Santa Fe Blue Cornmeal Waffles – Harry’s Roadhouse

The aroma of blue corn has always transported me back to my first trip to New Mexico. I remember wandering through the Santa Fe farmers market, the earthy scent of roasting chiles mingling with the sweet fragrance of freshly baked goods. It was there I first encountered blue cornmeal, a vibrant ingredient that spoke of the region’s unique culinary heritage, and it was love at first bite. These waffles, inspired by Harry’s Roadhouse, capture that same magic, bringing a taste of the Southwest to my kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: About 6-8 waffles (depending on waffle iron size)
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups blue cornmeal
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup melted butter, plus more for brushing
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Sliced bananas (or other desired topping), for serving or sliced strawberries (or other desired topping)

Equipment Needed

• Waffle iron
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle or measuring cup for pouring batter

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: blue cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution.

2. In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just barely combined. It is important not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will result in tough waffles.

4. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it is hot, lightly brush the top and bottom plates with melted butter. This prevents the waffles from sticking and gives them a beautiful golden-brown color.

5. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron. The amount of batter will depend on the size of your waffle iron, but generally, you will want to use enough to fill the bottom plate without overflowing.

6. Close the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions. Cooking times will vary depending on the waffle iron, but generally, it will take about 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. A good indication is when the steaming stops.

7. Carefully remove the cooked waffle from the iron. Repeat with the remaining batter, brushing the iron with butter between batches as needed.

8. Serve immediately with butter and maple syrup, and your favorite toppings such as sliced bananas or strawberries.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra fluffy waffles, separate the eggs. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter just before cooking.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling the cup with milk to the 1-cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• To keep the waffles warm while you cook the rest of the batter, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C).
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Try toasted pecans, whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter. To make brown butter, cook butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a nutty brown color and smells fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
• If you are making a larger batch, consider using an ice cream scoop to portion out the batter evenly onto the waffle iron.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Santa Fe Blue Cornmeal Waffles immediately for the best flavor and texture. The warm, crispy waffles are delicious topped with butter, maple syrup, and fresh fruit. Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, toast them in a toaster oven or regular oven until crispy. You can also freeze the waffles for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen waffles can be reheated in the toaster or oven. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	20g	31%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	200mg	67%
Sodium	600mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	60g	20%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	15g	–
Protein	15g	30%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for binding.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the plant-based milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. Use a plant-based butter substitute for melting and brushing the waffle iron.
• Vegan: In addition to substituting the buttermilk and butter, you will also need to replace the eggs. You can use a commercial egg replacer, or try using 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana per egg. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a subtle kick.
• Sweet: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for extra flavor.
• Savory: Omit the sugar and add a pinch of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the batter. Serve with a fried egg and crumbled bacon.
• Seasonal: In the fall, add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. In the spring, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as chives or parsley.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the baking powder and baking soda will lose some of their leavening power over time, so the waffles may not be as fluffy.

Q: Why are my waffles sticking to the iron?
A: Make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated and well-greased. Brushing the iron with melted butter before each batch is crucial for preventing sticking.

Q: My waffles are too tough. What am I doing wrong?
A: Overmixing the batter is the most common cause of tough waffles. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just barely combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Q: Can I freeze these waffles?
A: Absolutely! Let the cooked waffles cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q: What is blue cornmeal?
A: Blue cornmeal is a type of cornmeal made from blue corn, a variety of corn that is native to the Southwestern United States. It has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor and a beautiful blue-gray color.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy these Santa Fe Blue Cornmeal Waffles as much as I do. They are a delicious and unique way to start your day, and they are sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature waffle recipe. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations. Consider pairing these waffles with a southwestern-inspired breakfast such as huevos rancheros or a side of green chile sausage.