Elote-Spiced Cornmeal Waffles with Lime Crema & Soft Eggs

Elote, Mexico’s iconic street corn, inspires these golden cornmeal waffles kissed with chili and smoked paprika. Fresh sweet corn folds into the batter, then the stack meets tangy lime crema and soft eggs for a savory brunch twist.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 20g protein
• 48g carbs
• 28g fat
• 4g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 cup fine cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup fresh sweet corn kernels
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 lime
• 1/3 cup cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• as needed cooking spray or oil

Instructions

1. 1Preheat a waffle iron to medium-high according to the manufacturer instructions and lightly coat with cooking spray. In a large bowl whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
2. 2In a separate bowl whisk two of the eggs with the buttermilk and melted butter until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; fold in the fresh corn kernels last so the batter stays light.
3. 3Scoop batter onto the hot waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until the waffles are deeply golden and crisp on the outside, usually 4 to 5 minutes. Keep finished waffles warm on a rack in a 200°F oven.
4. 4While waffles cook, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, the zest and juice of the lime, and salt to make a quick lime crema. Taste and adjust brightness.
5. 5Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a light film of oil. Fry the remaining four eggs until the whites are fully set and the edges are lightly crisp while the yolks stay soft, about 3 minutes.
6. 6Cut each waffle into quarters and arrange two pieces on each plate. Spoon a generous dollop of lime crema over the waffles.
7. 7Top each serving with a soft-fried egg, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija, and chopped cilantro. Add an extra dusting of chili powder if you want more heat.
8. 8Serve right away so the waffle stays crisp against the creamy egg and cool crema.