Cheesy Polenta Waffles

Why You’ll Love These Polenta Waffles

This recipe is so simple! Just whip up a cornmeal-based batter, stir in some cheese, and spoon it into the waffle iron. A twist on traditional cornmeal grits, you’ll love how easy it is to make this unique side dish that goes so well with mains like Air Fryer Gluten Free Fried Chicken.

Polenta waffles are made using gluten-free cornmeal to keep this recipe entirely (and naturally) gluten-free. I love them served at breakfast, topped with fried eggs, or served alongside a bowl of the World’s Best Chili at dinner. Unlike Gluten-Free Cornbread, polenta waffles have a toasty, nutty flavor from the cornmeal with crisp outsides and tender insides. It’s time to change up your polenta game!

• Savory waffles are so good! I do love a sweet waffle at breakfast (especially topped with maple syrup or Caramel Sauce), but savory waffles are also my jam! I love to pack these with sharp cheddar cheese for extra deliciousness.
• Easily gluten-free. A combination of corn flour and cornstarch means that the base of these waffles is gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, too.
• Adaptable. Mix it up by adding herbs or spices, or change up the type of cheese—these waffles can be adjusted however you want.
• Makes a special side dish. You won’t find polenta waffles on many restaurant menus, and I love how different they are! Wow your brunch guests with this special recipe—they will love trying something new.

Recipe Ingredients

I’ve included a few notes below, along with the list of what you’ll need for these waffles. Make sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts.

• Milk: You can use whole milk or 2% milk. For a dairy-free option, use an unsweetened non-dairy milk of your choice.
• Butter: Unsalted or salted butter is fine, or use non-dairy butter.
• Cornmeal: See my tips on what type of cornmeal to use in the “tips” section. Be sure to choose a brand that lists that it is gluten free, if necessary.
• Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar cheese in these waffles. Feel free to use vegan cheese if you need a dairy-free option.
• Salt and Pepper
• Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, but it adds a bit of warmth.
• Egg: A large egg holds the waffles together.
• Cornstarch: Gluten-free cornstarch brings a little lightness to the waffles and also helps to bind the batter.
• Baking Powder: Check to make sure the baking powder is fresh before adding it to the batter to ensure that the waffles rise properly.

How to Make Polenta Waffles

Here’s an overview in photos of how to make these waffles. Find the detailed instructions in the recipe card lower down.

• Combine cornmeal and milk. Heat the milk over medium heat with the butter, then whisk in the cornmeal.
• Cook. Keep cooking until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot.

• Add cheese. Lower the heat and stir in the cheese, salt and pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Finish batter. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the egg, cornstarch, and baking powder.

• Prep the waffle iron. Make sure to lightly grease the waffle iron, then heat it. Add about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle.
• Cook. Follow your waffle iron’s instructions to cook the waffle, then remove it when browned.

Tips and Variation Ideas

• What grind of cornmeal? You can use any type of cornmeal, depending on how much texture you like in your waffles. Cornmeal labeled polenta has a coarser grind, while fine-ground cornmeal is finer and often used to make cornbread. You may just have to cook the polenta for a shorter or longer time. The final thick consistency is what’s key.
• How much batter should be added to the waffle iron? I use about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle. You may have to play around with the quantity based on your waffle iron. They rise slightly, but not a lot, so you’ll need more than the standard waffle requires. If you add too much batter, it’s harder to get them crisp, but they are still good.
• Add herbs. Make these waffles even more savory by adding dried herbs such as parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning.
• Spicy! You can also make polenta waffles spicier! Add a little Blackened Seasoning or Cajun seasoning to the batter. Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika will also add more flavor.
• Other cheese. Any melty cheese works here. I love Jack or pepper Jack instead of the cheddar, and you can use mild or sharp cheddar depending on your preference.

Make It a Meal

Enjoy polenta waffles as a main vegetarian dish along with a salad, serve them for brunch with Baked Eggs, or try:

• Salad. A simple salad of fresh greens dressed with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette can go alongside or on top of waffles, or make a hearty Harvest Salad.
• Chili. Skip the Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins and dip polenta waffles into steaming bowls of White Turkey Chili or Ground Turkey Chili.
• Vegetable Sides. Waffles are great with veggie sides like Air Fryer Broccoli or Lemon Green Beans with Mushrooms to round them out into a light vegetarian meal.
• Chicken. Polenta waffles go well with mains like Baked Chicken Tenders or Buffalo Chicken Tenders. A spicy chicken dish like Baked Blackened Chicken is also a nice choice.
• BBQ. Pile on some Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork or even BBQ Shrimp with a scoop of coleslaw.
• At Brunch. Add waffles to the brunch table along with a platter of Hawaiian Scrambled Eggs. Or top them with poached eggs and a drizzle of Warm Bacon Maple Dressing. You can also learn How to Cook Bacon perfectly and add crisp slices to waffles!
• Add toppings. Pile waffles with chopped avocado or diced tomato, sliced hard-boiled eggs, a spoonful of sour cream, and a little Spicy Ketchup, and dig in to some next-level avocado toast!

More Waffle Iron Recipes

• Gluten Free Banana Waffles
• Gluten Free Chocolate Waffle Cookies
• Mashed Potato Waffles