Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles with Chipotle Lime Spread
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Updated Apr 28, 2025, Published Sep 16, 2020
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Cornmeal waffles are packed with crispy bacon, juicy summer tomatoes, creamy avocado, cotija cheese, and a zesty Chipotle Lime Spread for a savory spin on a diner favorite. These BLT Waffles are the ultimate “man food” for Father’s Day, or the perfect treat for those lazy summer mornings.
Tomato season might just be my favorite time of year. There’s nothing better than a ripe summer tomato — unless that tomato is layered between savory cornmeal waffles, bacon, avocados, and cheese. Trust me, it’s magic.
Table of Contents
What Are BLT Waffles?
If you think waffles have to be sweet, think again! These Savory BLT Waffles are made with a crispy cornmeal batter that’s tender on the inside and golden on the outside. Their little grooves are perfect for catching every bit of the chipotle lime spread speckled with fresh cilantro and salty cotija.
Swap out boring sandwich bread and build your favorite BLT on these warm, homemade cornmeal waffles — the ultimate upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy savory waffles: The cornmeal adds just the right crunch.
- Fresh summer toppings: Bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado — all the good stuff.
- Easy make-ahead: Waffles and sauce can be prepped in advance.
- Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles with Chipotle Lime Spread.
(Quantities and full instructions are listed in the printable recipe card below.)
For the Cornmeal Waffles:
- Cornmeal: Adds a subtle crunch and savory flavor. Fine or medium grind works best.
- All-purpose flour: Helps balance the texture for tender waffles.
- Cotija cheese: Adds salty, tangy flavor. You can substitute feta if needed.
- Buttermilk: Gives the waffles a rich, tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, use milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and helps the waffles crisp up.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note. You can skip if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the waffles rise and stay fluffy.
- Spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder): Boost the savory flavor.
For the Chipotle Lime Spread:
- Cotija cheese: Crumbled finely for a creamy base.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, spreadable texture.
- Buttermilk: Thins the sauce slightly for easy drizzling.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: Add smoky, spicy depth. Adjust to taste if you prefer milder heat.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds freshness to balance the smoky flavors.
- Lime juice: Brightens up the spread.
- Honey or maple syrup: Optional, but a hint of sweetness balances the heat.
- Garlic powder and sea salt: For seasoning.
Swap Option: If you prefer a milder, extra-creamy topping, you can replace the Chipotle Lime Spread with my Creamy Avocado Lime Crema. It’s creamy and tangy, and pairs perfectly with the BLT toppings!
Toppings:
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is ideal. Try my Spicy Maple Candied Bacon for a sweet-spicy upgrade!
- Heirloom tomatoes: Their juicy, vibrant flavor makes a big difference.
- Arugula or red leaf lettuce: Adds a peppery bite and freshness.
- Avocado: For creamy richness.
- Optional extras: Cherry tomatoes, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
How to Make Savory BLT Waffles
Step 1: Make the Waffle Batter. Mix your cornmeal, flour, cotija, and spices. Add buttermilk, butter, eggs, and fresh cilantro to create a thick, flavorful batter. Cook in a waffle maker until deep golden brown.
Tip: Prepare waffles ahead and freeze. Reheat in the toaster for fresh-from-the-iron crispiness!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon. Pan-fry or bake thick-cut bacon until crispy. For an extra treat, try using my Spicy Maple Candied Bacon for a sweet-and-spicy twist on these Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles!
Tip: Baking bacon in the oven (400°F for 12-14 minutes) makes it easy to feed a crowd without standing over the stove.
Step 3: Make the Chipotle Lime Spread. Blend cotija, mayonnaise, buttermilk, chipotle, cilantro, lime, and garlic powder into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Prep the Toppings. Slice juicy heirloom tomatoes, pit and slice avocado, and rinse arugula or lettuce.
Step 5: Assemble and Stack. Spread a generous layer of chipotle lime spread on each waffle. Pile on crispy bacon, arugula, tomatoes, and avocado. Stack another waffle on top. Finish with a crack of black pepper — and dig in!
Serving & Topping Suggestions
These savory BLT cornmeal waffles are hearty and flavorful on their own, but they’re even better with a few extra touches! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- Serve with a warm cup of Café de Olla: The spiced, slightly sweet Mexican coffee is the perfect cozy pairing for your savory waffles.
- Add extra toppings: Layer with pickled jalapeños, hot honey, or an extra fried egg for a fun brunch twist.
- Make it a brunch spread: Pair the waffles with roasted potatoes, Mexican fruit salad, or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Go mini for parties: Make mini waffles and create BLT waffle sliders — perfect for showers, brunches, or casual get-togethers!
Expert Tips for Making Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles
Use heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and the prettiest BLT Cornmeal Waffles.
Don’t skip the Chipotle Lime Spread — it makes these Savory BLT Waffles extra craveable.
Stack your Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles high for an impressive, fun brunch presentation.
Make the cornmeal waffles ahead of time and freeze them — they reheat beautifully in the toaster.
Bake the bacon instead of pan-frying to keep cleanup easy when assembling your BLT Waffle Sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles:
Let the cornmeal waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles:
For best results, reheat the waffles in a toaster or 350°F oven until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
How to Store Chipotle Lime Spread:
The spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before using if it separates slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can cook the cornmeal waffles in advance and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the toaster or oven to re-crisp. The Chipotle Lime Spread can also be made up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge.
For easy prep, bake your bacon on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 12–14 minutes until crispy. It’s perfect for making a big batch without standing over the stove — and it frees you up to assemble your Savory BLT Waffle Sandwiches faster!
Absolutely! Feel free to swap arugula for spinach, add a fried egg for extra richness, or drizzle the finished waffles with a little hot honey or sriracha for extra heat. You can also mix up the tomatoes — heirlooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pico de gallo work great.
Yes! Use a mini waffle maker to create smaller waffles, then build bite-sized BLT waffle sliders. They make a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer for brunches, bridal showers, or casual parties.
breakfast & Brunch Recipes
If you tried this Savory BLT Cornmeal Waffles with Chipotle Lime Spread recipe (or any other recipe on my blog), please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing from you, and your feedback helps other readers too!
Savory BLT Waffles
Ingredients
Lime Chipotle Spread:
- 1 cup cotija queso, crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon chipotle adobo chilies, chopped finely
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Cornmeal Waffles with Cotija and Cilantro:
- 1 cup corn meal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 ounces cotija queso, crumbled
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cup buttermilk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
Toppings:
- 2 pounds bacon, thick cut, cooked till crispy
- 1 cup arugula or red leaf lettuce
- 3 assorted heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved or pico de gallo (optional)
Instructions
Lime Chipotle Spread:
- In a blender combine cotija, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lime juice, cilantro, chipotle, salt, garlic powder, and honey, and blend until smooth.
Cornmeal Waffles with Cotija and Cilantro:
- Heat the waffle iron.
- Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, paprika, onion and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
- Add the cheese and toss to coat and incorporate, breaking up any clumps.
- Whisk the eggs in a large liquid measuring cup until blended, then whisk in the buttermilk and gradually whisk in the butter.
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture, whisking gently until evenly moistened. Use a spatula to fold in the cilantro. The batter should be thick.
- Grease the waffle iron with nonstick cooking oil spray.
- Pour a generous 1/2 cup of the batter into the center of the heated waffle iron. Spread the batter with a spatula to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Close and bake until deep golden brown. Repeat to use all the batter.
Assemble:
- Spread Lime Chipotle Spread evenly over a waffle; top with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and top with another waffle.
- Top with cherry tomatoes or pico de gallo, if using.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the cornmeal waffles in advance and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven until crisp before assembling.
- Sauce swap: If you prefer a milder, creamier topping, you can replace the Chipotle Lime Spread with my Creamy Avocado Lime Crema.
- Candied bacon option: For a sweet and spicy twist, try using my Spicy Maple Candied Bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Storage: Store any leftover waffles in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep extra Chipotle Lime Spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Tomato tip: For the best flavor, allow refrigerated tomatoes to come to room temperature before serving.
- Batch cooking bacon: Bake bacon in the oven at 400°F for 12–14 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup when cooking for a crowd.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Jenna Sparks
Looks so delicious!