Grilled Corn Caramel Waffles

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 25 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar for caramel
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter for caramel
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
• as needed nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Spread the fresh corn kernels in a single layer and grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and fragrant, about 4 to 6 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. 2Preheat the waffle iron to medium and coat the plates lightly with nonstick spray. In a large bowl whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3In another bowl whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined, then fold in most of the grilled corn, reserving a small handful for garnish.
4. 4Spoon batter onto the hot iron, close the lid, and cook until the waffle is golden brown with crisp edges and the corn kernels peek through, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter, keeping finished waffles on a rack.
5. 5For the caramel, place the sugar for caramel in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring at first, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts into a deep amber liquid, about 6 to 8 minutes.
6. 6Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter for caramel; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue whisking over low heat until the caramel is smooth and glossy, then remove from heat and stir in the flaky sea salt.
7. 7Let the caramel cool for a few minutes so it thickens slightly into a pourable sauce. Warm the waffles briefly if needed so they are still crisp.
8. 8Plate each waffle, drizzle generously with warm salted caramel, and scatter the reserved grilled corn over the top. Serve right away while the caramel is still silky and the waffle edges stay crunchy.