Corn & Basil Buttermilk Waffles

Serves 4 · 18 min prep · 22 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp softened butter for serving
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• to finish flaky salt
• as needed nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1Preheat a waffle iron to medium heat until fully hot. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and black pepper until the dry mix looks uniform.
2. 2In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs together, then stream in the melted butter while whisking so the mixture emulsifies smoothly.
3. 3Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and fold with a spatula until mostly combined. Gently fold in the fresh corn kernels and chopped basil; stop as soon as the batter is cohesive with a few soft lumps.
4. 4Rest the batter for 5 minutes so the cornmeal hydrates and the batter thickens slightly. Meanwhile, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with the olive oil and flaky salt; set aside at room temperature.
5. 5Coat the waffle iron lightly with nonstick spray. Spoon batter onto the iron, spreading gently toward the edges without overfilling, then close and cook until the exterior is golden-brown and crisp and the corn kernels look lightly toasted, about 4 to 6 minutes.
6. 6Lift each waffle carefully onto a rack so steam can escape and the crust stays shatter-crisp. Repeat with remaining batter, re-spraying the iron as needed between batches.
7. 7Warm the honey briefly in a small microwave-safe cup or saucepan until fluid and easy to drizzle, about 15 seconds. Soften the serving butter so it spreads easily over hot waffles.
8. 8Stack or fan two waffles on each plate. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the hot surfaces so it melts into the grid.
9. 9Scatter the seasoned cherry tomatoes over the top, drizzle with warm honey, and finish with extra torn basil and flaky salt. Serve right away while the contrast of crisp waffle, sweet corn, and juicy tomato is brightest.