This delicious and hearty Giada Polenta Waffles is prepared using all-purpose flour, medium-grind cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil. This savory and versatile waffle recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch, takes about 40 minutes to prepare, and can serve up to 4 people.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Waffles:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup medium-grind cornmeal
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
• ¾ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• ¾ cup low-fat milk, at room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil cooking spray (for the waffle iron)

For the Fixings:

• Crispy bacon or crumbled pancetta
• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
• Grated Cheddar or crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
• Dark chocolate chips
• Chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
• Maple syrup

How To Make Giada Polenta Waffles

1. Get Ready: Start by preheating your oven to 200°F so you can keep the waffles warm as you make them. Plug in and preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whisk or beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. You can also use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment for this step if you prefer.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Form a small well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the egg yolks, buttermilk, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the well. Whisk gently until just combined, leaving a few small lumps in the batter to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in the Whites: Using a large rubber spatula, carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. Be gentle to maintain their airy texture, ensuring your waffles are light and fluffy.
6. Cook the Waffles: Lightly coat your heated waffle iron with vegetable oil spray. Pour or ladle enough batter into the waffle iron to cover the surface, but avoid overfilling. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and the steam has nearly stopped escaping from the sides.
7. Keep Them Warm: Transfer the cooked waffles to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to stay warm while you cook the rest of the batter.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the waffles on a large serving platter. Surround them with bowls of your favorite toppings—like crispy bacon, fresh berries, toasted nuts, and more—so everyone can customize their own perfect waffle.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance Crispiness: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the batter for extra crispy waffles with a satisfying crunch.
• Custom Milk Options: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a lactose-free option that keeps the batter light and fluffy.
• Boost Flavor: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom into the dry ingredients for a subtle, aromatic twist.
• Alternative Flours: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber in the waffles.
• Make It Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based milk and oil to make vegan-friendly waffles.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada American Breakfast Rice Bowl
• Ricotta Toast with Strawberries
• Giada Smoked Trout Frittata
• Giada Eggs Cacio e Pepe