Chili and waffles might not sound like a traditional pair, but once you try them together, it’s hard to go back. This unexpected duo takes the cozy, familiar flavors of chili and layers them over crispy, golden waffles to create a meal that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary surprise.
The base of this dish is a waffle that leans more savory than sweet. Think cornbread-inspired batters or lightly seasoned waffles that can hold up under the weight of a rich, hearty chili. When done right, the waffle stays crisp around the edges while soaking up just enough of the chili to add flavor and moisture without turning soggy.
On top, the chili can be anything from a classic beef and bean version to a vegetarian or vegan variation packed with vegetables and smoky spices. Whether mild or fiery, chunky or smooth, chili adds the warmth and depth that makes this dish so satisfying. It’s a smart way to use leftovers or stretch a small batch into something new and exciting.
What really makes chili waffles stand out is the combination of textures. The contrast between crispy waffle edges and the hearty, saucy chili creates a balance that’s hard to resist. Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or even a fried egg on top, and the dish becomes fully customizable to your taste.
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, chili waffles are a fun way to break out of a food rut. They’re bold, filling, and just a little bit unexpected, exactly the kind of dish that sparks conversation and leaves everyone going back for seconds. Whether served casually at home or dressed up for a weekend meal, this creative mashup proves that comfort food still has plenty of room to surprise.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder level
- 1 tablespoon sugar granulated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt fine
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 egg large, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup chili prepared, warm
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon cilantro optional, for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the milk, beaten egg, and melted butter until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Ladle the waffle batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crisp.
- Once the waffles are done, top them with warm prepared chili.
- Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Chili Waffles!
I dunno about chili on waffles. Seems like a weird combo.
Honestly, waffles with chili is not my thing. The batter was bland until I added more cheese and seasoning. Would eat again maybe but not something I’d crave.
Chili waffles rule! 🥞🌶️
Not bad! I’m just not sure about the sugar—felt a bit too sweet next to the chili. Next time I’ll cut it in half and maybe use a spicier chili.
Totally get that! The sugar is only 1 tbsp, but chili heat can make sweetness stand out more. Cutting it in half sounds like a great fix—also maybe look for a less sugary chili if yours is on the sweet side.
I disagree a little—sweet + chili is like the whole point, lol. If it’s too sweet though, you could try using less chili topping? Like 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 and add more cheese maybe. Or get hotter chili (less sweet too) and you’ll be good.
I don’t know… chili should be eaten with rice, not waffles, right? 🤨
Can you use any chili? I bet my mom’s chili is better than this recipe.
Nah, my chili makes everything taste better! Can’t beat mom’s recipe.
I think any chili could work! Your mom’s might be great, but this recipe sounds fun too. Give it a shot!
What if I put bacon on it instead of chili??? 🤔
Easy to make, but I prefer my waffles sweet. Next time no chili!
This recipe sounds crazy but I gave it a shot. Surprisingly delicious!
This is a weird combo, but I actually like it!!
I thought it sounded odd at first too, but it’s surprisingly good! You’ve got to try it with extra cheese.
Chili on waffles? Sounds weird but I guess if you like it, that’s cool. Just don’t make me try it.
These were surprisingly awesome—sweet-savory is such a vibe. I used mild chili and added extra cheddar. Crispy outside, fluffy inside. Will make again!
I thought this was gonna be disaster, but WOW it was so good! 😋 Definitely adding to my recipe book.
Chili waffles sounds weird to me but… wow. The crispiness holds the chili really well. I skipped cilantro and it was still good.
Honestly I had the same reaction—chili on waffles sounds like a crime—but you’re right about the crisp holding it together. I tried it once and now I’m obsessed.
I’m not convinced 😅 waffles are for sweet stuff… but skipping cilantro sounds like a win. What kind of chili did you use—like beans or no? Also mine got soggy once, any tips?
Waffle + chili? Sounds bad, but you gotta trust me, it’s good!
Trust you? I dunno… but I’m curious! Gonna give it a try this weekend.
I can’t even imagine how that would taste! Waffles are for breakfast, not dinner. No thanks!
Chili? Waffles? What next? Meatballs pancakes?!
I think it’s a fun idea! Chili and waffles could be a unique twist on breakfast. Can’t wait to try it!
Ew, that sounds gross. Chili doesn’t belong on waffles! Just stick to syrup, please.
Tried this with leftover chili, came out great. Will make again!
Not sure about the chili + waffles combo. Like, I get it, but it tastes kinda like cornbread meets brunch? My family liked it, I was skeptical at first.
Whoa, this is so outside my comfort zone but I love it!
I tried these and they came out burnt, but is that my fault or the recipe? 😩
This is such a unique twist on waffles! I never thought to combine chili with them. 5 stars!
I was skeptical at first, but this does sound interesting! I might give it a try. Maybe with some salsa too?
I’m not sure about this combination. Waffles should be sweet! Chili doesn’t belong here, lol.
Made these for brunch and they were a hit! Everyone loved the combo! 😍
What is the point of this? Why would anyone eat that?
Mine stuck to the waffle iron even though I preheated it. I think I needed more butter/grease. Otherwise the flavor was decent—kind of like cornbread meets breakfast.
Mine did that too 😅 I think it’s the chili moisture—my first batch got soggy and clingy. Next time I’ll let the chili cool a bit or use less chili in the batter. Also, I swear I used too much baking soda once… not sure if that was the issue lol.
Ugh, that’s frustrating. If it stuck even after preheating, I’d try brushing the iron with a little more melted butter/oil right before the first waffle (and re-coat between batches). Also—don’t open it early; give it time to release once it’s fully crisp.
Whaat? Chili on waffles? Genius! Never thought of that! 😂
So yummy 😍! Made it for brunch and everyone LOVED IT!
These waffles were too sweet for my taste. Not for me.
Too sweet? Come on, it’s chili waffles! That’s like saying chili is too spicy. It’s just how it goes!
I actually loved the sweetness! It balanced the chili really well. Maybe try less sugar next time?
OMG, delicious! Made these for brunch and everyone loved them! Will def make again. ❤️
Yummy! I added some jalapeños to the chili for extra kick, delish!
The measurements are pretty simple and it’s easy to make—liked that. I didn’t have cilantro so I used green onion and it still tasted awesome.
Too complicated for me. I just wanted a normal waffle. Why chili??
Not sure about mixing chili with waffles. Seems odd.
I thought the same at first, but actually chili on waffles can be really good, trust me! It’s like a little flavor explosion.
Chili with waffles? Sounds pretty weird to me. I think I’d just stick to regular syrup. Good luck though!
Why do people keep trying to mix sweet and savory? Just stick to regular waffles.
These are such a fun idea—savory waffles with chili is dangerously tasty. I added a bit of smoked paprika to the batter and it bumped the flavor up a lot. Crispy outside, fluffy inside.
Chili and waffles? Sounds gross. Like, I just can’t imagine it tasting good. I’m skeptical.
Not gonna lie, the chili got a little soggy on top by the time I served everyone. I’d recommend warming the chili separately and adding right at the last second.
I didn’t have prepared chili so I cooked some from scratch and it tasted kinda watery on the waffles. Maybe I needed to reduce it more—flavor was fine but texture was off.
Quick question, do you HAVE to use cheddar? I hate that cheese. Any suggestions?
This sounds weird but I’m intrigued. Can’t wait to try!
Chili and waffles? Really? This is a no from me.
I think it’s a unique combo! Chili is savory and waffles are sweet, so why not mix it up? Give it a shot!
Chili on waffles? Eww, that sounds weird. You can keep that for yourself!