Buttermilk Waffles with Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy buttermilk waffles paired with tangy fried green tomatoes coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust for a Southern-inspired brunch. This southern-inspired breakfast ready in about 45 minutes combines all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. In another bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.
  2. Step 2: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; do not overmix. Preheat waffle iron and grease lightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: While waffles cook, prepare the fried green tomatoes. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Dredge 3 sliced green tomatoes in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat well. Fry the slices for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp hot sauce and 1 tsp lemon juice to make a spicy dipping sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve the buttermilk waffles topped or sided with the fried green tomatoes and a dollop of the spicy mayo sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk Waffles with Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk Waffles with Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk Waffles with Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk Waffles with Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk Waffles with Spiced Fried Green Tomatoes?

Southern breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Equipment for this recipe

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