Cheese Waffles with Chorizo and Fried Egg

Let me just get this out of my system.  I realize that I have been bombarding you with a lot of mexican food and salsa/salsa-topped entrees; however, I have had this post stashed away for a while and am kind of shocked I haven't shared it sooner because it is pretty awesome, to say the least.

First, you start off with a soft, fluffy, cheesy waffle.  Yes, cheese.  In your waffle.  This takes your typically sweet waffle to a whole new savory level.  Then you spoon on some spicy chorizo sauteed with peppers and onions.  Lay on a crispy fried egg and top it all off with some fresh homemade salsa and you have a meal.  And another bonus??  Despite the layers and multiple components involved in this dish, it is so easy to make!  It took about 45 minutes from start to finish (which was perfect because I didn't start dinner until after 7 and Desperate Housewives came on at 8!-- I told you I've had it stashed away for a while!).   

Cheese Waffles with Chorizo and Fried Egg

This served the two of us (plus an extra waffle- made 3 large waffles)

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 cup cheese (I used sharp cheddar)

1/2 lb. chorizo

1/2 bell pepper

1/4 yellow onion

2 fried eggs

Salt

Pepper
Salsa, if desired

Heat your waffle iron to medium high. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, butter, and cheese. Add to dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Grease waffle iron with butter or cooking spray. Drop 1/2-2/3 cup batter onto hot iron and press down. Cook for 4-7 minutes or until browned and crispy on the outside. Remove to a cookie sheet and keep finished waffles warm in a 250 degree oven.

Meanwhile, brown chorizo in a skillet over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet and wipe out or drain excess fat.

If needed add an additional teaspoon or two of oil or butter to the skillet. Crack eggs into skillet and sprinkle with coarse salt and cracked pepper.  Cook over medium heat until white is cooked almost all the way through, but yolk remains runny.

To assemble, place waffles on a plate. Top with chorizo pepper mixture, salsa, and fried egg.  

Adapted from Bake.Eat.Repeat.