Savory Chicken and Cheddar Waffle Nachos
Indulge in a delightful fusion of breakfast and comfort food with these Savory Chicken and Cheddar Waffle Nachos. Crispy homemade cheddar waffles serve as the base for this vibrant dish, which is generously topped with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfectly crispy popcorn chicken, crispy bacon, fresh scallions, and spicy jalapeños. Each plate is crowned with a perfectly fried egg, making it a hearty breakfast or brunch option that is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this dish combines textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy every palate.
N/A
Servings
498
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted and cooled)
large eggs
3 (beaten)
buttermilk
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (plain)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (plain)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (divided)
fresh scallions
1/4 cup (sliced)
jalapeño
1 medium (diced; plus 1 small, sliced for topping)
frozen popcorn chicken
2 cups (baked according to package directions)
unsalted butter (for sauce)
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour (for sauce)
2 tablespoons (plain)
whole milk
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
whole grain mustard
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (adjust for heat preference)
crispy bacon
4 slices (chopped)
fried eggs
4 (cooked sunny-side up or over-easy)
Instructions
1
Begin by making the cheddar waffles: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2
In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, and diced jalapeño until evenly distributed.
3
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it if necessary. Pour approximately 1/3 cup of the batter into each cavity of the waffle iron, closing the lid and cooking according to the manufacturer's instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them from getting soggy while cooking the remaining batches.
4
Next, prepare the popcorn chicken: Spread the frozen popcorn chicken evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
5
While the chicken is baking, prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 8 minutes. Season the sauce with whole grain mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
6
To assemble your nachos: Cut the cooked waffles into smaller pieces and arrange them on a large platter or on individual plates. Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the waffle pieces, then top with crispy popcorn chicken, chopped bacon, sliced scallions, and sliced jalapeños. Finish off each serving with a fried egg on top.
7
Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this deliciously savory breakfast treat!
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
19.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Chicken and Cheddar Waffle Nachos?
This dish is a delightful fusion of breakfast and comfort food featuring crispy homemade cheddar waffles topped with a creamy cheese sauce, popcorn chicken, bacon, scallions, jalapeños, and a fried egg.
How many calories are in a serving of this recipe?
There are approximately 498 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 33g of fat.
How much protein is in the waffle nachos?
This recipe provides 19.5g of protein per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for the waffle batter?
The batter consists of melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, shredded cheddar, scallions, and diced jalapeños.
How do I keep the waffles from getting soggy?
Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack set over a baking sheet while cooking the remaining batches to maintain their crispness.
At what temperature should the popcorn chicken be baked?
The frozen popcorn chicken should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the popcorn chicken?
It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
How is the cheese sauce prepared?
Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add whole milk until thick, season with mustard and spices, then stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
What spices are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with whole grain mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How should the waffles be cut for the nachos?
Cut the cooked waffles into smaller pieces and arrange them on a large platter or individual plates before adding toppings.
What toppings are added to the waffle nachos?
Toppings include warm cheese sauce, crispy popcorn chicken, chopped bacon, sliced scallions, sliced jalapeños, and a fried egg.
How should the eggs be cooked for the topping?
The eggs should be fried either sunny-side up or over-easy.
Can I use imitation vanilla extract in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for either pure or imitation vanilla extract.
Should the buttermilk be cold or room temperature?
The recipe recommends using room temperature buttermilk.
How much cheddar cheese is needed in total?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used, divided between the waffle batter and the cheese sauce.
What type of flour is recommended for the waffles?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 slices of crispy bacon that are chopped for the topping.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is approximately 1.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the recommended amount of batter per waffle?
Pour approximately 1/3 cup of batter into each cavity of the waffle iron.
How do I prepare the jalapeños for this recipe?
Use one medium diced jalapeño for the batter and one small sliced jalapeño for the topping.
How long should I cook the flour and butter mixture for the sauce?
Cook the flour and melted butter mixture for about 30 seconds before adding milk.
How long does it take for the cheese sauce to thicken?
It takes about 5 to 8 minutes of constant stirring for the mixture to thicken.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard.
How many eggs are required for the waffle batter?
The batter requires 3 large beaten eggs.
Can I adjust the heat of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeños based on your heat preference.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted all-purpose flour for the waffles.
What is the assembly order for the nachos?
Waffle pieces first, followed by cheese sauce, then chicken, bacon, scallions, jalapeños, and finally the fried egg.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as breakfast, brunch, and comfort food, specifically within southern cuisine.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is best served immediately while hot, making it perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions.