There’s nothing quite like the aroma of maple, bacon, and bourbon wafting through the kitchen on a cozy fall day. It’s the kind of smell that immediately transports me back to my grandma’s house, where she’d spend hours simmering up the most delectable Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on her well-loved cast iron cornbread waffles.
I can still remember the way the steam would rise as she lifted the waffle iron lid, revealing those perfectly golden-brown, crispy-edged waffles just begging to be smothered in her secret chili recipe. She’d ladle the rich, smoky chili over the top, then finish it off with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup and a sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon. It was pure comfort food heaven, the kind that warmed your soul with every bite.
Whenever I make Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on Cornbread Waffle now, I can’t help but feel that same sense of nostalgia and joy. It’s become a signature dish in my household, one that my family and friends request time and time again. And I’m excited to share the secrets behind why this recipe is simply unbeatable.
Why This Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle
The key to this Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on Cornbread Waffle recipe is in the balance of flavors. The rich, smoky chili is the perfect foil for the sweet maple and crispy bacon, while the cornbread waffle provides a sturdy, slightly-sweet base to soak up all those incredible saucy bits. But the real secret ingredient? A generous splash of high-quality bourbon, which adds a subtle, complex depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: The foundation of the chili, providing heartiness and protein.
- Onion and garlic: Building blocks of flavor that add sweetness and aroma.
- Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika: The spice trio that gives the chili its signature bold taste.
- Tomato sauce and beef broth: The liquid base that brings everything together.
- Maple syrup: Provides the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Bourbon: Adds an irresistible warmth and complexity to the chili.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty, and the ideal complement to the sweet and savory flavors.
- Cornbread mix: The easy way to get perfectly fluffy, golden-brown waffles every time.
Step-by-Step Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle Instructions
Preparing Your Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle
This Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on Cornbread Waffle recipe is the ultimate comfort food feast, and it’s surprisingly simple to put together. With just a bit of advance prep and about an hour of hands-on time, you’ll have a showstopping meal that’s sure to impress.
1- Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, making sure to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and release their oils.
4- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then add the maple syrup and bourbon. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded.
5- While the chili simmers, prepare the cornbread waffles according to the package instructions. Cook them in a preheated waffle iron until golden-brown and crispy.
6- To serve, place a cornbread waffle on each plate and top with a generous helping of the Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili. Finish with a sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon and an extra drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, be sure not to overmix the cornbread batter – you want it to be just barely combined.
- Resist the urge to open the waffle iron too often, as this can prevent the waffles from getting that perfect crispy exterior.
- If the chili seems a bit too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of beef broth or water.
- For an extra indulgent twist, top the Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Serving and Storing Your Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle
Perfect Pairings for Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle
This Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on Cornbread Waffle is a meal in and of itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a simple slaw for a bit of crunch and freshness. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a cold craft beer or a seasonal cocktail to complement the warm, cozy flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the chili to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
The chili also freezes exceptionally well – simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The cornbread waffles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the batter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle
Creative Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle Variations
For a seasonal twist, try swapping the maple syrup for apple cider or pumpkin puree. You can also experiment with different types of protein, like ground turkey or shredded chicken, or add in extra veggies like bell peppers or diced sweet potatoes.
Making Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make your own homemade cornbread batter. For a dairy-free version, omit the sour cream topping and use non-dairy milk in the cornbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
A: Absolutely! While the bourbon adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you can substitute it with other spirits like whiskey, dark rum, or even red wine for a different twist.
Q: How can I make the cornbread waffles ahead of time?
A: You can make the cornbread batter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply give it a quick stir and cook the waffles as directed.
Q: Can I make the chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Definitely! The chili is easily adaptable to slow cooker or pressure cooker methods. Simply brown the beef, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on Cornbread Waffle recipe makes enough to serve 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Q: What should I do if the chili is too spicy for my liking?
A: If the chili ends up being a bit too fiery, you can tame the heat by stirring in an extra splash of maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder called for in the recipe.
Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili On Cornbread Waffle
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of maple, the smokiness of bacon, and the warmth of bourbon in a hearty chili served atop a crisp cornbread waffle.
Ingredients
– 8 slices bacon, diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tbsp bourbon
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp melted butter
– 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, reserving the bacon fat.
2. 2. In the same pan, sauté the onion in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. 3. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
4. 4. Stir in the bourbon, maple syrup, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
6. 6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined (do not overmix).
7. 7. Preheat a waffle iron and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Scoop the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
8. 8. To serve, place a cornbread waffle on a plate and top with the maple bacon bourbon chili. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, chopped green onions, sour cream, and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier chili, add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. The chili can also be made in advance and reheated before serving. The cornbread waffles can be kept warm in a 200°F oven until ready to assemble the dish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and delicious about Maple Bacon Bourbon Chili on Cornbread Waffle. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling satisfied and happy. I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. Be sure to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts! Enjoy.
