrano peppers and salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the dry ingredients.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until nearly smooth; it’s OK if it is still lumpy.
- Spray your waffle iron with a non-stick cooking spray and preheat it according to your model’s instructions.
- Pour in the waffle mix as needed and cook 2-4 minutes, until cooked to your desired brownness.
- Remove and set onto a plate. Top with Serrano peppers and serve with maple syrup and Mexican crema.
Notes
Nutrition Information

Kevin Moser says
These are so good!
I smoke and freeze a variety of peppers from our garden. Perfect time to chop and add smoked jalapeños. Seasoning is excellent!
Topped with homemade crema (as suggested), maple syrup, and roasted garlic and onion hot sauce (recipe found here)!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome! Love to hear it, Kevin!
Melinda Blackburn says
Made these today when my grocery order accidentally had Serrano peppers instead of poblano peppers. They were easy and delicious. We served with a lime crema and warmed honey with a splash of hot sauce. Next they will be served as a side to chili or soup.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Oh, nice! Poblanos instead of serranos? Oops! Glad you found some ways to use them! Serranos are one of my favorites.