If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than these irresistible Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip. Imagine fluffy, golden cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles, kissed with just the right amount of heat, smothered in a creamy, melty queso dip loaded with perfectly seasoned ground turkey and zesty tomatoes. This dish balances savory, cheesy decadence with hearty, wholesome flavor, making it perfect for a weekend brunch, a game-day treat, or anytime you want to truly wow your table.

Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip is how each simple ingredient layers on flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters for the final result.

Yellow cornmeal: Brings a rustic sweetness and that classic cornbread crunch to your waffles.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the waffles light and fluffy.
Baking powder: Lifts the batter for a tender, airy crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the waffles brown beautifully and enhances the tang from the buttermilk.
Salt: Balances flavors and sharpens the taste of both the waffles and the dip.
Sugar: Accentuates the corn’s natural sweetness and helps the waffles caramelize.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the waffles moist and tender.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Makes every bite extra luscious and helps crisp up the waffle exterior.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings big flavor and delicious gooeyness to the waffles.
Jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped): Deliver the perfect touch of heat and a pop of color.
Nonstick spray for waffle iron: Ensures your waffles release cleanly and with a perfect crust.
Olive oil: For browning the turkey and building flavor in the dip.
Ground turkey: Lean protein that soaks up all the spices and melds beautifully with the queso.
Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dip.
Garlic (minced): Boosts the savory notes in every spoonful.
Chili powder: The backbone of the chile flavor, adding warmth and color.
Ground cumin: Lends a subtle smokiness and earthy aroma to the dip.
Smoked paprika: Delivers a hint of smoke and a rich reddish hue.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brightens the sauce and brings a gentle spicy kick.
Milk: Creates the silky base for your queso sauce.
All-purpose flour (for queso): Thickens the sauce for that perfect dip consistency.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly into the queso for ultimate creaminess.
More shredded cheddar cheese: Because you can never have too much cheesy goodness!
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a burst of freshness and color at the finish.

How to Make Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip

Step 1: Mix the Cornbread Waffle Batter

Grab two bowls and get ready for some whisking! In one, combine your cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In the other, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet into the dry and gently stir until just mixed—don’t overwork it. Fold in the shredded cheddar and jalapeños for that cheesy, spicy kick. The batter will be thick and studded with color.

Step 2: Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and give it a generous coat of nonstick spray. Spoon in the batter (don’t overfill), close the lid, and cook until your waffles are golden, crisp, and fragrant. Each batch will smell like warm, cheesy cornbread heaven. As they finish, keep the waffles warm in a low oven so they stay crispy.

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

While your waffles are working their magic, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned and juicy, stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent—your kitchen will start to smell incredible!

Step 4: Spice and Simmer

Time for the flavor fireworks! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the turkey and onion mixture, then add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle and deepen.

Step 5: Make the Queso Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until you have a rich, creamy, stretchy cheese sauce that’s utterly spoonable.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Now for the magic moment! Fold the turkey mixture into the cheese sauce and stir until everything is evenly combined. To serve, place a warm cheddar jalapeño waffle on a plate and ladle over a generous scoop of turkey chile con queso dip. Finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh cilantro brings brightness and a pop of green to your plate. For even more pizzazz, try sprinkling on sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or even a dusting of extra shredded cheese. The garnishes not only look festive but add layers of flavor and freshness to every bite of your Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip!

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar all on its own, but you can round out your meal with a crisp green salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or a platter of roasted vegetables. For brunch, consider serving with a simple fruit salad or tangy pickled onions to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the turkey chile con queso dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip are just begging for a little creativity! Try making mini waffles and serving them as an appetizer platter, or cut larger waffles into sticks for dipping. You can even build a savory waffle “stack” with layers of dip in between, or serve everything family-style for a vibrant, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the waffles and turkey chile con queso dip separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The waffles will keep for up to 2 days, while the dip stays good for about 3 days. Keeping them separate helps preserve the waffles’ crispness and the dip’s creamy consistency.

Freezing

Both components of Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip freeze well. Layer cooled waffles between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag. The dip can be portioned into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive waffles, pop them in a toaster or low oven until hot and crispy. Warm the turkey chile con queso dip on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed. Once everything is steamy and delicious, assemble and serve as you did on day one!

FAQs

Can I make the waffles gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip without worry.

What can I use instead of ground turkey?

Ground chicken works beautifully, or you can use beef for a richer, heartier dip. For a vegetarian twist, try black beans and sautéed mushrooms in place of the turkey.

How spicy are these waffles?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the seeded jalapeños and mild green chilies. If you want more heat, leave in some jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne to the dip. If you’re sensitive to spice, use just one jalapeño or opt for a milder pepper.

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes! The turkey chile con queso dip can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving. It’s a great way to save time for parties or busy weeknights.

What kind of waffle iron works best?

Any standard waffle iron will do the trick. For crispier edges, use a Belgian-style iron, but even a classic square model will yield delicious results. Just be sure to thoroughly grease the plates before cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your brunch or dinner routine, you have to give Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip a try. Every bite is a joyful mix of textures and flavors—cheesy, spicy, crisp, and creamy. Gather your loved ones and watch these savory waffles disappear in no time!

Waffles with Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and hearty recipe featuring cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles served with a rich turkey chile con queso dip. Perfect for a savory breakfast, brunch, or game day snack, combining spicy jalapeños, sharp cheddar, and a creamy turkey cheese dip.

Ingredients

Scale

Cornbread Waffles

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
Nonstick spray for waffle iron

Turkey Chile Con Queso Dip

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños carefully.
Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Remove and keep warm while preparing the dip.
Cook the turkey mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Season the turkey: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Make the cheese sauce: In a separate small saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour over medium heat. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat, then stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses until smooth and fully melted to create a creamy cheese sauce.
Combine dip components: Add the cooked turkey mixture to the melted cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients into a rich turkey chile con queso dip.
Serve: Plate the warm cheddar jalapeño cornbread waffles and spoon generous amounts of the turkey chile con queso dip over each waffle. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For extra heat, keep some jalapeño seeds in the batter.
Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey.
Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the dip to maintain crispness.
Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
This dish pairs well with a side of fresh salad or pico de gallo for added freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Waffle Iron and Stovetop
Cuisine: American