Heart Healthy Chili Cheese Corn Waffles

(5.0)
By Adam Fisher
Updated 12/17/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Christina Wright, RD, LDN
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Chili Cheese Corn Waffles
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

Our Heart Healthy Chili Cheese Corn Waffles recipe is healthy comfort food at its best. This dish transforms a classic pairing into a unique meal featuring crispy, herbed waffles made from fiber-rich cornmeal. By topping these savory waffles with a hearty vegetarian chili and a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, you create an irresistible flavor journey that is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Whether you are looking for a satisfying weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, these cornbread waffles offer a wholesome twist on traditional favorites. The combination of plant-based protein and whole grains makes this a standout choice for those seeking a deliciously healthy dish with fantastic flavor.

Don’t miss our other vegetarian recipes for more veggie-based inspiration.

Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
7
Calories
453

What Makes These Heart Healthy Chili Cheese Corn Waffles Healthy

These waffles offer a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional comfort food by utilizing fiber-rich cornmeal and plant-based protein from kidney beans. By swapping heavy fats for nonfat Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce, the recipe maintains a satisfying texture while remaining heart-friendly.

Key Health Highlights

  • Excellent source of plant-based protein from kidney beans and Greek yogurt.
  • High in dietary fiber to support heart health and digestion.
  • Uses no-salt-added beans and tomatoes to help manage sodium intake.
  • Incorporates whole-grain cornmeal for lasting energy.
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
  • Reduced-fat cheese and nonfat yogurt help lower saturated fat content.
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FAQs About Chili Cheese Corn Waffles

Yes, especially when made with fiber-rich cornmeal and topped with nutrient-dense ingredients like bean-based chili and Greek yogurt instead of sugary syrups.

Yes, this recipe uses gluten-free self-rising flour and cornmeal, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Whole kernel corn adds a delightful burst of sweetness and texture to these savory waffles. Beyond flavor, corn is a whole grain that provides essential B vitamins and fiber. Using cooked fresh or frozen kernels ensures you get the best nutritional value and a satisfying "pop" in every bite.

Place the cooked waffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest of the batch to maintain their crispy texture.

Reheat waffles in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F until crispy. The chili is best reheated separately on the stovetop or in the microwave.

More Heart-Healthy Chili Recipes

If you prefer your chili with meat, these recipes give you all the hearty, satisfying flavor of traditional chili dishes while reducing the saturated fat and sodium to keep your health goals on track.

Heart Healthy Beef Chili
Low Sodium Turkey Chili
Heart Healthy Texas Chili

Savory Cornbread and Corn Dishes

Serve any of our chili recipes with a traditional corn bread or muffin accompaniment, or make corn the star of the meal with a classic chowder.

Heart Healthy Corn Bread
Heart Healthy Jalapeño Corn Muffins
Healthy Corn Chowder (Low Sodium Soup)

Ingredients

Recipe yields 7 servings

Chili

Corn Waffles

Directions

Chili

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, 1 minute more.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in tomato paste and cook until darkened and fragrant, then add diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, remaining salt, and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until a thick sauce, 10 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in beans and heat through, then remove from heat and cover while the waffle batter is being prepared.

Corn Waffles

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 200°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, yogurt, oat milk and egg and mix until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In small batches, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Add the cheese, corn kernels, green onion and cilantro and mix until well combined.

  4. Step 4

    Generously spray a waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the batter into the bottom half of the waffle maker, close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked waffled to the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.

  5. Step 5

    Add ½ cup of chili on top of a waffle and garnish, if desired, with shredded cheese, sliced green onions and nonfat Greek yogurt.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 waffle, 1/3 cup chili

453
Calories
13
g
Fat
33
mg
Cholesterol
343
mg
Sodium
72
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
20
g
Fiber
24
g
Protein
15
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you do not have a waffle maker, you can easily turn this batter into savory corn pancakes. Simply ladle the batter onto a nonstick griddle over medium heat, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serve these waffles warm, topped with a generous half-cup of chili. Garnish with extra green onions, a sprinkle of reduced-fat cheddar, and a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt for added creaminess. Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Store the chili in a separate container to prevent the waffles from getting soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute black beans or pinto beans for a slightly different flavor profile.

Any unsweetened plant-based milk or nonfat dairy milk will work in the waffle batter.

If you aren't a fan of cilantro, use fresh parsley or chives for a mild, herby flavor.

Pepper jack offers a spicy kick, while feta provides a tangy, Mediterranean twist.

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